Indiana lawmakers approve financing plan for potential Bears relocation

The newest chapter within the Chicago Bears stadium saga unfolded this week when an Indiana Home panel unanimously accredited laws outlining a financing framework for a possible NFL facility.

Senate Invoice 27 has cleared the Home Methods and Means Committee and now heads to the total Home for a vote. The Home of Representatives must approve the invoice earlier than the legislative session adjourns on the finish of February.

The invoice would create the Northwest Indiana Stadium Authority, giving the brand new company the facility to supervise land acquisition and coordinate financing for the development of a state-of-the-art facility close to Wolf Lake in Hammond, Indiana.

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A common view of the outside of Soldier Area is seen throughout a preseason recreation between the Chicago Bears and the Miami Dolphins on August 14, 2021 at Soldier Area in Chicago, Illinois. (Robin Alam/Icon Sportswire by way of Getty Photographs)

Republican Indiana Governor Mike Braun, Home Speaker Todd Huston and Hammond Mayor Tom McDermott collectively introduced Thursday’s 24-0 committee vote.

“Indiana is open for enterprise,” Braun mentioned. “We’ve recognized a promising location close to Wolf Lake in Hammond and created a broad framework for negotiating a remaining deal.”

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The Bears responded to the information, releasing a press release describing the Indiana improvement as “probably the most significant step ahead in our stadium planning efforts thus far.”

“We’re dedicated to finishing the remaining site-specific due diligence in help of our imaginative and prescient to construct a world-class stadium close to the Wolf Lake space in Hammond, Indiana,” the workforce’s assertion mentioned.

Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson underscored his place that the NFL franchise ought to stay within the metropolis that bears the workforce’s identify.

“The Bears belong within the metropolis of Chicago,” he mentioned at a information convention.

“I’ve mentioned repeatedly that the door is all the time open for conversations. (Bears CEO) Kevin Warren known as me yesterday, we did not get an opportunity to work together. I nonetheless consider their finest place is in Chicago and the proof clearly speaks for itself.”

A common view throughout the American nationwide anthem earlier than an NFL recreation between the Chicago Bears and the Arizona Cardinals at Soldier Area on December 24, 2023 in Chicago, Illinois. (Jamie Sabau/USA TODAY Sports activities)

The Bears alternated between creating land in Arlington Heights and rebuilding on Chicago’s waterfront at Soldier Area earlier than returning to the suburb. The Bears have performed at historic Soldier Area since 1971. The lakefront stadium first opened in 1924 and has undergone quite a few renovations over the many years.

The Illinois Home Income and Finance Committee was scheduled to carry a listening to Thursday morning on a invoice that will permit the Bears and some other developer of a big sufficient challenge to barter long-term property tax charges with native taxing authorities. However that was cancelled.

A common view of the Chicago Bears helmets earlier than the beginning of the sport in opposition to Las Vegas Raiders at Allegiant Stadium on September 28, 2025 in Paradise, Nevada. (Kiyoshi Mio/Imagn Photographs)

“Illinois was prepared to maneuver this invoice ahead,” Matt Hill, deputy chief of employees for communications for Illinois Governor JB Pritzker, wrote on X. “After a productive three-hour assembly yesterday, Bears leaders requested that the (Illinois Common Meeting) pause the listening to to make additional changes to the invoice. This morning we have been shocked to see a press release praising Indiana and ignoring Illinois.”

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The Bears hosted two playoff video games at Soldier Area in January, defeating division rival Inexperienced Bay in a wild-card thriller. The next week, the Los Angeles Rams outlasted the Bears in a frigid divisional spherical match in Chicago.

The Related Press contributed to this report.

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Neighborhood nearer to Indiana after Home plan approves stadium measure, Governor Braun declares state ‘open for enterprise’