Citing liability concerns, Erie County Executive Mark Poloncarz says he wants to get Erie County out of the KeyBank Center lease.

He can't do so, though, until after the Buffalo Sabres’ 2026-27 season, when the complicated lease expires.  

Buffalo Urban Renewal Agency owns the land, Erie County owns KeyBank Center, leasing it from the City of Buffalo, and then the organization that owns the Sabres, Terry Pegula's Hockey Western New York, LLC, subleases the facility.  

The Sabres have until this fall to decide if they want to extend that lease.  

"We delayed it, it was supposed to be last year, but why? Because the owners are building a football stadium in Orchard Park. That's their primary focus and that's where their priority should be at this point,” said Poloncarz. “I expect the team to stay here many, many years to come. I don't expect the team to leave."

As part of the current lease terms, the Sabres are responsible for all interior upgrades, while the county is responsible for exterior renovations.

Sabres Chief Operating Officer Pete Guelli released a statement Tuesday, saying:

"We have always maintained an exceptional relationship with Mark Poloncarz and Erie County and we have been in consistent contact on the future of KeyBank Center. The current lease provides a number of options that will allow us to find a solution for everyone involved that will ensure the long-term success of the Sabres and KeyBank Center."