Cleveland, OhioOhio Governor Mike DeWine suggested a solution as the Cincinnati Bengals and Cleveland Browns lobbied for state stadium assistance, with additional teams likely to follow.
In order to circumvent general fund contributions to stadium development and upgrades throughout the state, DeWine suggested increasing Ohio’s sports gaming tax from 20% to 40% in his budget plan for the fiscal year 2026–2027.
DeWine told the gathering, “I think our professional sports in Ohio are very valuable to us.” Although I believe it contributes to our quality of life, this allows us to genuinely support these in the future rather than having to divert general fund funds from other areas, like education.
“The new revenue from the tax increase will be directed to a sports facilities, construction, and sports education fund that will be managed by a commission appointed by the governor and legislature, which will also draft the fund’s rules,” DeWine stressed. “The new revenue from the tax increase will not affect existing sports gaming tax revenue designated for education.”
The state’s major and minor league facilities, as well as the costs of youth sports education and participation and other school-based extracurricular activities, would be funded with the money raised by the gaming tax hike.
According to DeWine, we will be able to assist our youth in participating in sports and maintaining a healthier lifestyle. In my opinion, it is a win-win situation.
In addition to the $130–180 million it already makes annually, DeWine expects the higher gaming tax rate to earn an extra $130–180 million.
The increase may bring in between $3.9 and 5.4 billion over 30 years, which the state could use to finance youth programs and stadiums across the state.
DeWine informed the audience that millions of dollars are donated daily by Ohioans to sports gaming companies. In order to help Ohioans, it is time to increase their taxes.
There is another advantage to this plan that I have described. Having to tell Ohioans that their taxes will fund this stadium or that stadium will no longer be necessary.
Additionally, DeWine’s plan would cap the new fund’s stadium contribution at 40% of the project’s total cost.
The Haslam Sports Group, the Browns’ owners, has been pleading with state and municipal authorities to provide half of the money for a new $2.4 billion dome that will be constructed in Brook Park, next to Snow and Engle roads.
The Haslam Sports Group suggested a $1.2 billion public donation, of which $600 million would come from the state and $300 million from Cuyahoga County and Brook Park.
The idea, which calls for the county to cosign or backstop the bonds for Brook Park, has drawn opposition from county authorities.
In a statement to 92.3 The Fan, David Jenkins, chief operating officer of Haslam Sports Group, stated, “We appreciate Governor DeWine’s commitment to looking at creative ways to solve sports facilities development while positively impacting youth sports throughout Ohio.” We’re eager to find out more about the potential benefits of this law.
While acknowledging the need to avoid using up taxpayer funds already allocated to other urgent community needs, we are continuing to work with the right stakeholders and other knowledgeable professionals to create alternate funding sources for an enclosed Huntington Bank Field in Brook Park.
According to the state-level model we suggested, the project would only be financed by additional tax income from the actual development.
There is more to the Brook Park Huntington Bank Field project than merely a stadium. This $3 billion+ economic development project would rank among the biggest in Northeast Ohio history when paired with the nearby mixed-use development, which would be made possible by about $2 billion in private investment.
It is a once-in-a-lifetime chance to create a prosperous, income-producing neighborhood that will have a big economic impact and draw new jobs and tourists to our area.
DeWine said, “I could be,” in response to the question of whether the casino tax hike would be sufficient to pay the Browns’ $600 million commitment.
In addition, the Bengals want the state to match whatever money the Browns get for renovating PayCor Stadium, which opened on the Cincinnati riverfront in 2000 and will cost $1.2 billion.
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Eliot Pierce is a dedicated writer for ChiefsFocus.com, covering local crime and finance news. With a keen eye for detail and a passion for storytelling, Eliot aims to provide his readers with clear and insightful analysis, helping them navigate the complexities of their financial lives while staying informed about important local events. His commitment to delivering accurate and engaging content makes him a valuable resource for the community.