chicago bears officials and multiple legislative sources say the team is advancing a stadium development plan focused on Hammond, Indiana, though the move is not yet final and the exact site will be selected later.
Capitol Fax reported a text from Senator Mark Walker that read, "Kevin Warren called to let me know they're going to Indiana, (not specifically Hammond)," and the outlet relayed another legislative source who said Warren told him, "We're moving forward with the Indiana plan."
The team issued a statement from Chairman George H. McCaskey and President and CEO Kevin Warren saying the board "met and voted to advance our stadium development project in Hammond, Indiana, with the exact site to be selected," and that the project would "transform the region, connecting Northwest Indiana to the South Side of Chicago."
The Score's David Haugh reported the Bears were expected to announce the board had voted to focus on Hammond, and ESPN's Adam Schefter relayed a source saying, "barring anything very strange, it's a done deal."
Reactions Policy And Political Responses
ESPN's Courtney Cronin reported that while the Hammond announcement was "real" and not a leverage play, a league source cautioned the Bears leaving Illinois was not a done deal and that "Illinois can still get back in the race."
Observers noted Hammond sits closer to the city of Chicago than the Arlington Heights property, but is outside Illinois, a fact likely to concern some fans and Illinois politicians.
Illinois House Speaker Chris Welch issued a statement pointing to an April House economic development package negotiated with the Bears and others, saying the legislation aimed to incentivize statewide development and provide property tax relief for working people, and that Illinois remained open to efforts to keep the team in the state.
Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson's office said the city will keep engaging while awaiting a final site and until "we see shovels in the ground in Hammond." Governor JB Pritzker's spokesperson Matt Hill said the governor wants the Bears to stay in Illinois and "remains open to a sensible solution that protects taxpayers."
Indiana officials and local leaders offered stronger public endorsements. Indiana Governor Mike Braun thanked legislative and municipal partners and said he looked forward to a partnership "as strong as the '85 Bears defense," calling the move an economic boost for the region. Hammond Mayor Thomas M. McDermott Jr. said the Bears chose Hammond because they see the city as "a successful city of opportunity and possibility."
The Indianapolis Colts also issued a public wish for success via Joel A. Erickson of the Indy Star, saying the Colts were "happy for the Bears" and hoped the plan would bring community and economic development to northwest Indiana.
