Bears' Potential Move to Indiana Gains Momentum

Key committee approves plan to create agency to help build stadium in Hammond

Published on Feb. 27, 2026

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The Chicago Bears' potential move to Indiana took another step forward on Thursday as a key committee in the Indiana House of Representatives approved a plan to create a Northwest Indiana Stadium Authority to finance, construct and lease a new stadium for the team. The Bears are eyeing a site near Wolf Lake in Hammond, Indiana, as they continue to explore options outside of Illinois amid a long-running effort to build an enclosed stadium in the state.

Why it matters

The Bears' potential relocation to Indiana highlights the ongoing challenges the team has faced in securing a new stadium deal in Illinois, where efforts to build an enclosed stadium have stalled. The move could have significant economic and civic implications for both states as they compete to host the founding NFL franchise.

The details

The Indiana House of Representatives Ways and Means Committee passed the bill establishing the Northwest Indiana Stadium Authority by a 24-0 margin. The Bears said the passage of the bill would mark 'the most meaningful step forward in our stadium planning efforts to date' as they continue to conduct due diligence on the Hammond site. Meanwhile, Illinois Gov. JB Pritzker expressed disappointment that the Bears did not acknowledge the progress made in discussions with the state, which had been working on legislation to help the team build a new stadium.

  • On Thursday, the Indiana House of Representatives Ways and Means Committee passed the bill establishing the Northwest Indiana Stadium Authority.
  • In September 2022, the Bears unveiled a nearly $5 billion plan for a new stadium and mixed-use development in Arlington Heights, Illinois.
  • In April 2024, the Bears announced a plan to transform Chicago's Museum Campus, but the proposal received a tepid reception from Pritzker and state legislators.

The players

Chicago Bears

The founding NFL franchise that has played in Chicago since 1921 and is now exploring a potential move to Indiana.

Indiana House of Representatives Ways and Means Committee

The key legislative committee that approved the plan to create the Northwest Indiana Stadium Authority.

Gov. Mike Braun

The Republican governor of Indiana who has been aggressive in trying to lure the Bears to the state.

Gov. JB Pritzker

The Democratic governor of Illinois who expressed disappointment that the Bears did not acknowledge the progress made in discussions with the state.

Kevin Warren

The Bears' president who was hired three years ago to replace the retiring Ted Phillips.

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What they’re saying

“The passage of SB 27 would mark the most meaningful step forward in our stadium planning efforts to date. 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 (bakersfieldnow.com)

“I have to say it's very disappointing to hear that they would put that statement out but not say anything about the advancement that's been made in the state of Illinois. We're waiting to hear from the Bears what they'd like to do next.”

— Gov. JB Pritzker (bakersfieldnow.com)

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 highlights the ongoing challenges the team has faced in securing a new stadium deal in Illinois, where efforts to build an enclosed stadium have stalled. The move could have significant economic and civic implications for both states as they compete to host the founding NFL franchise.