Illinois Still In Play To Keep Bears

NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell reiterated that Illinois remains a viable option for the Chicago Bears’ stadium, even as the team pursues two potential sites in Hammond, Indiana. He said Illinois and Indiana should each have a chance to present their best offers and noted he has recently met with Illinois officials to discuss possibilities for keeping the team in the state. While Indiana’s Wolf Lake area offers substantial incentives, Illinois’ Arlington Heights site faces hurdles such as stalled property tax incentives and infrastructure considerations. Bears leadership has publicly focused on Indiana but has not ruled out Illinois, and Chicago-area lawmakers have yet to move on related PILOT legislation. Governor JB Pritzker has signaled a goal of retaining the Bears in Illinois, highlighting ongoing negotiations and due diligence on multiple locations. Officials expect a decision on the stadium’s location by late spring or early summer, underscoring the ongoing competition between Illinois and Indiana to host the franchise.