Bears Near Agreement to Remain in Illinois with New Stadium Plan

The Chicago Bears are reportedly close to securing a deal that would keep the team in Illinois, according to a report by Greg Hinz of Crain’s Chicago Business. The agreement would involve constructing a new stadium, most likely in Arlington Heights, rather than in Chicago or Hammond, Indiana. State legislators could vote on the proposal as early as November.

Under the proposed legislation, a municipal authority—potentially including the city of Chicago—could own and operate the stadium without incurring property taxes. Taxpayers would be responsible only for funding new roads and related infrastructure.

Progress on the deal has been attributed to the involvement of minority owner Pat Ryan, as well as NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell. Majority owner George McCaskey and president/CEO Kevin Warren, who previously emphasized Hammond as the team’s focus, have taken a less prominent role in the negotiations.

If approved, the arrangement would represent the most concrete indication to date that the Bears will remain in Illinois.