The Chicago Bears may soon leave Illinois – at least geographically – as a new stadium proposal in Northwest Indiana gains political momentum. Lawmakers in Indiana have advanced Senate Bill 27, legislation designed to create a stadium authority and framework that could bring the NFL franchise to Hammond near Wolf Lake.
In response, the team released a statement signaling serious interest in the project.
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 due diligence to support our vision to build a world-class stadium near the Wolf Lake area in Hammond, Indiana.
The bill passed unanimously out of committee and proposes a public-private partnership structure similar to Illinois’ sports facilities authority. Under the plan, the Bears would reportedly contribute about $2 billion toward construction, while regional taxes on hotels, food and beverages would help fund infrastructure and operational costs.
Indiana officials openly welcomed the possibility of hosting the franchise.
Indiana is open for business. We’ve identified a promising site near Wolf Lake and established a framework for negotiating a final agreement.
Local leaders echoed that enthusiasm. Hammond Mayor Thomas McDermott Jr. emphasized the city’s readiness to collaborate:
“Hammond is ready to partner with the Chicago Bears – basically we would do whatever it takes to help make this project a success.”
Illinois officials frustrated as negotiations continue with the Bears
The Indiana development comes at a sensitive moment for Illinois lawmakers, who have been negotiating a separate stadium proposal involving property-tax incentives tied to Arlington Heights. A scheduled committee hearing on the Illinois plan was unexpectedly canceled, increasing speculation that the team could seriously consider relocating across state lines.
Illinois Governor J.B. Pritzker expressed disappointment at the timing of the Bears’ announcement.
“We had more than three hours of positive discussions,” Pritzker said. “To see that statement without mentioning the progress made in Illinois was very disappointing.”
State officials say talks remain ongoing, and the franchise has not officially committed to leaving Chicago. Instead, the organization appears to be leveraging multiple options while evaluating financial and logistical feasibility.
Regional leaders in Indiana also acknowledged the broader impact. Gary Mayor Eddie Melton noted the economic opportunity while protecting local interests:
“Major decisions like this require movement, clarity and commitment – and today represents a step forward for Northwest Indiana.”
What the potential move means to Chicago
If completed, the project would represent one of the most significant stadium relocations in recent NFL history – not involving a different market, but a cross-state metropolitan shift. The Bears would remain in the Chicagoland area while relocating tax jurisdiction and development benefits to Indiana.
For fans, the outcome could shape transportation, ticket pricing and future development districts around the venue. For governments, it highlights the growing competition among states to host major professional sports infrastructure.
At this stage, the team continues conducting due diligence before selecting a final site. Whether the Bears ultimately stay in Illinois or build in Indiana, one thing is clear: the franchise is using its leverage to secure the most favorable long-term stadium deal possible – and both states are eager to win it.
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