Chicago Bears Announce Potential $2 Billion Stadium Deal in Hammond, Indiana

Indiana lawmakers release package to help finance infrastructure for new Bears stadium near Wolf Lake

Published on Feb. 24, 2026

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The Chicago Bears and Indiana officials have announced a potential deal for the NFL franchise to build a new $2 billion stadium in Hammond, Indiana. The deal includes new restaurant and hotel taxes in northwest Indiana to help finance infrastructure work connected to the project. The Bears said the proposed legislation would mark a significant step forward in their stadium planning efforts.

Why it matters

This potential move would mark the first time an NFL team has crossed state lines to build a new stadium, potentially setting a precedent for other franchises. It also represents a major economic development opportunity for northwest Indiana, which could gain a new global sports destination and engine of growth.

The details

Under the proposed deal, the Bears would invest $2 billion towards building a new stadium near the Wolf Lake area in Hammond, Indiana. Indiana lawmakers have released a package that includes new restaurant and hotel taxes in the region to help finance the necessary infrastructure work. Bears officials have been in negotiations with Illinois state officials for a potential new stadium in the Chicago suburb of Arlington Heights, but those talks had broken down.

  • On February 19, 2026, Indiana lawmakers released the proposed legislation and deal framework.
  • The bill passed unanimously out of committee and now moves to the Indiana House floor.

The players

Chicago Bears

The NFL franchise that is exploring building a new $2 billion stadium in Hammond, Indiana.

Indiana Officials

State lawmakers and Hammond Mayor Tom McDermott who have announced a potential deal to bring the Bears to Indiana.

Todd Huston

Indiana House Speaker who explained the framework of the deal to bring the Bears to Indiana.

Tom McDermott

The Mayor of Hammond, Indiana who called the potential Bears stadium project "transformational" for northwest Indiana.

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What they’re saying

“We are committed to finishing the remaining site-specific necessary due diligence to support our vision to build a world-class stadium near the Wolf Lake area in Hammond, Indiana.”

— Chicago Bears (yahoo.com)

“If this opportunity becomes a reality, Indiana will become one of the very few states in America with two National Football League franchises. Think about that, two NFL teams, Indianapolis and Hammond, two global brands, two engines of economic growth, two sources of pride.”

— Tom McDermott, Mayor of Hammond, Indiana (yahoo.com)

What’s next

The proposed legislation must now pass the full Indiana House before moving to the Senate. If approved, the Bears would complete their remaining due diligence to support building the new stadium in Hammond.

The takeaway

This potential deal represents a bold move by the Chicago Bears to cross state lines and build a new stadium in Indiana, signaling a shift in how professional sports franchises approach stadium projects. It also highlights the intense competition between states and cities to attract high-profile sports teams and the economic development opportunities they can bring.