Illinois Lawmakers Scramble to Keep Bears in State

Republican state representative looks to rally GOP support for stadium deal to prevent team from moving to Indiana

Apr. 15, 2026 at 12:07am

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A cubist-style painting depicting a fragmented football stadium and players on a field, with sharp, overlapping geometric shapes in shades of green, blue, and brown, conceptually representing the multifaceted negotiations surrounding the Bears' stadium plans.As Illinois lawmakers race to keep the Chicago Bears from moving to Indiana, the future of the team's home remains a complex puzzle of political and financial considerations.Chicago Today

With the Chicago Bears facing a looming decision on where to build their next stadium, Illinois lawmakers are racing against the clock to pass legislation that would give the team tax incentives to stay in the state. Republican state representative Brad Stephens is leading the charge, meeting with fellow GOP members and the governor's staff to drum up support for a 'PILOT' bill that would provide the Bears with a special property tax arrangement at a proposed site in Arlington Heights. However, the bill has yet to reach the 60-vote threshold needed to advance, leaving the door open for the team to potentially move across the border to Indiana.

Why it matters

The potential loss of the Bears would be a major blow to Illinois, both financially and culturally. The team is one of the state's most iconic sports franchises, generating significant economic activity and civic pride. Keeping the Bears in Illinois is seen as crucial, but lawmakers must balance providing incentives to the team with protecting taxpayers' interests.

The details

State Rep. Brad Stephens, a Republican who also serves as Mayor of Rosemont, has been working to rally support for Illinois House Bill 910 (HB910), which would give the Bears tax certainty through a special payment-in-lieu-of-property taxes (PILOT) deal at a proposed stadium site in Arlington Heights. Stephens met with other House Republicans and members of Gov. JB Pritzker's staff this week to discuss the bill, which has so far failed to reach the 60-vote threshold needed to bring it to the House floor for a vote. Meanwhile, a stadium proposal in Hammond, Indiana has gained momentum, putting pressure on Illinois lawmakers to act quickly.

  • The Illinois Spring Legislative Session deadline to send bills to the Senate is April 17, but that deadline can be extended.
  • The spring legislative session ends on May 31.
  • Bears President and CEO Kevin Warren has set a public timeline to decide on the location for the team's next stadium by late spring or early summer, with the intention of opening a new, domed stadium by 2030.

The players

Brad Stephens

Republican state representative who also serves as Mayor of Rosemont, leading the effort to keep the Bears in Illinois.

Andy Manar

Deputy Governor of Illinois, meeting with Stephens and other lawmakers to discuss the Bears stadium deal.

JB Pritzker

Governor of Illinois, with his staff involved in the discussions around the Bears stadium legislation.

Kam Buckner

Democratic state representative who has voiced support for the PILOT bill, but with the need to protect taxpayers.

Kevin Warren

President and CEO of the Chicago Bears, who has set a timeline for the team to decide on a new stadium location.

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What they’re saying

“What it does is not just incentivize folks to build in Illinois — we have to do our damnedest to protect taxpayers — it will include guardrails for those folks who are taxpayers throughout Illinois.”

— Kam Buckner, State Representative

“I think that the language has got to be right to be able to garner enough votes to get it across the finish line. That's first and foremost. But it's got to be crafted in a way where it makes sense for both government and the private investor.”

— Brad Stephens, State Representative and Mayor of Rosemont

What’s next

The Illinois Spring Legislative Session deadline to send bills to the Senate is April 17, but that deadline can be extended under state law. The spring legislative session ends on May 31, so lawmakers have a limited window to pass the PILOT bill and secure the Bears' future in Illinois.

The takeaway

The battle to keep the Chicago Bears in Illinois has become a high-stakes political game, with Republican and Democratic lawmakers needing to find common ground on a stadium deal that protects taxpayers while also enticing the team to stay. The outcome will have major implications for the state's economy and sports landscape.