Federal Bill Aims to Keep Chicago Bears in City Limits

Proposed 'Home Team Act' would require one year's notice before a team can relocate to a new state

Mar. 28, 2026 at 5:05am

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

A new federal bill introduced by Sen. Bernie Sanders and Rep. Greg Casar would require sports teams to provide one year's notice before relocating to a new state, potentially complicating the Chicago Bears' efforts to build a new stadium in Arlington Heights or move to Indiana. The bill, called the 'Home Team Act,' is seen as directly targeting the Bears and the McCaskey family's ownership.

Why it matters

The proposed legislation comes as the Illinois legislature has so far failed to pass laws that would enable the Bears to build a new stadium on their own property in Arlington Heights, leading the team to consider relocating outside of Chicago. The bill is viewed as an attempt by Chicago politicians to keep the Bears from leaving the city limits.

The details

The 'Home Team Act' would require sports team owners to provide one year's notice before moving to a new state, and would also allow the team to be sold to new owners at a 'fair and reasonable price' during that one-year period. Supporters of the bill say it is intended to give cities leverage to keep teams from relocating, but critics argue it unfairly targets sports franchises and could lead to corruption in the valuation process.

  • The Illinois legislature is set to adjourn on April 1, before potentially returning later in the spring to consider a property tax bill that could aid the Bears' stadium efforts in Arlington Heights.
  • The 'Home Team Act' was introduced by Sen. Bernie Sanders and Rep. Greg Casar in March 2026.

The players

Chicago Bears

The NFL franchise that has been exploring options to build a new stadium, including in Arlington Heights or potentially relocating to Indiana.

Bernie Sanders

The U.S. Senator from Vermont who co-introduced the 'Home Team Act' bill.

Greg Casar

The U.S. Representative from Texas who co-introduced the 'Home Team Act' bill with Sen. Bernie Sanders.

McCaskey family

The owners of the Chicago Bears who have been seeking a new stadium solution outside of the city limits.

Illinois legislature

The state government body that has so far failed to pass legislation to enable the Bears' stadium plans in Arlington Heights.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“This bill has real problems that go beyond a football team and a stadium issue.”

— Gene Chamberlain, Sports Writer

“To Chicago sports fans & media covering the fight over whether to move the Bears to Indiana, this new anti-corporate welfare legislation called the Home Team Act introduced in Congress by Sen. Bernie Sanders and Rep. Greg Casar is being dubbed the 'Keep the Bears in Chicago bill'”

— Gene Chamberlain, Sports Writer

What’s next

The Illinois legislature is set to adjourn on April 1, before potentially returning later in the spring to consider a property tax bill that could aid the Bears' stadium efforts in Arlington Heights. The fate of the 'Home Team Act' bill in Congress remains uncertain.

The takeaway

The proposed 'Home Team Act' is seen as a political maneuver by Chicago politicians to keep the Bears from relocating outside of the city, even though the team is exploring options on its own property in the suburbs or in neighboring Indiana. The bill raises questions about government interference in private business decisions and the potential for corruption in the team valuation process.