Chicago Lawmakers Seek Major Concessions for Bears to Move to Suburbs

Lawmakers say the Bears must pay a hefty price to leave the city, citing the Cleveland Browns' $100 million deal.

Feb. 28, 2026 at 1:38am

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Chicago lawmakers are unwilling to let the Chicago Bears leave the city unless they get a significant concession in return. State Rep. Kam Buckner said the team offered a $25 million concession, but that's not enough. Buckner is seeking a deal similar to the Cleveland Browns, who paid the city $100 million to leave. However, stadium consultant Marc Ganis argues the situations are different, as the Browns' deal had specific provisions that don't exist in the Bears' lease. Lawmakers are also seeking a "significant package" for the city of Chicago beyond just a monetary concession.

Why it matters

The Bears' potential move to the suburbs of Arlington Heights has major implications for the city of Chicago. Lawmakers want to ensure the city doesn't lose out financially if the team leaves, and are seeking concessions and community benefits to offset the loss.

The details

The Bears need Chicago Democrats on board to get key legislation passed in Springfield, including a "megaprojects bill" that would allow the team to negotiate property tax breaks with Arlington Heights. State Rep. Kam Buckner said the $25 million concession offered by the Bears is not enough, and he's seeking a deal similar to the $100 million the Cleveland Browns paid to leave the city. However, stadium consultant Marc Ganis argues the situations are different, as the Browns' deal had specific provisions that don't exist in the Bears' lease. Lawmakers also want the Bears to provide a "significant package" for the city of Chicago beyond just a monetary concession.

  • The megaprojects bill moved out of committee this week, but won't go anywhere for now because the House is adjourned until at least mid-March.
  • Indiana Gov. Mike Braun has already signed a bill that creates the framework for a Northwest Indiana Stadium Authority to help build and finance a stadium.

The players

Kam Buckner

A Democratic state representative from Chicago who said the Bears' $25 million concession offer is not enough.

Marc Ganis

A stadium consultant who said the Bears' situation is different from the Cleveland Browns, as the Browns' deal had specific provisions that don't exist in the Bears' lease.

Andrew Brandt

A professor of sports law at Villanova University and host of 'The Business of Sports' podcast, who explained how the deal in Hammond, Indiana is a big influence on the situation.

Sonya Harper

An Illinois state representative who pointed to precedents for providing community benefits when building new stadiums, such as the Atlanta Falcons earmarking $40 million for a parks and job training center.

Mike Braun

The governor of Indiana who has already signed a bill creating a framework for a Northwest Indiana Stadium Authority to help build and finance a stadium.

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What they’re saying

“It just seems truly outrageous, but the one thing I can say for certain is his analogy with Cleveland is completely off base, and I know that firsthand because I worked on that deal personally.”

— Marc Ganis, stadium consultant (nbcchicago.com)

“What has changed with the Bears and the Chiefs and, to an extent, the Browns, is not leaving the area, but leaving the jurisdiction, and this is a new leverage play we're seeing from these franchises.”

— Andrew Brandt, professor of sports law at Villanova University and host of 'The Business of Sports' podcast (nbcchicago.com)

“The only thing that gives leverage in negotiations is options. The Bears, compared to the Browns, probably have some leverage here because they not only have a willing suitor in the suburbs, but they have one across state borders.”

— Andrew Brandt, professor of sports law at Villanova University and host of 'The Business of Sports' podcast (nbcchicago.com)

What’s next

The megaprojects bill moved out of committee this week, but it won't go anywhere for now because the House is adjourned until at least mid-March. Meanwhile, Indiana Gov. Mike Braun has already signed a bill that creates the framework for a Northwest Indiana Stadium Authority to help build and finance a stadium.

The takeaway

Chicago lawmakers are taking a hard stance in negotiations with the Bears, demanding significant concessions and community benefits if the team is to leave the city. This highlights the high stakes involved in professional sports teams relocating, as cities seek to protect their financial interests and ensure their communities benefit from any deals.