Illinois, Indiana Compete for New Chicago Bears Stadium

Both states are pushing to land the Bears and their new stadium project.

Published on Feb. 13, 2026

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The battle over where the Chicago Bears will build their new stadium has intensified, with both Illinois and Indiana lawmakers confident they can secure a deal with the team. Illinois is working on a mega-development bill to give the Bears property tax negotiation abilities at the former Arlington Park site, while Indiana has moved quickly to offer its own incentive package to lure the team across the border. The outcome could have significant economic and civic implications for whichever state lands the new state-of-the-art stadium.

Why it matters

A new Bears stadium could bring substantial economic benefits to the host state through increased tourism, tax revenue, and job creation. It's also a matter of civic pride, as both Illinois and Indiana are eager to be the home of one of the NFL's most storied franchises.

The details

Illinois lawmakers have hinted at progress on fronting infrastructure costs for a new Bears stadium at the former Arlington Park site, which the team purchased in 2023. Meanwhile, Indiana has moved quickly to put together an incentive package to try to lure the Bears across the border, with state legislative leaders expressing optimism about the ongoing negotiations. Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson has also expressed hope that the Bears will decide to stay within the city limits.

  • The Bears signaled in December 2025 that they would entertain building a stadium in northwest Indiana.
  • Indiana's legislative session ends at the end of February 2026, giving lawmakers about two weeks to hammer out a deal.
  • Indiana's House Ways and Means Committee needs to pass Senate Bill 27 by Thursday, February 27, 2026 to keep the project moving forward.

The players

JB Pritzker

The governor of Illinois, who has changed his tune this week and said he'd be open to improving infrastructure around the proposed stadium site in Arlington Heights.

Brandon Johnson

The mayor of Chicago, who has expressed hope that the Bears will decide to stay within the city limits, saying "Hammond or Arlington Heights? They ain't Chicago."

Todd Huston

The Republican speaker of the Indiana House of Representatives, who is sponsoring a bill that would allow for the financing of a new stadium project and recently met with local leaders, leaving feeling optimistic.

Rodric Bray

The Republican president pro tempore of the Indiana Senate, who said the ongoing conversations between Indiana and the Bears are progressing well.

Jim Tinaglia

The mayor of Arlington Heights, Illinois, who said at a rally that the state needs to act quickly to keep the Bears from moving to Indiana.

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What they’re saying

“I am confident that Springfield is wide awake right now.”

— Jim Tinaglia, Mayor of Arlington Heights (Chicago Tribune)

“We cannot afford to lose simply because another state moved faster or spoke with a unified voice while we hesitated.”

— Lara Sanoica, Mayor of Rolling Meadows (Chicago Tribune)

“Hammond or Arlington Heights? They ain't Chicago.”

— Brandon Johnson, Mayor of Chicago (Chicago Sun-Times)

What’s next

The Indiana House Ways and Means Committee needs to pass Senate Bill 27 by Thursday, February 27, 2026 to keep the project moving forward in that state. Illinois lawmakers also have a limited window to reach a deal with the Bears before Indiana's legislative session ends at the end of the month.

The takeaway

This high-stakes competition between Illinois and Indiana to land the Chicago Bears' new stadium project highlights the significant economic and civic implications that are at stake. Whichever state can put together the most attractive incentive package and provide the team with the best long-term home will likely emerge victorious in this intense bidding war.