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Illinois Leaders Compete for Bears Stadium Location
Chicago Mayor and Illinois Governor make pitches to keep NFL team in state
Published on Mar. 4, 2026
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Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson and Illinois Governor JB Pritzker are continuing their public campaigns to convince the Chicago Bears NFL team to build their next stadium in Illinois, even as the team explores options in Indiana. While Mayor Johnson believes a deal can be reached to keep the Bears in Chicago, Governor Pritzker has indicated the state is focused on supporting stadium proposals in Arlington Heights or Hammond.
Why it matters
The battle over the Bears' stadium location pits the city of Chicago against the state of Illinois, as both seek to retain the economic and civic benefits of hosting an NFL franchise. The outcome could have major implications for the team's future, as well as the development and infrastructure plans of the competing locations.
The details
Mayor Johnson expressed confidence that Chicago can put together an agreement to keep the Bears at a renovated Soldier Field, which is owned by the city. However, Governor Pritzker has indicated the state is more likely to support proposals in Arlington Heights, where the Bears already own land, or in Hammond, Indiana. The competing bids could create tensions between Chicago lawmakers and the state government over infrastructure funding and tax incentives.
- On March 18, the Illinois House is expected to consider any proposals that would require state support for a new Bears stadium.
- Last month, an Indiana statehouse committee approved a plan to create an agency that would build a new stadium for the Bears.
The players
Brandon Johnson
The mayor of Chicago, who is continuing to pitch keeping the Bears in the city with a renovated Soldier Field.
JB Pritzker
The governor of Illinois, who has indicated the state is more likely to support stadium proposals in Arlington Heights or Hammond rather than in Chicago.
Chicago Bears
The NFL franchise that is exploring options for a new stadium, including potential moves to Indiana.
What they’re saying
“There is no better city for sports than the city of Chicago. I will say that it is so good to make sure at least one of our football teams in Chicago is good.”
— Brandon Johnson, Mayor of Chicago (Chicago Tribune)
“They're making a decision between the property that they own already in Arlington Heights, and property that they have looked at in Hammond. It is up to the state to consider whether there is infrastructure that we would provide them, and we clearly have said we would.”
— JB Pritzker, Governor of Illinois (Chicago Tribune)
What’s next
The Illinois House is expected to consider any proposals that would require state support for a new Bears stadium on March 18.
The takeaway
The battle over the Bears' stadium location highlights the competing interests of the city of Chicago and the state of Illinois, as both seek to retain the economic and civic benefits of hosting an NFL franchise. The outcome could have major implications for the team's future, as well as the development and infrastructure plans of the competing locations.
