Indiana Lures Chicago Bears with Stadium Framework Bill

Governor Mike Braun signs legislation to create a path for a new Bears stadium in Hammond

Published on Feb. 27, 2026

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Indiana has taken a major step in the battle to lure the Chicago Bears to the state, with Governor Mike Braun signing a bill that creates a framework to build a new stadium for the NFL team in Hammond. The legislation allows the city to establish a professional sports development area and permits the creation of a stadium development district, similar to an Innovation Development District. Supporters say the bill creates a user-pay model, meaning people who attend games and concerts would pay taxes to help fund the project.

Why it matters

The move is part of an ongoing competition between Indiana and Illinois to attract the Bears, with both states vying to host the team's new stadium. The legislation in Indiana provides a clear path forward, while Illinois is still working on its own proposal to keep the Bears within the state.

The details

Senate Bill 27 allows for a stadium to be built in the city of Hammond. The measure creates the Northwest Stadium Authority and allows the city to establish a professional sports development area. It also permits the creation of a stadium development district, similar to an Innovation Development District. The legislation allows Lake and Porter counties to adopt a one percent food and beverage tax, and Lake County already has the authority to adopt a five percent innkeepers tax. Under the measure, taxes would end once the bonds used to finance the project are paid off, which is estimated to take about 35 years.

  • On February 27, 2026, Governor Mike Braun signed the stadium framework bill into law.
  • The Indiana General Assembly estimates it would take about 35 years to pay off the bonds used to finance the project.

The players

Governor Mike Braun

The governor of Indiana who signed the stadium framework bill into law.

Chicago Bears

The NFL team that Indiana and Illinois are competing to host in a new stadium.

State Senator Ryan Mishler

The author of the stadium framework bill in Indiana.

J.B. Pritzker

The governor of Illinois, who has suggested Illinois remains in contention for the Bears' new stadium.

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What they’re saying

“It gives the city of Hammond the authority to enact a 12% ticket tax. It requires proceeds from a renegotiated toll road agreement on the Indiana toll road be spent in the seven toll road counties.”

— State Senator Ryan Mishler, Bill Author (wrtv.com)

“Here in Illinois, we continue to have really positive discussions with the Chicago Bears, and I think you are going to see progress over time here. But importantly, I am a Chicago Bears fan, believe very much that they ought to be based in Illinois.”

— J.B. Pritzker, Governor of Illinois (wrtv.com)

What’s next

The Illinois House is not scheduled to meet again until March 14, which could slow progress on that state's proposal to keep the Bears within Illinois.

The takeaway

The battle for the Chicago Bears' new stadium is heating up, with Indiana and Illinois both making moves to attract the NFL team. Indiana's new stadium framework bill provides a clear path forward, while Illinois is still working on its own proposal. This competition highlights the high stakes involved in securing a major sports franchise and the economic benefits it can bring to a region.