For over a century, the Chicago Bears have called Illinois home—but that legacy may now be in jeopardy.
In a significant development on Thursday, the Bears signaled their strongest shift yet toward leaving the state, confirming that a site near Wolf Lake inHammond, Indiana—just across the Illinois border—is now theirprimary focus for a new domed stadium.
The team described the Indiana legislature’s unanimous approval (24-0 in the House Ways and Means Committee) of an amendment toSenate Bill 27as “the most meaningful step forward in our stadium planning efforts to date,”per the Bears. This bill would create theNorthwest Indiana Stadium Authorityto finance, acquire land for, and construct the venue.
“The passage of SB 27 would mark the most meaningful step forward in our stadium planning efforts to date. We are committed to finishing the remaining site-specific necessary due diligence to support our vision to build a world-class stadium near the Wolf Lake area in Hammond, Indiana,” a spokesperson for the Bears told ESPN.
The Bears have spent years – and $197 million purchasing 326 acres in Arlington Heights, per the NFL – trying to work with Illinois officials on a new stadium. Team CEO Kevin Warren has been vocal about the efforts, saying the Bears weren’t asking for state construction dollars. They wanted infrastructure support – better roads and utilities – and reasonable property tax numbers to secure financing on what would be one of the largest private investments in NFL history, north of $2 billion.
“We have not asked for state taxpayer dollars to build the stadium at Arlington Park,” Warren wrote in an open letter to fans in December 2025. “We asked only for a commitment to essential local infrastructure… yet our efforts have been met with no legislative partnership,” adding that Illinois’ state leaders had told the team that their stadium project would not be a priority in 2026.
The franchise has played in Chicago since 1921.
Indiana Gov. Mike Braun (R) offered his own response: “Indiana is open for business, and our pro-growth environment continues to attract major opportunities like this partnership with the Chicago Bears. We’ve identified a promising site near Wolf Lake in Hammond and established a broad framework for negotiating a final deal,” Braun posted to X on February 19.
“The State of Indiana moves at the speed of business, and we’ve demonstrated that through our quick coordination between state agencies, local government, and the legislature to set the stage for a huge win for all Hoosiers. We have built a strong relationship with the Bears organization that will serve as the foundation for a public-private partnership, leading to the construction of a world-class stadium and a win for taxpayers,” the governor continued.
Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson – a politician who has faced mounting criticism over crime, financial mismanagement, and his relationship with the city’s business community – tried to maintain a positive spin.
“The Bears belong in the city of Chicago. The Chicago Bears belong in the city of Chicago. I’ve said repeatedly that the door is always open for conversations, and you know, Kevin Warren did call me yesterday. We didn’t get a chance to connect, and I still firmly believe that their best position is in Chicago, and the evidence is clearly speaking for itself,” Johnson said in a recent press conference, reported Fox 32.
“There’s not been a politician that has worked as hard as I have to ensure that the Bears have a package that keeps them,” he added.
Gov. JB Pritzker’s (D) office called the Bears’ Indiana interest “a startling slap in the face to all the beloved and loyal fans who have been rallying around the team,” per WTTW News. “It was a surprise to us,” he added.
According to The Chicago Sun-Times, a newly created stadium authority would build the facility and eventually sell it to the Bears for $1 once 40-year bonds are paid off, with the team signing a 35-year lease that retains all of the stadium’s revenue.
No final agreement has been reached; the Indiana bill requires further legislative steps, and Illinois talks could resume.