The Chicago Bears may be inching closer to a big move — and it could take them just across the state line.
Indiana Advances Stadium Plan for the Chicago Bears
The Chicago Bears are one step closer to potentially building a new stadium in Hammond, Indiana, after a key Indiana House committee unanimously approved a framework bill on Thursday.
The Indiana House Ways and Means Committee signed off on legislation that lays the groundwork for a potential partnership between the state and the Bears. The bill doesn’t finalize a deal, but it establishes the structure needed to negotiate one.
Indiana Gov. Mike Braun said the state has identified a promising lakefront site near Wolf Lake in Hammond and is ready to move quickly.
“Indiana is open for business,” Braun said in a statement, pointing to fast coordination between state agencies, local government, and lawmakers to position the project as a potential win for Hoosiers.
According to the governor, Indiana has built a strong relationship with the Bears organization that could lead to a public-private partnership and the construction of a “world-class stadium.”
The Bears Call It a Major Step Forward
The team described the passage of SB 27 as the “most meaningful step forward” in its stadium planning efforts so far.
In a statement, the Bears said they are committed to completing the necessary site-specific due diligence to support their vision of building near the Wolf Lake area in Hammond. They also thanked Braun, Speaker Huston, Senator Mishler, and members of the Indiana General Assembly for helping create what they called a critical path forward.
If the project moves ahead, the proposed stadium would sit on thousands of acres of lakefront property near Wolf Lake — just steps from the Chicago border and roughly 22 miles from downtown Chicago. The site currently includes a concert pavilion, golf course, and driving range.
Indiana officials have indicated the state could contribute up to $1 billion toward construction, with the stadium ultimately owned by the state.
How We Got Here
Last month, the Indiana Senate advanced legislation that would create the Northwest Indiana Stadium Commission, an entity responsible for financing and building a new stadium for the Bears.
Hammond Mayor Tom McDermott Jr. confirmed the proposed site would be in Hammond. Surveyors were recently spotted working on the property, and sources say the work was being conducted on behalf of the Bears.
McDermott has argued that Hammond offers clear business advantages compared to the team’s previously proposed development in Arlington Heights.
He pointed to what he described as a stronger business climate in Indiana, including lower liability rates and a state budget surplus that could allow Indiana to put together a more competitive incentive package than Illinois.
He also questioned Illinois’ approach to negotiations, noting that the Bears are often called “the pride of Illinois” — yet, in his view, are not being treated that way.
What Happens Next?
A move to Hammond would mark a dramatic shift for one of the NFL’s oldest franchises and could reshape the team’s long-standing identity in Illinois.
For now, several key questions remain — including how Illinois lawmakers will respond. A Bears-related project bill that was expected to be discussed in Illinois on Thursday was abruptly canceled, adding another layer of uncertainty to the team’s stadium future.
One thing is clear: the stadium conversation is far from over, and the battle between Illinois and Indiana for the Bears is officially heating up.
Frank
