BUFFALO, N.Y. — The Buffalo Bills will remain in Orchard Park through at least 2023.
Erie County Executive Mark Poloncarz confirmed that much on Friday afternoon when he tweeted out a photo of a letter "confirming (the Bills) will not early terminate the lease," for New Era Field.
The Bills had until February 28 to terminate the lease early, but they decided to stay put in Orchard Park.
"I requested the letter from them to show their commitment and good faith to the county and community. They delivered and I thank them," Poloncarz said.
When Terry and Kim Pegula purchased the Buffalo Bills in 2014, there was the expectation from the NFL and others that they would deal with the ongoing stadium issue in a very significant way.
New Era Field received $130 million in upgrades as part of the new stadium lease deal back in 2013, but that was considered a short-term solution to a long-term problem.
NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell was asked on Wednesday by Buffalo News reporter Vic Carucci about stadium options for the Bills.
"We all want the Buffalo Bills to continue to be in Buffalo, to be successful," he said. "A stadium that is going to be competitive with other stadiums around the league is going to be important in that context, and I think everyone is committed to that, whether it's a new significant renovation or whether it's a completely new facility in a new location.
"Those are the things that I think the group has to settle collectively and address over the next several months, if not sooner."