The Buffalo Bills have reached an agreement with Erie County and the state on a lease deal for the Ralph Wilson Stadium that will keep the NFL franchise in western New York until at least 2020, Gov. Andrew Cuomo and team officials said Friday.
The agreement includes $130 million in renovations for the nearly 40-year-old stadium, with the Bills providing $35 million and the state and county covering the other $95 million.
Cuomo told a packed news conference at the team’s headquarters in Orchard Park, N.Y., that the 10-year lease keeps the Bills there at least through the first seven years – the team would have to pay a $400 million penalty to leave earlier.
Cuomo, who spoke via a satellite television hookup from New York City because stormy weather Friday prevented him from flying upstate, also said the state and local government and the team will explore the possibility of building a new stadium in the future if that is “financially feasible.”
The Bills’ current lease expires July 31.
The deal was reached after months of talks involving the Bills, county officials and the Cuomo administration. And it is regarded as a major step in keeping the Bills in western New York.
Concerns had been raised of the Bills being targeted for relocation. They’re a small-market team based in the United States’ 56th largest television market. Another issue is the status of team’s Hall of Fame owner Ralph Wilson, who turned 94 in October and is in poor health.
Though committed to keeping the Bills in Buffalo during his lifetime, Wilson has not made any commitments regarding the team’s status after his death. Wilson has made clear that he intends to have his heirs sell the team, opening the possibility of it being bought by someone interested in relocating the franchise.
EXTRA POINTS
Redskins quarterback Robert Griffin III went through a full practice for the third consecutive day, and coach Mike Shanahan said, “There is a very, very good chance he is going to play” Sunday against the Eagles. … The Texans will donate the proceeds from a silent auction during Sunday’s game against the Vikings to the victims of the Sandy Hook Elementary School shooting in Newtown, Conn. Team owner Bob McNair and the Houston Texans Foundation will match the amount raised by the auction. … Falcons strong safety Chris Hope was fined $30,000 for his helmet-to-helmet hit on Giants receiver Victor Cruz, and 49ers safety Dashon Goldson was docked $21,000 for an illegal hit on Patriots tight end Aaron Hernandez. … Former Pro Bowl kicker Nate Kaeding signed with the Dolphins, who sent kicker Dan Carpenter to injured reserve because of a right groin injury. … Bears linebacker Brian Urlacher will miss his third game in a row because of a hamstring injury. …Cornerback Chris Cook will play for the Vikings at Houston on Sunday, following a six-game absence because of a broken right arm.
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