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Hammond Today
By the People, for the People
Bears Eyeing Move to Indiana After Illinois Meeting Canceled
Indiana lawmakers take major step forward in luring the NFL team across state lines.
Published on Feb. 25, 2026
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The Illinois House committee meeting scheduled for Thursday to discuss funding a new stadium for the Chicago Bears has been canceled, making a potential move to Indiana feel increasingly likely. Indiana lawmakers have passed an amended version of Senate Bill 27 unanimously, establishing a framework for the Bears to build a new stadium near Hammond, Indiana.
Why it matters
The Bears' potential move to Indiana would be a major blow to Illinois, which had been negotiating with the team to keep them in the state. Indiana sees this as a "once-in-a-generation opportunity" to attract an NFL franchise and the economic benefits that come with it.
The details
An amended version of Indiana Senate Bill 27 was passed unanimously (24-0) by the Indiana House Ways and Means Committee on Thursday, taking a significant step forward in the process. Illinois legislators were surprised to see the Bears' statement in favor of the Indiana move, with the team citing the "leadership shown by Governor Braun, Speaker Huston, Senator Mishler and members of the Indiana General Assembly" in establishing the framework for a new stadium near Hammond.
- The Illinois House committee meeting scheduled for Thursday to discuss funding a new stadium for the Chicago Bears has been canceled.
- On Thursday, an amended version of Indiana Senate Bill 27 was passed unanimously (24-0) by the Indiana House Ways and Means Committee.
The players
Chicago Bears
The NFL franchise that is considering a move from Illinois to Indiana.
Mike Braun
The Governor of Indiana, who has stated that Indiana is "open for business" and ready to partner with the Bears on a new stadium.
Ryan Mishler
An Indiana state representative who believes Hammond is "uniquely positioned" to host the Bears and that this is a "once-in-a-generation opportunity" for the state.
What they’re saying
“Indiana is open for business, and our pro-growth environment continues to attract major opportunities like this partnership with the Chicago Bears.”
— Mike Braun, Governor of Indiana (Yahoo Sports)
“Hammond is uniquely positioned for this moment. We're part of the Chicagoland region. We're only 20 minutes from Soldier Field. We're ready to help write Indiana's next great chapter.”
— Ryan Mishler, Indiana State Representative (Yahoo Sports)
What’s next
The judge in the case will decide on Tuesday whether or not to allow Walker Reed Quinn out on bail.
The takeaway
This potential move highlights the fierce competition between states to attract major sports franchises and the economic benefits they bring. It remains to be seen if Illinois can convince the Bears to stay or if Indiana will succeed in luring them across state lines.
