Overview
- The Bears board voted on Friday to advance a stadium development project that prioritizes Hammond, Indiana, while the team has not chosen a specific site in the city.
- Indiana earlier this year approved a plan to create a Northwest Indiana stadium authority and to finance about $1 billion through new local taxes to support a domed stadium project.
- Illinois lawmakers adjourned the spring session without passing competing stadium or tax-relief bills and lawmakers from both parties are now drafting new proposals and considering a special session to try to keep the team in state.
- The franchise remains under its Soldier Field lease through 2033 but can exit early by paying a fee, and reported project estimates put private Bears investment near $2 billion with total costs around $4.7–$5 billion.
- The move has prompted sharp debate with Indiana officials confidently courting the team, Illinois officials pushing new PILOT and megaproject bills, and commentators saying the Indiana focus could be either a real relocation or leverage in negotiations.