In an effort to keep the Buffalo Bills in western New York the Cuomo administration has retained a law firm to persuade the team's future. The Governor is expected to announce the consulting firm's appointment with the state in the next few weeks.
The 3 year, $350,000 contract with Foley & Lardner firm was approved by Empire State Development upon the death of Buffalo Bills owner Ralph Wilson Jr. ESD has had a contractual since the Summer of 2012 with Foley & Lardner, specifically Irwin Raij, to advise us on the Bills issue. ESD extended the contract at the April 2014 Board Meeting as Irwin will be advising on the new stadium.
The law office will have 90 days to put together a proposal to present to future owners with options for new stadium locations in the region.
The legal team will be required to analyze the cost of building a new stadium, the marketplace and potential sites. The information is expected to help the state negotiate with future owners on whether to build a new stadium. It's unclear when the team will be sold.
Governor Cuomo's Director of State Operations and Senior Policy Advisor Howard Glaser released a statement in regards to the law firm's contract with New York State:
“Since day one the Cuomo administration has been aggressive when it comes to keeping the Bills in Western New York. Foley & Lardner has a proven track record in sports stadium and ownership issues and played a key role in negotiating the ironclad seven-year agreement that kept the team in Buffalo. They will continue to assist in our efforts – including our exploration of a possible new stadium – to convince any potential future owners to keep the team here in New York,” said Glaser.