Indiana Makes Play for Chicago Bears, Raising Tensions with Illinois

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The Chicago Bears, one of the NFL's founding franchises, are considering leaving their longtime home of Soldier Field in Chicago for a new domed stadium in Hammond, Indiana. Indiana lawmakers have proposed creating a Northwest Indiana Stadium Authority to finance and construct the new facility, while Illinois has responded with legislation offering tax breaks for the Bears to build a $5 billion complex in the Chicago suburb of Arlington Heights. The potential move has sparked a regional rivalry, with concerns over taxpayer costs and the Bears' storied history in Chicago.

Why it matters

The potential relocation of the Chicago Bears would be a major blow to the city's sports identity and economy, as the team has been a fixture in Chicago for over a century. The turf war between Illinois and Indiana highlights the growing regional tensions and competition for high-profile businesses and sporting events.

The details

The Bears want to leave historic Soldier Field, where they've played for over 50 years, in order to own their own stadium and control revenue streams. Indiana lawmakers have proposed creating a Northwest Indiana Stadium Authority to finance and construct a new domed stadium for the Bears near Hammond, about 25 miles from their current home. In response, Illinois has advanced legislation that would provide tax incentives for the Bears to build a $5 billion complex in Arlington Heights, also about 25 miles from Soldier Field. Critics argue the Illinois plan would increase taxes for residents to subsidize the project.

• The Bears paid $200 million in 2023 for a 326-acre former horse-racing track in Arlington Heights.
• In 2024, the Bears offered a $5 billion plan, partially taxpayer-funded, for an enclosed stadium next to Soldier Field, which garnered little interest.
• Late in 2025, the Bears turned to Indiana, leading to the state's proposal for a new stadium authority.
• On February 26, 2026, Indiana Gov. Mike Braun signed the law creating the Northwest Indiana Stadium Authority.

What they’re saying

What’s next

The Illinois General Assembly will continue to debate the tax incentive legislation, while Indiana's new stadium authority will work to finalize a deal with the Bears. The team has until 2033 to decide whether to break their current lease at Soldier Field, which would come with a $10.5 million penalty per year.