The Chicago Bears and NFL officials have re-engaged with Illinois legislative leaders in an effort to prevent the franchise from relocating to Indiana. The shift comes after months where the team appeared poised to move out of state, with a potential new stadium site identified in Hammond, Indiana.
NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell, Bears Chairman George McCaskey, and President and CEO Kevin Warren met with Illinois legislative leaders in Chicago this week. The parties have agreed to continue discussions on drafting legislation that could facilitate the Bears building a new stadium either in Arlington Heights or potentially within Chicago itself.
This development signals a change from the Bears' previous public stance. In August, the team stated their "sole focus" was on advancing stadium development plans in Hammond, Indiana, where they were finalizing due diligence on two sites in the Wolf Lake area. The team had cited a lack of tax relief and infrastructure certainty from Illinois lawmakers as the reason for exploring the Indiana option.
However, the prospect of losing the historic NFL franchise appears to have prompted renewed action from Illinois politicians. Governor J.B. Pritzker indicated that legislation aimed at keeping the Bears in Illinois is forthcoming and expected to be taken up during the veto session in November and December.
"What I can do is make sure that there is a piece of legislation that would work for the Bears. And then it's up to the Bears where they want to put their stadium, and we want to make sure that the opportunity for them is in the state of Illinois," Pritzker stated. He added that efforts have been made to work with both Arlington Heights and Chicago regarding potential stadium locations.
Previously, the Bears' board voted on June 5, 2026, to "advance" the Indiana project, with Warren describing Indiana as having an "excellent deal" and calling the potential project "transformational."
Despite the ongoing commitment to finalizing due diligence in Hammond, the NFL's preference behind the scenes and the team's own desire to remain in their long-time home state appear to be significant factors in the reopened negotiations. The team's official statement noted an appreciation for the "recent engagement from Illinois leadership to explore legislation" and expressed anticipation for "productive dialogue."