If there is one leverage the NFL teams have today, it is the right to move on from their host city. No franchise, no matter how passionate its fan base, is an exception.
Whether it is something small like Jimmy Haslam moving the Cleveland Browns stadium to Brook Park or the LA teams, NFL owners will follow through on threats. Then there’s the debacle that is the Chicago Bears.
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Sure, you can argue that the move is irrelevant, as they will still be “close” to Chicago. What a slap in the face to a fan base and local economy, though.
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I get it. Stadiums need to be renovated, rebuilt, and sometimes moved entirely. However, to do this to one of the oldest, most passionate fan bases in the league? What a fine line to tote.
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Jan 18, 2026; Chicago, IL, USA; Chicago Bears fans during an NFC Divisional Round game at Soldier Field. Mandatory Credit: Matt Marton-Imagn Images
The Bears’ ownership reportedly received unanimous approval from Indiana to fund the building of a stadium in northeast Indiana. While the deal isn’t “official”, the Chicago, Illinois, meeting to discuss their bill was canceled.
Chicago politicians know that this is the end. The Bears are getting what they want at any cost–even if it is their presence in one of America’s most historic cities.
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What a disgrace. I can’t blame the City of Chicago for wanting to get a favorable deal. The financial burden falls upon the taxpayers, visitors, and business owners.
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So congrats, Bears ownership. You took your ball and went to your new home. After the Browns and St Louis Rams lawsuits, you’d think they’d prefer to make something work in Chicago.
Jan 18, 2026; Chicago, IL, USA; Chicago Bears Hall of Fame linebacker Mike Singletary acknowledges the crowd during the fourth quarter of an NFC Divisional Round game against the Los Angeles Rams at Soldier Field. Mandatory Credit: David Banks-Imagn Images
I suppose it was foolish of me to think otherwise. Now, Chicago will lose their Bears. Maybe there is still time for the Bears’ ownership to wise up.
As they should. Because to rip up your team from one of the sport’s longest tenured host cities in an effort to hoard your greed? A dangerous precedent to set for NFL fans.
Never underestimate the power of pissed-off sports fans…
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