So I looked up the situation with the Packers and Lambeau Field.
Found this article.
For over 67 years, Lambeau Field has been the home of the NFL franchise Green Bay Packers. The stadium was originally built at a cost of $960,000, which would equate to almost $11 billion today. Between 1957 and 1977, the city of Green Bay contributed approximately $334,000 toward the construction costs and initial renovations. On the other hand, the city currently receives more than $1 million (€922,100 / £766,600) in annual rent, which is several times the amount it originally invested. The Packers are also reported to have invested approximately $600 million of their own funds into modernization projects since 2003.
For the Packers, this gives them ample reason to propose a new lease agreement, as the current contract runs until 2032. Essentially, the NFL franchise is requesting the abolition of the annual rent increase and a reduction in the overall lease payment. In return, the Packers are offering to cover all maintenance costs. This comes in the context of the fact that the maintenance fund established in 2003 will be depleted by 2031.
Furthermore, the four-time Super Bowl champion has announced plans to invest approximately $1.5 billion (EUR 1.38 billion / GBP 1.15 billion) in the renovation and modernization of Lambeau Field over the next 20 to 30 years. The project is to be funded entirely without public money. “The Packers have put forward a plan that is the best approach any city could hope for—a plan that does not require public taxpayer money to meet the future needs of Lambeau Field,” said Aaron Popkey, Director of Public Affairs for the Packers. “In contrast, other professional sports cities have had to rely on significant taxpayer subsidies for their stadiums,” Popkey continued. For this reason, the Packers are pushing for a long-term agreement to secure their longtime home, having already been negotiating with the city of Green Bay for a new lease since 2020.
https://www.stadiaworld.com/news/87664/disputes-about-stadium-rent-in-green-bayTeam has spent hundreds of millions over the years to improve different parts of the stadium, without a penny of public money. It's not charity though, a lot of these projects are to make the game day experience better for fans as well as build an entertainment district next to the stadium which ultimately brings the team more money.
But they want a new lease, don't even like paying $1 million rent a year. Their annual profits are in the range of $65-85 million.
Of course, they can't threaten to move the team or at least not so easily. Team is owned by the fans in the community. Presumably they'd get a say if the team was considering moving the franchise.
