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Walcott Today
By the People, for the People
Iowa Lawmakers Pitch Stadium Incentives to Lure Chicago Bears
New bill would expand economic development program to help finance NFL stadium in Iowa
Published on Feb. 11, 2026
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Iowa lawmakers have introduced a bill that would modify the state's Major Economic Growth Attraction (MEGA) program to allow incentives for an NFL franchise building a stadium in Iowa. The proposal arrives as the Chicago Bears negotiate with Illinois officials over replacing Soldier Field and explore options beyond their longtime home.
Why it matters
The bill signals that Iowa is ready to compete for a professional franchise should the Bears' negotiations in Illinois falter. Landing an NFL team could generate tourism, jobs, and national exposure for Iowa, as lawmakers seek to make the state more economically competitive compared to Illinois.
The details
Senate File 2252 would expand the MEGA program, which currently offers incentives for companies investing at least $1 billion in Iowa, to include businesses building a 'sports stadium' where NFL games are held. Qualifying projects could access tax incentives like sales and use tax refunds, investment tax credits, and withholding tax credits.
- The bill was introduced on Tuesday, February 11, 2026.
- The Bears purchased the former Arlington International Racecourse property in suburban Arlington Heights in 2023 but have paused development while weighing proposals for a new domed stadium on Chicago's lakefront and exploring potential sites in northwest Indiana.
The players
Senate File 2252
A bill introduced by a group of Republican senators in Iowa that would modify the state's Major Economic Growth Attraction (MEGA) program to allow incentives for an NFL franchise building a stadium in Iowa.
Chicago Bears
The NFL franchise that is currently negotiating with Illinois officials over replacing Chicago's century-old Soldier Field and exploring options beyond their longtime home.
Illinois Gov. JB Pritzker
The governor of Illinois who has said that state officials are making progress to incentivize the Bears to stay in Illinois, but has opposed using public dollars for the stadium itself.
What’s next
The bill has been referred to the Senate Local Government Committee and assigned to a three-member subcommittee. A subcommittee hearing on the bill had yet to be scheduled as of late Wednesday morning.
The takeaway
This bill highlights the fierce competition between states to attract professional sports franchises and the lengths they are willing to go to incentivize teams to relocate. It underscores the fluidity of the Bears' stadium negotiations and the willingness of neighboring states like Iowa to enter the conversation.
