Arlington Heights Leaders, Bears Fans Rally to Keep Team in Illinois

Mayor says decision on team's future could come in weeks, not months

Published on Feb. 12, 2026

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Leaders in Arlington Heights and surrounding suburbs are rallying to keep the Chicago Bears from leaving Illinois altogether, as Portage, Indiana, and Iowa have offered incentives to try to lure the team out of the state. Arlington Heights Mayor Jim Tinaglia says a decision on the team's future could come in a matter of weeks, not months.

Why it matters

The potential loss of the Bears would be a major blow to Illinois, both economically and in terms of civic pride. The team has been a fixture in the state for decades, and its departure would leave a significant void in the local sports landscape.

The details

The battle for the Bears' new stadium home has intensified, with neighboring states offering incentives in an effort to lure the team away from Illinois. Arlington Heights and surrounding suburbs are now focused on keeping the Bears in the state, rather than just competing with Chicago for the team.

  • Mayor Tinaglia says a decision on the team's future could come in a matter of weeks, not months.

The players

Jim Tinaglia

The mayor of Arlington Heights, Illinois, who is leading the effort to keep the Chicago Bears in the state.

Chicago Bears

The professional American football team that has been based in Illinois for decades and is now being courted by neighboring states.

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What they’re saying

“I think we are weeks away, not months. I think we are weeks away.”

— Jim Tinaglia, Mayor of Arlington Heights (Patch.com)

What’s next

The Illinois state legislature will likely need to act quickly to offer incentives or other concessions to keep the Bears from leaving the state.

The takeaway

The potential loss of the Chicago Bears would be a major blow to Illinois, both economically and in terms of civic pride. Local leaders are now in a race against time to keep the team in the state, as neighboring states make their own efforts to lure the Bears away.