The Chicago Bears are closer than ever to a move that once seemed unthinkable: leaving Illinois.
Indiana lawmakers on Thursday advanced legislation aimed squarely at bringing the storied franchise to Hammond, pushing the Bears’ long-running stadium saga across the state line as Illinois lawmakers abruptly canceled a key hearing tied to keeping the team.
The Indiana House Ways and Means Committee unanimously approved an amendment to Senate Bill 27, clearing a major hurdle for a proposal that would pave the way for a new stadium in Northwest Indiana. The measure would establish a Northwest Indiana Stadium Authority with the power to issue bonds, acquire land, and finance construction.
The vote came just days before Indiana’s legislative session is set to adjourn, injecting urgency into the state’s push.
“This is a once-in-a-generation opportunity. Hammond is ready to partner with the State of Indiana, the Chicago Bears, and will do whatever it takes to make this project a success and to welcome the Bears to their new home,” Hammond Mayor Thomas McDermott told lawmakers in testimony Thursday. “This move by the State of Indiana and the Bears tells the rest of the country that Indiana is not just keeping up — it’s leading.”
The proposed stadium site sits near Wolf Lake along Interstate 90, a location that straddles the Illinois-Indiana border. Half the lake lies on Chicago’s Southeast Side, while the other half sits in Hammond.
McDermott emphasized the region’s ties to Chicago and its teams.
“We listen to Chicago radio. We root for Chicago teams — especially the Bears,” he said during the committee hearing. “It’s the one team we can get behind in Northwest Indiana, and that’s hard to do.”
After the amendment advanced, the Bears issued a statement describing the legislation as a breakthrough moment.
“The passage of SB 27 would mark the most meaningful step forward in our stadium planning efforts to date. We are committed to finishing the remaining site-specific necessary due diligence to support our vision to build a world-class stadium near the Wolf Lake area in Hammond, Indiana. We appreciate the leadership shown by Governor [Mike] Braun, Speaker [Todd] Huston, Senator [Ryan] Mishler and members of the Indiana General Assembly in establishing this critical framework and path forward to deliver a premier venue for all of Chicagoland and a destination for Bears fans and visitors from across the globe. We value our partnership and look forward to continuing to build our working relationship together.”
Indiana Gov. Mike Braun welcomed the momentum, calling the project a product of swift coordination between state and local leaders.
“Indiana is open for business, and our pro-growth environment continues to attract major opportunities like this partnership with the Chicago Bears,” Braun said. “We’ve identified a promising site near Wolf Lake in Hammond and established a broad framework for negotiating a final deal. If approved, the proposed amendment to Senate Bill 27 puts forward the essential framework to complete this agreement, contingent upon site due diligence proceeding smoothly. The State of Indiana moves at the speed of business, and we’ve demonstrated that through our quick coordination between state agencies, local government, and the legislature to set the stage for a huge win for all Hoosiers. We have built a strong relationship with the Bears organization that will serve as the foundation for a public-private partnership, leading to the construction of a world-class stadium and a win for taxpayers.”
Meanwhile, Illinois lawmakers hit pause.
A legislative hearing scheduled for Thursday in Springfield — focused on a controversial proposal offering the Bears tax incentives and infrastructure support for a potential stadium in Arlington Heights — was canceled.
Lawmakers said they needed additional time to work through details of the Mega Project Assessment Freeze and Payment Law.
The legislation would allow the Bears, or developers behind projects costing at least $500 million, to negotiate agreements with local governments to lock in long-term property tax payments.
With Indiana advancing a concrete financing framework and Illinois delaying debate, the Bears’ stadium future now hinges on a growing contrast: one state accelerating, the other regrouping.
