Bills, Erie County agree to 10-year lease with hefty re-location penalty

New York  State, Erie County and Buffalo Bills team negotiators have struck a final deal a 10-year lease with a hefty relocation penalty if the Bills leave. The team made the announcement Friday morning in Orchard Park. The deal calls for $130 in renovations to Ralph Wilson Stadium. The Bills will provide $35 million of that total. The state and the county will kick in the remaining $95 million.

There is a $400 million penalty for relocation, although, in year 7 of the new lease, the Bills have a one-time opportunity to leave without penalty.

Governor Andrew Cuomo joined the press conference over the phone and talked about what this deal means to the area.
"This is an investment that the state is making. It's an investment in the Bills. It's an investment in Western New York and I'm proud to make that investment. This is great news here coming at the end of the year but it's also been a very good year for Buffalo and Western New York. You feel Buffalo and Western New York coming back. You feel a new energy. Today is just another step in that direction."
 

Governor Cuomo could not make it to the press conference due to weather and signed the lease agreement over the phone.