INDIANAPOLIS (WNDU) - Indiana Gov. Mike Braun signed a bill Thursday that creates a financing authority for a potential Chicago Bears stadium in Hammond, shortly after the Indiana Senate advanced the legislation with a 45-4 vote.
Senate Enrolled Act 27, formerly known as Senate Bill 27, establishes the Northwest Indiana Stadium Authority to help finance the stadium.
“We made it clear from the beginning that Indiana is open for business,” Braun said in a social media post. “I’m thrilled to sign Senate Bill 27 to create the framework to build a new world-class stadium in Northwest Indiana. Now let’s get this across the goal line.”
We made it clear from the beginning that Indiana is open for business. I’m thrilled to sign Senate Bill 27 to create the framework to build a new world-class stadium in Northwest Indiana. Now let’s get this across the goal line. pic.twitter.com/XTRFVTf1yl
— Governor Mike Braun (@GovBraun) February 26, 2026
Bears have not formally announced a move
The bill does not mean the Bears are coming to Indiana. It only lays the framework for a stadium if the team decides to make the move.
According to our sister station WTHR, the Bears shared the following statement after the bill was signed into law:
“Indiana has taken important steps over the last few months, and we are grateful for the leadership reflected by Governor Braun signing SB 27, establishing the framework for a stadium development in Northwest Indiana. We continue to work on the necessary due diligence and appreciate the ongoing engagement with Indiana state and local leaders.”
The Bears issued a statement last week expressing strong interest in building a stadium in Hammond and indicated to Indiana lawmakers it would commit to contributing $2 billion toward the project.
Illinois lawmakers are also considering a stadium bill and have said they remain optimistic.
The Indiana Senate passed a bill that creates a financing authority for a potential Chicago Bears stadium in Hammond.
Proposed site at Wolf Lake
The proposed stadium would be built in Hammond at Wolf Lake, near the Illinois border.
Last week, Hammond’s mayor said the goal is to build more than a stadium — also a sports town he called “Bearsville.”
What the bill offers
The measure offers approximately $1 billion in incentives to the Bears. The money would come from a series of new tax levies in the area surrounding the proposed site.
Among those taxes is a 1-percent food and beverage tax surcharge assessed in Lake and Porter counties, on top of the state’s existing 7-percent tax on those items, bringing the total to 8 percent. Lake County’s hotel tax would also double under the bill, rising from 5 percent to 10 percent. A 12-percent tax would be assessed on all tickets purchased to games at the venue.
Lawmaker reaction
State Sen. Ryan Mishler (R-Mishawaka), who co-authored the bill, said in a statement sent to WNDU 16 News Now that he was pleased with the outcome of Thursday’s vote.
“I am pleased to see SEA 27 pass the Senate with bipartisan support,” Mishler said. “The widespread support of the bill in both chambers shows Indiana’s commitment to the Chicago Bears, and it presents us with an opportunity to further foster our working relationship with them. I look forward to continued conversations with the Bears’ leadership team as we work to bring the Bears to Indiana.”
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