The Chicago Bears have expanded their stadium search from Arlington Heights to the “wider Chicagoland area,” as well as northwest Indiana, as they seek government financial incentives.
Chicago Bears President & CEO Kevin Warren made the announcement on Wednesday in an open letter to Bears fans.
Warren said the team is focused on building a championship organization, citing five of six home games won so far this season, with the strong support from fans.
“The same standard has guided our work on a new world-class stadium. Earlier this season, we shared that Arlington Heights is the only location in Cook County that meets the requirements for a world-class NFL stadium,” Warren said.
The team’s president said the organization still believes the location offers the “best and only path” forward in Cook County, saying there are no other viable alternatives.
The team said they have worked “in good faith” with Illinois leaders and shown a commitment to invest more than $2 billion, one of the largest private investments in state and NFL history.
Warren said they have not asked for state taxpayer dollars to build the stadium at Arlington Park and instead asked for a commitment to essential local infrastructure, such as roads, utilities and site improvements, along with “reasonable property tax certainty” to secure financing.
“We listened to state leadership and relied on their direction and guidance, yet our efforts have been met with no legislative partnership,” Warren said.
The team says the investment will create thousands of union jobs, year-round attractions and global events made possible by a fixed-roof stadium that would provide long-term revenue for Illinois.
Warren says uncertainty has significant consequences for a project of this scale, adding that “stable timelines are critical, as are predictable processes and elected leaders, who share a sense of urgency and appreciation for public partnership that projects with this level of impact require.”
“We have not received that sense of urgency or appreciation to date. We have been told directly by State leadership, our project will not be a priority in 2026, despite the benefits it will bring to Illinois,” he said.
The Bears said the team has since expanded their search throughout the wider Chicagoland region, including northwest Indiana. Warren claimed the move was not about leverage.
He did not specify where in the “wider Chicagoland region” the team was looking at.
“We spent years trying to build a new home in Cook County. We invested significant time and resources evaluating multiple sites and rationally decided on Arlington Heights. Our fans deserve a world-class stadium. Our players and coaches deserve a venue that matches the championship standard they strive for every day. With that in mind, our organization must keep every credible pathway open to deliver that future,” the team’s president said.
Warren said the Bears’ commitment to Chicago will not change but that they need to secure a world-class venue for its passionate fanbase as they are playing in the oldest and smallest stadium in the NFL.
“As we move forward, our goal is clear: build a world-class football team that has a world-class stadium worthy of our world-class fans – a stadium that reflects the future we are building together. Every home game we are reminded of one thing. Bears fans are the best fans in all of sports. We appreciate you,” Warren said.
A spokesperson for Illinois Governor JB Pritzker called the idea that the Bears are considering a move to Indiana a “startling slap in the face” to loyal fans who have been rallying around the team during the strong season.
“The Governor’s a Bears fan who has always wanted them to stay in Chicago. He has also said that ultimately they are a private business that makes their own decisions, but the Governor has also been clear that the bottom line for any private business development should not come at the full expense of taxpayers,” the governor’s spokesperson said.
Indiana Governor Mike Braun said in a statement that the Bears “recognize Indiana’s pro-business climate” and he was ready to work with them to build a new stadium in the state.
“This move would deliver a major economic boost, create jobs, and bring another premier NFL franchise to the Hoosier State. Let’s get it done,” Braun said.