• Loading stock data...
Friday, August 8, 2025
Tuned In returns to NYC on September 16. Hear from the biggest names in sports media. Click here to get your spot

Bills’ New Stadium Faces Early Cost Escalation, Could Reach $1.9B

  • Forthcoming stadium hit with rapid overruns
  • Issue could create financial pressure for small-market NFL team
Buffalo Bills

Just three months into construction, the Buffalo Bills’ new stadium development is already feeling the effects of inflation.

The Bills began construction in early May on the forthcoming facility in Orchard Park, New York, but the initial $1.4 billion cost estimate for the project soon rose to $1.54 billion, is now approaching $1.7 billion, and could ultimately reach $1.9 billion, according to multiple reports

The elevating costs — pegged primary to rising labor and materials costs — will be the team’s responsibility as part of its deal with the state of New York and Erie County, wherein the team controls the stadium design and construction in return for agreeing to shoulder all cost overruns.

This type of cost escalation isn’t new to NFL stadium projects. California’s privately funded SoFi Stadium saw an initial cost projection of $2.66 billion more than double to a total cost of $5.5 billion amid numerous obstacles, including a final development during the depths of the pandemic. 

But it’s more unusual to see such significant cost overruns so early in a facility construction process. The new Bills stadium — also set to be called Highmark Stadium —  isn’t projected to open until 2026. 

Bills COO John Roth told the Associated Press that “we don’t know enough yet to confirm” the cost overruns. If solidified, the situation could elevate the Bills’ initially planned $550 million contribution to the project beyond the $850 million in public money — and create a cash crunch for the franchise. 

Even though the NFL is reaching unprecedented revenue heights, the Bills still play in one of the league’s smallest markets and are funding their contribution through the NFL’s G4 loan program and personal seat licenses.

Linkedin
Whatsapp
Copy Link
Link Copied
Link Copied

What to Read

Etienne

A ‘College Football RedZone’ Is an ESPN Gold Mine—in Theory

The network would have to strike new deals with its rivals.

More Dildo Throwing During WNBA Games Leads to Second Arrest

The 18-year-old threw a dildo that hit another fan and his young niece.

Smelling Salts Not Banned in the NFL, but Teams Can’t Hand Them..

Teams are banned from supplying smelling salts to their players.

More RedZones? 10 Burning Questions With ESPN’s Pitaro and NFL’s Schroeder

The execs behind the landmark ESPN-NFL deal sat down with FOS.

Featured Today

Inked Under Anesthesia: Athletes Getting $50,000 Tattoos

High-end studios, elite artist teams, and hours under anesthesia.
Coco Gauff at New York Liberty
August 2, 2025

How the New York Liberty Became the Hottest Ticket in Town

Once banished to the burbs, the Libs are now Brooklyn’s marquee attraction.
Las Vegas sign
July 29, 2025

College Sports Embracing Vegas After Years of Cold Shoulder

The Big Ten became the latest newcomer to Sin City.
2000, Jupiter, FL, USA; FILE PHOTO; Montreal Expos pitcher Hideki Irabu in action on the mound against the New York Mets at Roger Dean Stadium during Spring Training
July 28, 2025

Dead Sports Franchises Are Alive and Well on Twitter

The Expos, Sonics, and Whalers have active social media accounts.

Browns Push Forward on $2.4B Stadium Despite Political Obstacles

The NFL team plans a stadium groundbreaking, despite funding and legal issues.
Jul 27, 2025; Chicago, Illinois, USA; Injured Indiana Fever guard Caitlin Clark (22) looks on from the bench during the first half of a basketball game against the Chicago Sky at United Center.
July 28, 2025

Chicago Sky Sell Out United Center With Caitlin Clark, Angel Reese Out

The Sky announced 19,601 fans attended the game at the United Center.
Jan 26, 2025; Philadelphia, PA, USA; Washington Commanders quarterback Jayden Daniels (5) passes the ball against the Philadelphia Eagles during the second half in the NFC Championship game at Lincoln Financial Field.
July 29, 2025

$3.8B Commanders Stadium On Track for D.C. Approval

D.C. continues two days of public hearings on a proposed Commanders stadium.
Sponsored

Game On: Portfolio Players Stories, Brought to You by E*TRADE from Morgan Stanley

Dealmaker Jeffrey Kaplan maps the evolution of sports as an asset class
July 25, 2025

Prospective Rays Owner Must Start Fresh As $1.3B Stadium Deal Ends

St. Petersburg, Fla., officials formally terminate a prior ballpark agreement.
July 25, 2025

Eagles Turn to Their Fans As They Consider Future Stadium Plans

The defending Super Bowl champions are surveying season-ticket holders.
Jul 2, 2025; Boston, Massachusetts, USA; Boston Red Sox fans cheer after a home run by Boston Red Sox designated hitter Wilyer Abreu (52) during the sixth inning against the Cincinnati Reds at Fenway Park.
July 25, 2025

Fenway Concession Workers Go on Strike for Dodgers Series

They’re asking fans not to buy food and drink at the games.
July 24, 2025

Commanders Restructure $3.8B Stadium Pact Ahead of Council Vote

A D.C. Council vote on the proposed stadium is now set for Aug. 1.