Indiana Leaders Optimistic on Bears Stadium Deal

Negotiations continue as Chicago proposes new offer to keep team on lakefront.

Apr. 3, 2026 at 3:18pm

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A serene, painterly image of an empty football stadium at dusk, with warm light and deep shadows creating a contemplative, nostalgic mood.As Indiana and Chicago vie to host the Bears, the future of the team's iconic stadium remains uncertain.Chicago Today

Indiana House Speaker Todd Huston, who sponsored a bill to finance a new stadium for the Chicago Bears, said the 'conversations with the Bears continue to go well' and that state leaders remain optimistic about reaching a deal. Meanwhile, Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson's senior adviser said the city wants to submit a new proposal to keep the Bears on the lakefront.

Why it matters

The potential relocation of the Bears from Chicago to Indiana has been a contentious issue, with both states vying to host the iconic NFL franchise. The outcome of these negotiations could have significant economic and civic implications for the region.

The details

Indiana lawmakers passed legislation last year to provide up to $400 million in public financing for a new Bears stadium in the state. Huston, the bill's sponsor, said discussions with the team have been productive, though details of a potential deal have not been made public. In Chicago, Mayor Johnson's administration is preparing a new offer to convince the Bears to remain at their historic Soldier Field location on the city's lakefront.

  • The Indiana stadium financing bill was passed in 2025.
  • Negotiations between Indiana and the Bears have been ongoing since then.

The players

Todd Huston

Indiana House Speaker who sponsored the bill to finance a new Bears stadium in the state.

Brandon Johnson

Mayor of Chicago, whose administration is working on a new proposal to keep the Bears in the city.

Chicago Bears

The NFL franchise that is the subject of the negotiations between Illinois and Indiana.

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What they’re saying

“The conversations with the Bears continue to go well and we are optimistic about reaching a deal.”

— Todd Huston, Indiana House Speaker

“We want to submit a new proposal to keep the Bears on the lakefront.”

— Brandon Johnson's senior adviser

What’s next

The details of any potential deal between Indiana and the Bears, or a new offer from Chicago, have not been made public. Further negotiations and announcements are expected in the coming months.

The takeaway

The battle for the Bears' future home has become a high-stakes competition between Illinois and Indiana, with both states offering incentives to secure the iconic NFL franchise. The outcome could have significant economic and civic implications for the region.