Chicago Bears Weigh Options for New Stadium

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The Chicago Bears are exploring options for a new stadium, with several states and cities competing to become the team's new home. Illinois lawmakers are trying to offer tax breaks to keep the Bears in the state, while cities in Indiana and Iowa have also expressed interest in hosting the NFL franchise.

Why it matters

The potential relocation of the Bears would be a major blow to the city of Chicago, which has long been home to the iconic NFL team. The decision could have significant economic and cultural implications for the region, as the Bears are a beloved part of the city's identity.

The details

Supporters in the Chicago suburb of Arlington Heights held a press conference this week, hoping to convince the Bears owners that their city is the best new home for the team. Meanwhile, the cities of Gary and Portage in Indiana, as well as Des Moines, Iowa, have also shown interest in becoming the new home of the Bears. Iowa lawmakers have introduced a bill to fund an NFL stadium in Des Moines, and NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell has joined Bears executives on tours of potential sites in Indiana.

• In January 2026, the Bears played a divisional round playoff game at Soldier Field in Chicago.
• This week, supporters in Arlington Heights held a press conference about a potential new Bears stadium.
• Last month, NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell joined Bears executives on tours of potential sites in Indiana.

What they’re saying

What’s next

The Bears organization is expected to make a decision on a new stadium location in the coming months, with Illinois, Indiana, and Iowa all vying to host the team.