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Hammond Today
By the People, for the People
Bears' Move to Indiana Feels 'Inevitable' After New Legislation
NFL insider says Bears' potential relocation to Northwest Indiana is gaining momentum
Published on Feb. 25, 2026
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The Chicago Bears' stadium saga has reached a new milestone, with Indiana passing a bill that identifies a potential stadium site near Wolf Lake in Hammond, Indiana, and establishes a framework for negotiations on a final deal with the team. According to NFL insider Conor Orr, the Bears' move to Indiana "feels like an inevitability" barring a major change of course from the state of Illinois.
Why it matters
The Bears have been seeking a new stadium for several years, with Arlington Heights in Illinois being one of the potential sites. However, the new legislation in Indiana has put significant pressure on Illinois lawmakers to make progress on a deal to keep the team in-state.
The details
The bill passed in Indiana establishes a potential stadium site near Wolf Lake in Hammond and a framework for negotiations with the Bears. The team acknowledged this as "the most meaningful step forward in our stadium planning efforts to date." While the Bears' statement didn't indicate an exclusive shift to Indiana, it has put even more pressure on Illinois to make progress on a deal to retain the team.
- In February 2026, Indiana passed a bill identifying a potential stadium site near Wolf Lake in Hammond.
- The Bears released a statement acknowledging this as "the most meaningful step forward in our stadium planning efforts to date."
The players
Conor Orr
An NFL insider who spoke to sources close to the situation and believes the Bears' move to Indiana "feels like an inevitability."
Chicago Bears
The NFL team that has been seeking a new stadium, with Arlington Heights in Illinois being one of the potential sites.
Indiana
The state that passed a bill identifying a potential stadium site near Wolf Lake in Hammond and establishing a framework for negotiations with the Bears.
Illinois
The state where the Bears are currently based, and where lawmakers are under pressure to make progress on a deal to keep the team in-state.
What they’re saying
“this Bears moving to Indiana thing is not just gaining momentum, it feels like an inevitability barring a major change of course from the state of Illinois.”
— Conor Orr, NFL insider (Sports Illustrated)
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
The Bears' potential move to Indiana has put significant pressure on Illinois lawmakers to make progress on a deal to keep the team in-state, as the new legislation in Indiana has made the relocation feel like an inevitability barring a major change of course from Illinois.
