The Chicago Bears are exploring a significant move from their long-standing home at Soldier Field, with the Board of Directors recently approving steps toward constructing a new stadium in Hammond, Indiana. This development, if finalized, would mark a notable shift for the NFL franchise and could potentially make them the fourth team this century to change states. The decision is heavily influenced by legislative challenges in Illinois regarding property tax certainty for stadium projects, in contrast to favorable guarantees offered by Indiana.
Bears Ponder Indiana Relocation Amid Illinois Tax Hurdles
On Friday, June 7, 2026, the Chicago Bears' Board of Directors took a pivotal step, voting to advance plans for a potential new stadium in Hammond, Indiana. This decision, as reported by Adam Schefter, signals a strong possibility that the team could leave Chicago's Soldier Field, a venue they have occupied since 1971. The move is not yet a done deal, but significant progress has been made since the concept was first introduced.
NFL insider Tom Pelissero discussed the implications of this potential relocation on The Rich Eisen Show, highlighting the impact on both Chicago and Indiana. The Indianapolis Colts also released a statement regarding the Bears' consideration of a move to their state, as relayed by Colts insider Joel A. Erickson.
Illinois Governor JB Pritzker commented on the situation, suggesting that the Bears' fluctuating stance on a future stadium location has impeded their progress within the state. A major factor driving the Bears' consideration of leaving Illinois is the failure of a "megaprojects" bill in the state's senate last week. This bill would have allowed the team to negotiate payments instead of paying property taxes on their currently owned Arlington Heights site, formerly the Arlington International Racecourse. Arlington Heights had been a contender for the new stadium until the bill's defeat.
However, on Sunday night, Illinois State Senator Bill Cunningham introduced new legislation. This bill would empower Cook County and cities with over 70,000 residents, such as Chicago and Arlington Heights, to establish their own sports stadium authorities. Under this proposed legislation, the Bears would fund the stadium's construction in exchange for the land being publicly owned. This new bill successfully passed the Illinois Senate with a 37-17 vote early on Monday morning. The Bears have consistently maintained that they require property tax certainty to build a new stadium, a guarantee that Indiana provided through legislation in February.
Should the team depart Soldier Field, Hammond, Indiana, appears to be the primary destination. However, Illinois retains a chance to keep its sole NFL team. Bears Chairman George H. McCaskey and CEO Kevin Warren released a statement on early Friday afternoon, expressing their vision: "We believe a world-class stadium project in Hammond will transform the region, connecting Northwest Indiana and the South Side of Chicago through the Loop and across the neighborhoods and suburbs stretching north of the city." The Lost Marsh Golf Course in Hammond is being considered as a potential stadium site. Hammond, a city with a population of 75,712 as of the 2025 Census, is home to the Purdue University Northwest - Hammond campus and is approximately 23 miles from Soldier Field.
Soldier Field, which originally opened as Municipal Grant Park Stadium on October 9, 1924, is the NFL's oldest stadium. Despite numerous renovations, the venue has a rich history, although the Bears did not make it their home until 1971. Initially, it served as the home field for the Chicago Cardinals. The current stadium is located in Illinois, a state that could potentially lose its NFL team for the fourth time this century if the Bears relocate. Other teams that have moved include the Kansas City Chiefs, who announced their 2031 arrival in Kansas from Missouri, the Oakland Raiders, who moved to Las Vegas in 2020, and the St. Louis Rams, who relocated to Los Angeles before the 2016 season. If the Bears leave, the Chicago Fire (MLS) would be the only professional sports team remaining at Soldier Field.
This situation underscores the complex interplay between sports franchises, local governance, and economic incentives. The Bears' potential move highlights how evolving financial landscapes and legislative support can significantly influence team operations and regional identity. It also brings into focus the challenges faced by cities in retaining their iconic sports teams in an era of increasingly sophisticated stadium demands and interstate competition for economic development.
