Bears Ticket Prices Soar as Team's Success Continues

Fans to pay up to 32% more for tickets over the past 3 years as Bears ownership aims to capitalize on team's turnaround.

Published on Feb. 20, 2026

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

The Chicago Bears have announced a 13.5% increase in ticket prices for the 2026 season, marking the third consecutive year of double-digit hikes. This comes after the team's surprise 12-7 season and playoff victory in 2025, their first postseason appearance since 2010. Bears ownership cited the need to fund a new stadium and pay high coaching salaries as reasons for the price increases.

Why it matters

The steep ticket price rises highlight the financial realities of professional sports, where team owners seek to maximize revenues from loyal fan bases. While the Bears have finally found on-field success, some fans are concerned that ticket affordability is being sacrificed in the process, potentially pricing out longtime supporters.

The details

Bears team president Kevin Warren informed season ticket holders of the 13.5% price increase in a letter, stating the team is "working to build a sustainable winning culture" and "construct a world-class stadium." This follows 6%, 8%, and 10% hikes in the previous three seasons, resulting in a nearly 32% total increase over that span. The team averaged over 58,000 fans per game at the NFL's smallest stadium, Soldier Field, in 2025.

  • The Bears raised ticket prices by 6% for the 2022 season.
  • There was no ticket price increase in 2023.
  • Prices went up 8% in 2024 and 10% in 2025.
  • The latest 13.5% increase will take effect for the 2026 season.

The players

Kevin Warren

The president of the Chicago Bears, who informed season ticket holders of the latest price hike in a letter.

Ben Johnson

The Bears' head coach, who was hired for a reported $13 million per year in 2025, triggering the team's turnaround.

McCaskey family

The owners of the Chicago Bears, who have consistently raised ticket prices even during periods of poor team performance.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“Our goals have not changed. We are working to build a sustainable winning culture, a team that competes for championships, and to construct a world-class stadium for the Chicagoland area and our fans.”

— Kevin Warren, Bears Team President (si.com)

“The Bears put together 1 winning season in 7 years and my tickets go up 13.5%... they can't figure out how to build a stadium and they better keep the winning going. Would love to see how this price hike looks compared to others?”

— Ben Stein, Bears Fan (si.com)

“The downside of a successful season: just got an email that my Bears season tickets went up in price by 15%”

— Peggy G (si.com)

What’s next

The Bears are expected to announce their full 2026 schedule in May, which could include a game played in Spain.

The takeaway

The Bears' ticket price hikes, reaching nearly 32% over the past three years, demonstrate the financial realities facing professional sports teams. While the team's recent success has energized the fan base, some longtime supporters are concerned that ticket affordability is being sacrificed in the pursuit of revenue growth and a new stadium.