The cost of the Buffalo Bills’ new stadium has risen to over $2.1 billion, a $560 million increase from initial estimates, according to team officials. The Pegula family, who owns the team, will cover the additional costs. Bills president Pete Guelli expressed that the rising expenses were expected, given the ongoing construction over the past 16 months. He emphasized that the Pegulas are committed to building a top-tier facility without compromising on quality, which reflects their dedication to the Buffalo community.
Guelli stated that the increase in costs would not affect the stadium’s completion timeline, with the facility scheduled to open in June 2026. The project is being funded by a combination of public and private investments, with taxpayers contributing $850 million—$600 million from the state and $250 million from the county—representing about 40% of the total cost, down from more than half initially. The Bills will cover any costs exceeding $1.54 billion. Erie County Executive Mark Poloncarz noted that, despite the cost overruns, the county’s contribution will likely remain around 12% of the total cost, which he considers a good deal.
The Pegulas are financing their share of the project through an NFL loan program and by introducing a seat licensing fee for season-ticket holders. Additionally, they are exploring the sale of a minority stake (up to 25%) in the franchise, though Guelli clarified that this move is unrelated to the stadium’s increased costs.
The new stadium, which will seat approximately 60,000 fans (down from 72,000 in the current facility), will feature several design improvements, including curved sides to cover more seats and a north-south orientation to shield fans from harsh winds off Lake Erie. Although it won’t have a roof, the design aims to enhance the fan experience.
Rising construction costs, driven by inflation and higher labor expenses, have contributed to the budget increase. John Polka, the team’s vice president of stadium development, explained that the team chose not to scale back on design elements but, instead, made changes to improve the fan experience and competitive edge. He highlighted the Pegulas’ commitment to their vision for the stadium, reinforcing their intention to build a state-of-the-art facility in Buffalo.
The deal also includes significant provisions for minority- and women-owned businesses, with $462 million in contracts awarded to such firms. Guelli, reflecting on the Bills’ history, noted that the new stadium is a testament to the team’s long-term commitment to Buffalo, especially considering past concerns about the franchise potentially relocating.
