Bears, NFL Chief Seek Illinois Stadium Path

The Chicago Bears are re-entering the political process in Illinois with a strategy that keeps both in-state and out-of-state options alive.

NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell met with Illinois legislators this week alongside Bears Chairman George McCaskey and President and CEO Kevin Warren. A source confirmed the gathering, which left the door open for future discussions regarding a stadium site in either Chicago or the suburbs. The presence of the league's top executive suggests the franchise is seriously considering remaining in the state, a stance Goodell has previously supported.

The timing of the meeting aligns with the legislative calendar. The Illinois fall veto session begins on November 17 in Springfield. No new stadium deal can be finalized until that session starts. However, it remains uncertain if the Bears will be a top priority for lawmakers despite the team's strong recent performance on the field. The search for a new home has continued for five and a half years without a final resolution.

This is not the first time Goodell has engaged with Illinois politicians this year. He met with legislators in August, stating the goal was to ensure Arlington Heights, Illinois, and Indiana could present their best proposals. A month later, he joined Governor JB Pritzker and Bears minority owner Pat Ryan for another session with state leaders. The Bears said in a statement Friday that they appreciate the recent engagement from Illinois leadership, which allowed them to share their feedback on potential legislation.

While Illinois discussions resume, the Bears are simultaneously finalizing details for two sites in the Wolf Lake area of Hammond, Indiana. The team has pledged $2 billion toward those Indiana projects. The Bears' board of directors voted in June to proceed with the Indiana plans, though they did not rule out the possibility of building in Arlington Heights. The team owns a 326-acre property there, but legislation intended to lower their property taxes in that location failed during the spring legislative sessions.

The Bears indicated they will continue working with Indiana leaders while maintaining dialogue with Illinois. A statement from the team noted they expect productive conversations with both leadership teams in the coming weeks. The organization stated it has an obligation to explore every available option to develop a project that attracts global events and drives economic growth in the Chicagoland area.