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Walcott Today
By the People, for the People
Iowa Lawmakers Propose Luring Chicago Bears to Move
Republican state legislators file bill to offer incentives for NFL team to relocate to Iowa
Published on Feb. 10, 2026
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Republican state lawmakers in Iowa have proposed a bill that would offer economic development funds and incentives to try to lure the Chicago Bears NFL team to relocate to Iowa. The proposal comes as the Bears are exploring options to build a new stadium, with the Chicago suburbs and Gary, Indiana also vying for the team.
Why it matters
Attracting an NFL team would be a major coup for Iowa, bringing jobs, tourism, and increased visibility to the state. However, the Chicago metropolitan area's much larger population base poses a significant challenge compared to eastern Iowa's smaller market.
The details
The bill was proposed by Republican state Senator Kerry Gruenhagen and co-sponsored by Senator Scott Webster. They argue Iowa could 'appreciate' and 'welcome' the Bears, and that an NFL team would 'attract jobs, tourism and fans' to showcase the state. The Bears have played at Soldier Field in Chicago since 1971, but are exploring options for a new stadium location.
- The proposal was announced on Tuesday, February 11, 2026.
- The Bears have played at Soldier Field in Chicago since 1971.
The players
Kerry Gruenhagen
A Republican state senator from Walcott, Iowa who proposed the bill to lure the Chicago Bears to relocate to Iowa.
Scott Webster
A Republican state senator from Bettendorf, Iowa who co-sponsored the bill to try to bring the Chicago Bears to Iowa.
Chicago Bears
The NFL team that Republican lawmakers in Iowa are trying to lure to relocate to the state.
What they’re saying
“The Chicago Bears are looking for a state that will appreciate them and welcome them with open arms, and we are filing a bill today that says Iowa is happy to be that home.”
— Kerry Gruenhagen, Republican State Senator (News Release)
“Bringing an NFL team to Iowa would attract jobs, tourism and fans to our state and give us the opportunity to showcase what Iowa really has to offer. Iowans have dedicated themselves to our college sports teams, and we're ready to attract a professional team to our great state.”
— Kerry Gruenhagen, Republican State Senator (News Release)
“For years, we have been working to grow Iowa and make it a great place to live and work. Iowa has made great strides in making our state competitive not just in the Midwest but nationwide.”
— Scott Webster, Republican State Senator (Statement)
What’s next
The state legislature will need to pass the bill and the Chicago Bears ownership will need to agree to relocate the team to Iowa for this proposal to move forward.
The takeaway
While an NFL team would be a major boost for Iowa, the state's smaller population base compared to the Chicago metro area poses a significant challenge. The Bears' owners will likely prioritize options that provide the largest potential fan base and revenue opportunities.
