The Politics of Play
Sports in Cincinnati are more than just entertainment. They are economic catalysts, cultural cornerstones, and sometimes, political landmines. From multimillion-dollar stadium deals funded by taxpayers to the rapid rise of sports gambling and athlete-driven activism, politics and sports in the Queen City are deeply connected. The decisions made in city hall, the Ohio Statehouse, and even Washington, D.C., ripple across the field, influencing everything from youth sports funding to the future of professional franchises.
As Cincinnati evolves, so do the political battles shaping its athletic future. Will taxpayers once again foot the bill for stadium improvements? How will Ohio lawmakers regulate the booming sports gambling industry? And what role will Cincinnati’s athletes play in social and political conversations? These questions are no longer hypothetical—they are unfolding right now.
Taxpayers and Stadium Deals: Who Really Pays for Cincinnati’s Teams?
Few topics intertwine sports and politics in Cincinnati as closely as stadium financing. When the Bengals' stadium, originally named Paul Brown Stadium (now Paycor Stadium), was built in 2000, its $455 million price tag was covered largely by taxpayers, thanks to a controversial half-cent sales tax increase approved by Hamilton County voters in 1996. Today, more than two decades later, the county is still paying off debt on that deal, with an estimated $30 million annual shortfall affecting county services.
The story isn’t much different for Great American Ball Park, home of the Cincinnati Reds, which was also built with hundreds of millions in public funds. At the time, supporters argued that the stadium investments would boost economic development downtown. Critics, however, claim that stadium subsidies disproportionately benefit billionaire team owners while leaving taxpayers with the financial burden.
Now, with these stadiums aging, the inevitable question arises: Will Cincinnatians be asked to fund another stadium renovation or replacement? Given that NFL teams like the Buffalo Bills recently secured $850 million in taxpayer money for a new stadium, the Bengals could follow suit, igniting another heated political debate over public funding for private franchises.
Sports Gambling in Cincinnati: A Booming Industry Under Political Scrutiny
When Ohio legalized sports betting in 2023, Cincinnati’s economy saw an immediate impact. In its first year, sports gambling in Ohio generated over $1 billion in bets, with Cincinnati playing a major role through its sportsbooks, casinos, and online betting platforms.
However, the legalization process was anything but simple. For years, Ohio lawmakers debated how to regulate the industry, ultimately settling on a system where tax revenue from sports betting goes toward education and gambling addiction programs. But some local leaders argue that more of this revenue should be invested in infrastructure or community sports initiatives.
At the same time, political discussions continue about responsible gambling regulations. With gambling addiction concerns rising, policymakers must decide whether to introduce stricter advertising guidelines, higher tax rates, or limits on certain bet types. The battle over how much control the government should have over sports gambling is far from over.
Athlete Activism: When Cincinnati’s Stars Take a Stand
Cincinnati athletes are no longer just entertainers—they are also influencers in social and political discussions. Whether advocating for racial justice, LGBTQ+ rights, or community-based initiatives, local athletes have embraced their platforms in ways that spark both praise and controversy.
Joe Burrow’s Social Advocacy: The Bengals quarterback has spoken out about racial injustice and food insecurity in Ohio, aligning himself with national movements that seek systemic change. While many fans admire his activism, others believe sports and politics should remain separate.
FC Cincinnati and LGBTQ+ Support: The city’s MLS team has been a vocal advocate for LGBTQ+ inclusion, participating in Pride events and campaigns. While this has earned the club praise, it has also drawn pushback from certain political and religious groups.
NIL Deals for College Athletes: The introduction of Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL) deals has transformed college sports, allowing athletes at the University of Cincinnati and Xavier University to profit from endorsements. However, with legislative battles still unfolding, the future of NIL remains politically uncertain.
As more athletes embrace activism, expect further political debates on where the line should be drawn between sports and social issues.
Youth Sports and Public Policy: Who Gets to Play?
While the Bengals and Reds dominate the headlines, political decisions at the local and state levels also affect youth athletics in Cincinnati.
Public School Funding for Sports: In recent years, budget cuts have forced some Cincinnati schools to eliminate or scale back athletic programs. These cuts disproportionately affect lower-income communities, where school sports provide essential opportunities for young athletes.
Equity in Youth Sports: Political debates over transgender athlete participation in Ohio sports leagues have reached Cincinnati schools, with some organizations facing pressure to either comply with or challenge new state policies.
Park and Recreation Budgeting: Many youth leagues in Cincinnati rely on city-owned fields and facilities, meaning mayoral and city council decisions on recreation funding directly impact local sports programs.
The future of Cincinnati’s sports culture depends on how well the city supports its youth programs today.
The Future of Sports and Politics in Cincinnati
Looking ahead, the relationship between politics and sports in Cincinnati will continue evolving. Among the major questions the city must address:
Will taxpayers be asked to finance another stadium deal?
How will Ohio lawmakers regulate sports gambling in the coming years?
What role will Cincinnati athletes play in national political and social debates?
How can the city ensure equal opportunities for young athletes in all communities?
One thing is certain: sports are no longer just about what happens on the field. The political decisions made in Cincinnati will shape its athletic identity for years to come. Whether you’re cheering from Paycor Stadium or debating public funding at City Hall, the intersection of politics and sports is impossible to ignore.