Oct 28, 2018; Chicago, IL, USA; The Chicago Bears logo is seen prior to a game against the New York Jets at Soldier Field. Mandatory Credit: Patrick Gorski-USA TODAY Sports
“The Bears Belong in Chicago”: Franchise Leaves Mayor Fuming After Abandoning Illinois for Indiana Relocation 1
Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson expressed strong disappointment on February 19, 2026, after the Chicago Bears announced meaningful progress toward a new stadium in Hammond, Indiana. Johnson said the team belongs in Chicago and that he believes the evidence supports keeping them in the city.
“The Bears belong in Chicago,” Johnson stated. He added that the door remains open for talks with the team. Earlier comments from him called the idea of moving to Northwest Indiana “a terrible idea” and noted that sites like Hammond and Arlington Heights “ain’t Chicago.”
Yikes: Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson is visibly upset that the Bears announced that they are committed to moving to Indiana.
“The Bears belong in Chicago.” 😵💫
Losing a thriving NFL franchise is an utter disgrace. https://t.co/HpejjipqaS pic.twitter.com/dy78RqhNse
— Dov Kleiman (@NFL_DovKleiman) February 19, 2026
The Bears released a statement that day. They called the Indiana legislative progress “the most meaningful step forward in our stadium planning efforts to date.” The team plans to invest $2 billion of private money in a proposed domed stadium near Wolf Lake in Hammond. They said they are committed to finishing site-specific due diligence there.
Bears eye new stadium opportunity amid ongoing Illinois negotiations
On the same day, the Indiana House Ways and Means Committee voted 24-0 to approve an amendment to Senate Bill 27. This bill creates the Northwest Indiana Stadium Authority. The authority can issue bonds, acquire land, and help finance and build the stadium.
Indiana House Speaker Todd Huston said the Bears have committed to the $2 billion. Governor Mike Braun noted that Indiana has identified a promising site near Wolf Lake and established a framework for a final agreement.
Sep 11, 2011; Chicago, IL, USA; A detailed view of the game ball with the September 11th remembrance logo before the start of the game between the Atlanta Falcons and the Chicago Bears at Soldier Field. Mandatory Credit: Mike DiNovo-USA TODAY Sports
Sep 11, 2011; Chicago, IL, USA; A detailed view of the game ball with the September 11th remembrance logo before the start of the game between the Atlanta Falcons and the Chicago Bears at Soldier Field. Mandatory Credit: Mike DiNovo-USA TODAY Sports
No final legally binding deal has been signed yet. An Illinois House committee meeting on stadium funding was canceled that day. Negotiations for sites in Arlington Heights or on the Chicago lakefront have stalled over funding and priorities.
The Bears’ lease at Soldier Field runs through 2033. They have owned land in Arlington Heights since 2023 and once focused there but talks slowed. The Wolf Lake site in Hammond is about 20-25 miles from Soldier Field, closer than Arlington Heights.
Hammond Mayor Thomas McDermott called it a once-in-a-generation opportunity. He said the city is ready to partner and that Hammond is uniquely positioned within Chicagoland.
The Bears have not ruled out staying in Illinois. But the February 19 developments show Indiana moving ahead quickly. The full bill needs approval from the Indiana House before the session ends soon. If passed, the authority can proceed with planning.
Local coverage from sources like the Chicago Sun-Times and the Bears’ official site continues to track the talks. The situation remains fluid as both states vie for the franchise.