The Bills must stay in Buffalo through at least the 2019 season. The powers-that-be are hoping to ensure that they stay much longer than that.
According to the Associated Press, the Empire State Development board approved hiring an attorney to assist with keeping the team in Buffalo. More accurately, an existing contract with Foley & Lardner was extended.
Firm partner Irwin Raij participated in the process that resulted in the current agreement giving the Bills a one-time out in 2020 as part of a 10-year lease. His next goal presumably will be coming up with an arrangement that would keep the team in place over the long haul in the event a new stadium is built.
While the current lease doesn’t guarantee that the team will remain in Buffalo indefinitely, it buys time to come up with an arrangement that will entice the next owner to stay put.