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Bettendorf Today
By the People, for the People
Iowa Senators Pitch Quad Cities as New Home for Chicago Bears
Lawmakers propose tax incentives to lure historic NFL franchise to the state
Published on Feb. 11, 2026
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A group of seven Republican state senators in Iowa say they have a plan to convince the Chicago Bears to relocate the historic NFL franchise to the Quad Cities region of the state. The lawmakers are proposing a package of tax incentives and other financial incentives through Iowa's Major Economic Growth Attraction (MEGA) program to make the move an attractive option for the Bears, who have long sought a new stadium.
Why it matters
The potential relocation of the Bears to Iowa would be a major coup for the state, bringing a storied NFL franchise and the economic activity it would generate. However, the proposal faces competition from a bill in Indiana that would provide public financing for a new Bears stadium in Gary, just outside of Chicago.
The details
The Iowa senators, led by Scott Webster of Bettendorf, argue the Quad Cities area would be an ideal location for a new Bears stadium due to its central location and proximity to other major markets like Des Moines and Madison. The region also has historical ties to the NFL, as the league's first franchise was founded in Rock Island in 1920. The proposed incentive package would provide property tax breaks, refundable tax credits for the initial investment and new jobs created, and refunds of sales taxes paid during construction.
- The bill has been introduced in the Iowa Senate.
- A competing proposal is moving through the Indiana legislature that would provide public financing for a Bears stadium in Gary.
The players
Scott Webster
A Republican state senator from Bettendorf, Iowa who is leading the effort to lure the Chicago Bears to the Quad Cities region.
Chicago Bears
The historic NFL franchise that has long sought a new stadium, with the Chicago suburb of Arlington Heights being the preferred location until now.
Iowa's Major Economic Growth Attraction (MEGA) Program
A state economic development initiative that provides tax incentives and other financial assistance to attract major business investments and job creation.
What they’re saying
“In 1920 the NFL started in Rock Island, an original franchise of the NFL. There's storied history there. You're drive traffic from Des Moines. You're going to drive traffic from up near Madison — not everybody in Wisconsin is a Packers' fan. You're going to draw from St. Louis to a centralized location where they could fill that stadium each year. I think it's the perfect place for it, if they want to do it.”
— Scott Webster, State Senator (kbur.com)
What’s next
The Iowa Senate bill must still work its way through the legislative process, while the competing proposal in Indiana could also advance, setting up a potential bidding war between the two states to land the Bears franchise.
The takeaway
The effort by Iowa lawmakers to lure the Chicago Bears to the Quad Cities region highlights the intense competition between states to attract high-profile sports franchises and the economic development they can bring. However, the Bears will have to weigh this proposal against the potential incentives offered in Indiana, as well as their existing plans for a new stadium in the Chicago suburbs.
