A New Era for Queen City Sports

CINCINNATI — In a league of its own for all the wrong reasons, Cincinnati stood as the only top 50 metropolitan area in the nation without a dedicated sports commission. That long-standing gap has finally been filled, and the man tasked with leading the charge is already mapping out a game plan to put the Queen City on the map for major sporting events.

Meet the New Director

Ben Huffman has been named the inaugural executive director of the newly formed Cincinnati Sports Commission. While he may be a transplant to the city, his ties to its athletic spirit run deep. A native of Bowling Green in northwest Ohio, Huffman grew up within the broadcast reach of 700 WLW, listening to Reds games and developing a passion for the city's teams long before calling it home.

"I grew up a Reds fan," Huffman shared, highlighting his early connection. "It’s really fun to have professional teams all have success."

This personal history fuels his professional mission: to leverage the city's rich sports culture into a powerful economic engine.

More Than Just Games

Huffman's vision extends far beyond the final whistle. The commission's primary objective is twofold: attract high-profile, large-scale sporting events and, in doing so, create a significant and lasting impact on the regional economy. The goal is to transform Cincinnati into a premier destination for sports tourism, filling hotels, restaurants, and local businesses with the influx of fans and media that accompany major events.

To achieve this, Huffman plans to be strategic, bidding on events that play to Cincinnati's unique strengths and infrastructure. Rather than casting a wide, unfocused net, the commission will carefully select opportunities where the city has a competitive advantage.

The First Big Target

The first major prize in their sights is one of the biggest events on the professional sports calendar: the NFL Draft. The commission is actively working on a bid to host the draft in 2028 or a subsequent year. Securing the three-day football festival would represent a massive victory for the new organization and a significant economic boon for the entire area.

With a passionate leader at the helm and a clear, ambitious target in view, the ball is officially rolling. Cincinnati is no longer on the sidelines; it's ready to get in the game and compete for the nation's most prestigious sporting events.