CHICAGO (AP) — The Chicago Bears are continuing their timeline for selecting a site for a new stadium, despite an uncertain future regarding proposed incentives in the Illinois state legislature. The Illinois Senate passed a bill early Monday that would have allowed Arlington Heights and Chicago to form local stadium authorities, enabling the Bears to avoid property taxes on a new stadium in Illinois. However, the House adjourned without addressing the proposal on the last day of the state’s spring legislative session.
The Bears are currently finalizing their assessment of potential stadium locations in Arlington Heights, Illinois, and Hammond, Indiana, while maintaining a timeline that signals updates by late spring or early summer. In a statement, the team assured fans, “We will provide an update when we have a decision to share.”
State Representative Kam Buckner, whose district includes parts of Chicago, indicated via social media that the modified bill passed by the Senate lacked adequate support in the House. He expressed optimism, stating, “I remain optimistic. We all share the same goal: finding a solution that works for the Bears, works for taxpayers, and earns the confidence of the General Assembly.” He emphasized that the conclusion of the legislative session does not end the discussion.
The lease for Soldier Field, the Bears' current home, remains valid until 2033, but the team has the option to terminate it early for a fee. The late legislative developments reflect the complicated nature of the Bears' stadium decision-making process, which has seen various proposals over the years.
In September 2021, the Bears announced a purchase agreement for 326 acres of land in Arlington Heights, about 30 miles northwest of Chicago, for $197 million. Plans for a nearly $5 billion development were unveiled in September 2022, featuring an enclosed stadium capable of hosting Super Bowls and additional amenities including a year-round entertainment district.
Under the leadership of new team president Kevin Warren, hired in January 2023, the Bears initially considered a plan to build a new stadium adjacent to Soldier Field. This proposal received enthusiastic support from Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson, though it was met with hesitance from Illinois Governor JB Pritzker and state legislators at the time of its announcement in April 2024.
By May 2025, the Bears had shifted focus again towards Arlington Heights, claiming to have made significant progress with local leaders. Within the context of ongoing efforts to secure tax incentives, including up to $855 million for infrastructure enhancements at the Arlington Heights site, the franchise also began exploring options in Northwest Indiana.
The Bears’ growing interest in Indiana caught the attention of Governor Mike Braun and state lawmakers. In February, a state House committee passed a bill to establish a Northwest Indiana Stadium Authority, aimed at financing, constructing, and leasing a new stadium. The organization provided a platform for the Bears to conduct "due diligence" regarding land near Wolf Lake in Hammond, Indiana.
As of May 21, the Bears confirmed that they are considering only Hammond and Arlington Heights as potential stadium sites. Nonetheless, some Illinois lawmakers continue to push for the Bears to consider Chicago again in discussions about their future.
The Chicago Bears have been an Illinois institution since their inception as the Decatur Staleys in 1920. Following their move to Chicago in 1921, the team has never owned its stadium, previously playing at Wrigley Field from 1921 to 1970 and at Soldier Field since then.
