Hammond Mayor Confident Indiana Can Lure Bears From Illinois

Indiana's proposed stadium deal and business climate give it an edge, Hammond's mayor says.

Published on Feb. 27, 2026

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The battle between Illinois and Indiana to land a new stadium deal for the Chicago Bears has taken an intense turn, with Hammond, Indiana's mayor confidently claiming that his state's offer and business climate will ultimately win over the NFL team. The mayor has been openly critical of Illinois' response, saying Indiana can provide a better financial deal and a more favorable environment for the Bears.

Why it matters

This stadium negotiation is a high-stakes competition between the two states, with significant economic and political implications. The Bears' decision could have a major impact on the team's future and the surrounding communities, making the outcome an important story to follow.

The details

Indiana's House committee has already passed a concept for funding a new Bears stadium, which now heads to the full House for a vote. Hammond's mayor, Thomas McDermott Jr., has been outspoken in his belief that Indiana's offer will be superior to anything Illinois can provide. He cites Indiana's state budget surplus, lower corporate taxes, and public-private funding model as key advantages that will ultimately sway the Bears to choose a location in his city over Illinois.

  • On February 19, 2026, Indiana's House committee passed a concept for funding a new Bears stadium.
  • On February 20, 2026, the full Indiana House is set to vote on the stadium funding proposal.

The players

Thomas McDermott Jr.

The mayor of Hammond, Indiana, who has been actively courting the Chicago Bears to relocate to his city.

J.B. Pritzker

The governor of Illinois, who has expressed disappointment in the Bears' potential move to Indiana.

Chicago Bears

The NFL team that is the subject of the stadium negotiation between Illinois and Indiana.

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What they’re saying

“At the end of the day if the Chicago Bears spend 10 minutes in Hammond and they end up saving a billion dollars in Illinois I can't control that--that was a good investment by the Bears. But if Illinois can match our deal—I don't know if they will—but let's say they match. Let's say we have a bill on the table and Illinois puts a bill on the table. I think nine times out of 10 the Bears pick Indiana because we're a better business climate and for the next 30 or 40 years Indiana is going to be in a better position than Illinois and I think the Bears, as any big business, are looking to save money. So I think they're going to choose Indiana personally.”

— Thomas McDermott Jr., Mayor of Hammond, Indiana (Fox News)

“We have a surplus as a state, so I imagine our state would be able to offer more than Illinois is willing to offer because it seems like Illinois is sort of digging in against the Bears, which is shocking to me. I mean, in the Bears fight song is 'the pride of Illinois' and it doesn't seem like they're being treated like the pride of Illinois right now.”

— Thomas McDermott Jr., Mayor of Hammond, Indiana (Fox News)

What’s next

The full Indiana House is set to vote on the stadium funding proposal on February 20, 2026, which could further solidify Indiana's position in the competition to land the Bears.

The takeaway

This stadium negotiation has become a high-stakes battle between Illinois and Indiana, with each state vying to provide the most attractive deal for the Chicago Bears. Hammond's mayor has taken an aggressive stance, confidently claiming that Indiana's financial incentives and business-friendly climate will ultimately sway the team to relocate across the border, leaving Illinois disappointed.