The City and Cinergy, through its parent Duke Energy Corporation, have mutually agreed to terminate the Naming Rights Agreement for the City of Cincinnati’s convention center. The move is an effort by Duke Energy to support the city’s financial contributions to the reimagined convention center and construction of a new convention headquarters hotel, which will be aided by re-selling the naming rights.

The convention center is currently undergoing a $264 million renovation and is on schedule to reopen in January 2026. The City and Duke Energy originally signed a $10 million Naming Rights Agreement in 2004 that granted Duke Energy naming rights through 2032. The City is also supporting the construction of a new $536 million Marriott convention headquarters hotel, which will complement the upgraded convention center.

“This is another exciting development as we usher in a new era at the convention center and unveil the entire Convention District,” said City Manager Sheryl M.M. Long. “A new naming rights agreement will be a financial benefit, and it will also signal to the world that the convention center is starting a new chapter. I’m thankful to Duke Energy for their decades of partnership, and excited to have a new sponsor on board when we unveil the reimagined building.”

“Duke Energy has appreciated the opportunity to partner with the City of Cincinnati on a Naming Rights Agreement for the convention center, which served both parties well for many years. The newly renovated convention center provides the City with the ability to identify a new sponsor that will provide future benefit to the Convention District. Reflective of our strong working relationship and ongoing commitment to the community, Duke Energy and the city amicably addressed how the current agreement would sunset,” said Duke Energy in a company statement.

The agreement includes a $1.6 million termination payment from the City to Duke Energy, but the parties have agreed to look at other options that could reduce the overall final payment to Duke Energy. The ordinance for necessary approvals will be referred to Council’s Budget & Finance Committee and is expected to receive a vote on September 29.

The City has been in conversations with other organizations and anticipates announcing a new naming rights partner prior to the reimagined convention center’s debut in January 2026.