Iowa Enters Battle for Bears' Next Stadium

Iowa governor voices interest in luring NFL team, joining Illinois and Indiana in competition

Published on Feb. 12, 2026

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The state of Iowa has entered the race to become the next home of the Chicago Bears, with the Iowa governor expressing interest in luring the NFL team and a state senate subcommittee advancing a bill to modify economic incentives to include building a professional sports stadium. This comes as the Bears continue to explore options to leave their current home at Soldier Field, with Illinois and Indiana also vying for the team.

Why it matters

The Bears' search for a new stadium has become a high-stakes competition between several states, each hoping to land the iconic NFL franchise and the economic benefits that come with it. Iowa's entry into the fray adds another layer of complexity to the situation, as the team would be moving significantly farther from its traditional Chicago home base if it were to choose the Hawkeye State.

The details

Iowa Gov. Kim Reynolds has voiced interest in bringing the Bears to the state, describing the idea as a "wild pass." An Iowa Senate subcommittee has also advanced a bill that would modify the state's major economic growth attraction program to include incentives for an NFL franchise to build a stadium in Iowa. This comes as the Bears have explored options to leave their current home at Soldier Field, with Illinois and Indiana also competing to host the team. The Bears have not publicly reacted to Iowa's interest.

  • On February 13, 2026, Iowa Gov. Kim Reynolds expressed interest in luring the Chicago Bears to the state.
  • On February 14, 2026, an Iowa Senate subcommittee advanced a bill to modify state incentives to include building a professional sports stadium.

The players

Kim Reynolds

The governor of Iowa who has voiced interest in bringing the Chicago Bears to the state.

Kevin Warren

The president of the Chicago Bears who has floated the possibility of the team moving to northwest Indiana.

Kerry Gruenhagen

An Iowa state senator who said the bill was filed to "show a team in our neighboring state that we are ready for them if their home state doesn't want them."

Brian Meyer

The Iowa House minority leader who said the idea of the Bears moving to Iowa is "all a game, it's all a gimmick" and that the state should focus on more pressing issues.

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What they’re saying

“We must show a team in our neighboring state that we are ready for them if their home state doesn't want them. While Illinois and Indiana squabble over this issue, we are ready to get off the sidelines and into the game.”

— Kerry Gruenhagen, Iowa State Senator (Front Office Sports)

“It's all a game, it's all a gimmick. I get it. I understand. But the time to get serious is upon us and we need to focus on issues that really matter to people.”

— Brian Meyer, Iowa House Minority Leader (Des Moines Register)

What’s next

The Iowa legislature will continue to consider the bill to modify state incentives to include building a professional sports stadium, while the Bears continue to explore options for a new home outside of Soldier Field.

The takeaway

The competition to land the Chicago Bears has intensified, with Iowa joining Illinois and Indiana in the race to host the iconic NFL franchise. The decision will have major implications for the team's identity and connection to its longtime Chicago roots, as well as the economic benefits that come with hosting an NFL team.