Bears' Stadium Saga Continues as Tax Issues Delay Move

Former team president Ted Phillips failed to secure property tax details before purchasing Arlington Racetrack site.

Published on Feb. 18, 2026

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The Chicago Bears' plans to build a new stadium in Arlington Heights have hit another snag, as the team failed to negotiate property tax rates with local and state governments before purchasing the former Arlington Racetrack site in 2021. Former team president Ted Phillips did not properly research the tax implications of the purchase, leading to a substantial increase in the property's tax bill that the Bears now refuse to pay. This oversight has delayed the start of construction on the new stadium, with the team now working with new team president Kevin Warren to try and secure more favorable tax terms from Illinois lawmakers.

Why it matters

The Bears' inability to finalize a deal for a new stadium has left the team in limbo for the past three years, unable to move forward with their plans. This saga highlights the importance of proper due diligence when undertaking major real estate transactions, especially for high-profile projects like a new NFL stadium. The team's failure to secure tax certainty upfront has created an ongoing headache and threatens to further delay the team's relocation plans.

The details

When the Bears purchased the former Arlington Racetrack property in 2021, the tax bill on the land jumped from $3 million under the previous owner to around $10 million based on the purchase price. However, the Bears felt they should pay less in taxes than even the racetrack had, since they planned to demolish the existing structures. Former team president Ted Phillips did not negotiate these tax terms with local and state officials prior to the purchase, a critical oversight that has now caused major delays. Current team president Kevin Warren is now working with Illinois lawmakers to try and secure more favorable tax rates to allow construction to finally begin on the new stadium.

  • The Bears placed a bid on the Arlington Racetrack property in 2021.
  • In 2021, former team president Ted Phillips approached the Chicago Park District about potential upgrades to Soldier Field, including a sportsbook, but was ignored.
  • Three years later, in 2026, the Bears remain stuck in neutral on their stadium plans due to the unresolved property tax issues.

The players

Ted Phillips

The former president of the Chicago Bears, who oversaw the team's failed attempt to secure a new stadium deal by not properly negotiating property tax terms with local and state officials prior to purchasing the Arlington Racetrack site.

Kevin Warren

The current president of the Chicago Bears, who is now tasked with trying to clean up the mess left by his predecessor and secure more favorable tax terms to allow construction on the new stadium to begin.

J.B. Pritzker

The Governor of Illinois, who has signed a new act that would make securing infrastructure funding for the Bears' stadium project much easier.

Bill Zimmerman

A writer for Windy City Gridiron who provided insight into the Bears' property tax issues.

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What they’re saying

“When the Bears purchased the property, the tax bill on the property jumped substantially. Arlington Racetrack had been paying approximately $3 million in property taxes, but that number jumped to around $10 million based on the purchase price. However, because the Bears were leveling the park and leaving it a vacant lot, they felt they should be paying less than even the race track was paying previously.”

— Bill Zimmerman, Writer, Windy City Gridiron (Windy City Gridiron)

What’s next

Governor J.B. Pritzker has signed a new act that would make securing infrastructure funding for the Bears' stadium project much easier. The final hurdle is passing a megaprojects bill that should allow the Bears to negotiate a fair property tax rate with Illinois lawmakers. Once that is done, construction can finally begin on the new stadium in Arlington Heights.

The takeaway

This saga underscores the importance of thorough due diligence and advance planning when undertaking major real estate transactions, especially for high-profile projects like a new NFL stadium. The Bears' failure to secure tax certainty upfront has created an ongoing headache and threatens to further delay their relocation plans, highlighting the need for organizations to carefully consider all potential pitfalls before making such significant investments.