Illinois Governor Optimistic About New Bears Stadium

Pritzker says 'progress has been made' on deal for team to build in Arlington Heights

Published on Feb. 9, 2026

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

Illinois Governor JB Pritzker said negotiations are ongoing between the state and the Chicago Bears about building a new stadium for the team in the Chicago suburb of Arlington Heights. While Pritzker remains opposed to direct taxpayer funding for the stadium, he believes an agreement can be reached for the state to invest in infrastructure around the new facility.

Why it matters

The Bears have been exploring options to build a new stadium, with Indiana also making a push to lure the team across the border. Keeping the Bears in Illinois is seen as an important economic and civic priority, though the details of any public-private partnership will be closely scrutinized.

The details

Pritzker said there has been 'a lot of discussion' and 'progress' made in the negotiations with the Bears. The governor's schedule also showed he had two 30-minute conversations with NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell around the time Goodell visited Chicago to tour potential stadium sites with the Bears.

  • In January 2026, Governor Pritzker had two 30-minute conversations with NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell.

The players

JB Pritzker

The Governor of Illinois who is involved in negotiations with the Chicago Bears about a new stadium.

Roger Goodell

The Commissioner of the National Football League who met with Governor Pritzker and toured potential stadium sites with the Bears.

Chicago Bears

The NFL team that is seeking to build a new stadium, with a preference to remain in Illinois.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“There's a lot of discussion, a lot of ongoing conversation with the Bears, and indeed, frankly, progress that's been made. So I'm pleased about that.”

— JB Pritzker, Governor of Illinois (nbcsports.com)

What’s next

The judge in the case will decide on Tuesday whether or not to allow Walker Reed Quinn out on bail.

The takeaway

Keeping the Bears in Illinois is seen as an important economic and civic priority, though the details of any public-private partnership will be closely scrutinized to ensure taxpayers are not overly burdened.