Illinois Governor Criticizes Chicago Bears' Indiana Stadium Plans

Pritzker says he's 'disappointed' by the team's decision to move forward with a new stadium in Indiana.

Published on Mar. 1, 2026

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Illinois Governor JB Pritzker has expressed disappointment in the Chicago Bears' plans to move the team's stadium to Indiana. Pritzker said his administration had productive discussions with the Bears, but the team canceled a key legislative hearing in Illinois and announced plans to build a new stadium near Wolf Lake in Hammond, Indiana. The Indiana state legislature has already taken steps to establish a Northwest Indiana Stadium Authority to finance and construct the new facility.

Why it matters

The potential move of the iconic Chicago Bears franchise from Illinois to Indiana would be a major blow to the state and city, both financially and symbolically. The Bears have played at Soldier Field in Chicago since 1971 and have been part of the city's identity since moving there in 1921. The loss of the team could have significant economic impacts on the region.

The details

The Bears announced they 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.' This comes after Indiana lawmakers unanimously approved an amendment to establish a Northwest Indiana Stadium Authority to finance and construct a new stadium. Meanwhile, Pritzker said his administration had 'very positive discussions' with the Bears, but the team asked to delay a key legislative hearing in Illinois, disappointing the governor.

  • On February 20, 2026, the Indiana state House Ways and Means Committee unanimously approved an amendment to Indiana Senate Bill 27 to establish a Northwest Indiana Stadium Authority.
  • On February 22, 2026, the Chicago Bears canceled a key legislative hearing in Illinois that would have impacted the future of the team's stadium.

The players

JB Pritzker

The governor of Illinois who expressed disappointment in the Chicago Bears' plans to move the team's stadium to Indiana.

Chicago Bears

The NFL franchise that has played at Soldier Field in Chicago since 1971 and is now planning to build a new stadium in Hammond, Indiana.

Mike Braun

The governor of Indiana who posted on social media that Indiana is 'open for business' and has 'established a broad framework for negotiating a final deal' with the Chicago Bears.

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What they’re saying

“We're waiting to hear from the Bears what they'd like to do next.”

— JB Pritzker, Governor of Illinois (the-sun.com)

“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 (the-sun.com)

“Indiana is open for business and we have established a broad framework for negotiating a final deal with the Chicago Bears.”

— Mike Braun, Governor of Indiana (the-sun.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

This case highlights growing concerns in the community about repeat offenders released on bail, raising questions about bail reform, public safety on SF streets, and if any special laws to govern autonomous vehicles in residential and commercial areas.