Illinois Hearing on Bears Stadium Tax Breaks Canceled, Report Says Team "Zeroing In" on Hammond, Indiana

The Bears are reportedly considering a move to Hammond, Indiana, as Illinois lawmakers work through details of a controversial tax incentive proposal.

Published on Feb. 24, 2026

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A pivotal Illinois legislative hearing on a proposal to offer the Chicago Bears tax incentives and infrastructure support for a potential new stadium in Arlington Heights has been canceled. Meanwhile, published reports indicate the Bears are "zeroing in" on a plan to move to Hammond, Indiana, where the state legislature is set to vote on language that would pave the way for a new stadium site.

Why it matters

The potential move to Indiana or the new stadium deal in Illinois could have major implications for the Bears' future and the economic landscape of the Chicago metropolitan area. The team's current lease at Soldier Field runs through 2033, and the decision will impact hundreds of millions in outstanding debt from the stadium's 2003 renovation.

The details

The Illinois hearing was set to discuss a proposal called the Mega Project Assessment Freeze and Payment Law, which would allow the Bears or other developers of $500 million-plus projects to negotiate with local government to lock in property tax rates for up to 40 years. While the Bears have said they would pay for the stadium themselves, they are seeking more than $850 million in state funding for supporting infrastructure. Lawmakers wanted to work through additional details before bringing the proposal forward. Meanwhile, the Indiana House Ways and Means Committee is set to vote on language that would pave the way for a Northwest Indiana Bears stadium site to be finalized.

  • The Illinois legislative hearing was scheduled for Thursday, February 19, 2026, but has been canceled.
  • The Indiana House Ways and Means Committee is set to vote on stadium site language on Thursday, February 19, 2026.

The players

Chicago Bears

The professional American football team based in Chicago, Illinois that plays in the National Football League (NFL).

Hammond, Indiana

A city in northwest Indiana that is reportedly being considered as a potential new location for a Chicago Bears stadium.

Arlington Heights, Illinois

A northwest Chicago suburb where the Bears are considering building a new stadium, contingent on tax incentives and infrastructure support from the state.

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What’s next

The Indiana House Ways and Means Committee will vote on Thursday, February 19, 2026 on language that could pave the way for a Bears stadium in Hammond, Indiana. Meanwhile, Illinois lawmakers are working to finalize details of a tax incentive proposal for a potential new Bears stadium in Arlington Heights before bringing it forward.

The takeaway

The future home of the Chicago Bears remains uncertain, with the team weighing options in both Illinois and Indiana. The decision will have major implications for the team's finances, the local economies, and the future of the iconic Soldier Field. Lawmakers in both states are racing to put together attractive stadium deals to keep the Bears within their borders.