The Chicago Bears are exploring a potential move out of Illinois. Their latest option is Hammond, Indiana, near Wolf Lake. The proposal centers on a new $3 billion stadium that could reshape the franchise’s future.
Under the plan, the Bears would contribute $2 billion in private funding. The remaining $1 billion would come from public money through the state of Indiana. That public share would be supported by new taxes and state-backed bonds.
Indiana lawmakers moved quickly. Senate Bill 27 passed on February 24, 2026, and Governor Mike Braun signed it the same day. The bill created the Northwest Indiana Stadium Authority, a new body with power to issue bonds, purchase land, and oversee stadium construction.
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Jan 18, 2026; Chicago, IL, USA; in Chicago Bears quarterback Caleb Williams (18) during an NFC Divisional Round game against the Los Angeles Rams at Soldier Field. Mandatory Credit: Matt Marton-Imagn Images
To repay the state’s portion, several new taxes would be implemented. The proposal includes a 12 percent tax on game tickets. It also adds a 1 percent food and beverage tax in Lake and Porter counties. Lake County’s hotel tax would increase by 5 percent. Additional changes would affect toll road revenue and create a special taxing district around the stadium site.
While state leaders advanced the proposal, many local residents pushed back.
The Bears’ interest in Indiana comes as talks in Illinois have stalled. The team previously purchased property in Arlington Heights for about $200 million. They asked Illinois lawmakers for $855 million in public support for infrastructure tied to that project. So far, Illinois has not finalized a deal, opening the door for Indiana to step in with a faster offer.
However, speed has not quieted concerns in northwest Indiana.
Resident Voices Focus on Fairness and Local Needs
Opposition has grown among residents and local leaders in northwest Indiana. Many question whether taxpayer money should fund a professional sports stadium.
Porter County Commissioner Jim Biggs addressed the economic concerns directly. He told the Northwest Indiana Times, “Intelligent investors already know that investing in an NFL stadium is not the can’t-miss economic investment that some people would like us to believe.”
Hammond resident Sarah Johnson shared her frustration in letters to lawmakers. “My family can’t afford more taxes. The Bears can pay for their own stadium.”
Another resident, Mike Smith, added, “Why should we pay higher taxes for a billionaire’s team when our utilities are going up and roads are falling apart?”
Advocacy groups have also joined the pushback. Americans for Prosperity Indiana pointed to economic research suggesting stadium subsidies rarely generate lasting economic growth. The group supports private investment but opposes using taxpayer dollars for projects that primarily benefit team ownership.
At this stage, no final agreement has been signed between the Bears and Indiana. The franchise could still remain in the Chicago area if Illinois revisits the Arlington Heights proposal. While delays in Illinois created an opening for Indiana, strong local resistance is forcing lawmakers to reconsider how far they are willing to go.
This debate shows how hard it is to balance big sports projects with local needs. Teams want incentives, but residents often say no when taxes hit their pockets.