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Arlington Heights Mayor Warns Bears Could Move by End of Month Without Deal
Illinois legislature faces pressure to finalize stadium incentives for the Chicago Bears.
Mar. 14, 2026 at 4:35pm
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The mayor of Arlington Heights, Illinois, Jim Tinaglia, has suggested that the Chicago Bears could decide to build a new stadium in Indiana by the end of March if the Illinois legislature does not finalize a deal with the team soon. Tinaglia stated that the Bears have been 'through the wringer too many times' and that waiting until the end of May is not an option for the team.
Why it matters
The potential move of the Chicago Bears from Illinois to Indiana would be a significant loss for the state, both economically and in terms of civic pride. The Bears have been an iconic part of the Illinois sports landscape for decades, and their departure could have a major impact on the surrounding communities.
The details
Tinaglia explained that this week is a crucial one for the Bears, as the Illinois legislature is scheduled to debate tax incentives and other benefits to keep the team in the state. A bill has already advanced out of committee that would allow the Bears to negotiate their property tax payments directly with local governments and school districts for up to 40 years, but it has not yet received a vote on the House floor. Tinaglia stated that the Bears want to come to Arlington Heights, but they need help from the state government to make it happen.
- The Illinois House returns to Springfield on Wednesday, March 15, 2026, for the first time in three weeks.
- The Indiana legislature and Governor Mike Braun finalized a stadium bill on February 26, 2026, to try to lure the Bears to Indiana.
The players
Jim Tinaglia
The mayor of Arlington Heights, Illinois, who has been in regular communication with the Chicago Bears about a potential move to the suburb.
Chicago Bears
The professional American football team that has been based in Illinois for decades and is considering a move to Indiana.
Illinois Legislature
The state government body that is responsible for debating and approving any incentives or deals to keep the Chicago Bears in Illinois.
Mike Braun
The governor of Indiana, who has worked to finalize a stadium bill to try to attract the Chicago Bears to the state.
What they’re saying
“Waiting until the end of May, I think, is a no-go for the Bears. They've already been through the [wringer] too many times.”
— Jim Tinaglia, Mayor of Arlington Heights
“I spend a lot of time talking to those guys (the Bears), and I can tell you that I know they want to come here. They can't come here unless they get some help from Springfield on this.”
— Jim Tinaglia, Mayor of Arlington Heights
What’s next
The Illinois legislature is scheduled to debate tax incentives and other benefits to keep the Bears in Illinois this week. If a deal is not finalized, the Bears could announce a move to Indiana by the end of March 2026.
The takeaway
The potential relocation of the Chicago Bears from Illinois to Indiana highlights the intense competition between states to attract and retain professional sports teams. The outcome of the negotiations between the Bears, Illinois, and Indiana will have significant implications for the future of the team and the communities they serve.
