The Chicago Bears, long a staple of the Windy City since 1921, are moving forward with plans to build a new stadium across state lines in Hammond, Indiana. The announcement follows the Indiana House of Representatives’ unanimous approval of a measure to make the state the team’s new home.

The franchise expressed gratitude to the Republican-led Indiana government, saying it “values our partnership” and looks forward to creating a “world-class stadium near the Wolf Lake area” for fans across Chicagoland. Indiana Governor Mike Braun highlighted the state’s “pro-growth environment” and swift coordination between agencies as key to attracting the team.

Illinois Democratic leaders, including Governor JB Pritzker and Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson, face a setback after plans to relocate the team to Arlington Heights stalled in the Democrat-controlled legislature. The Bears had requested the cancellation of a state hearing on infrastructure support for the Arlington Heights stadium, which could have provided up to $850 million in funding.

Property taxes and business costs remain a significant concern in Illinois. A 7% property tax rate in Arlington Heights could have cost the franchise roughly $210 million annually, according to local Republican officials. Indiana offers a lower-tax environment, with a 2.95% income tax, 4.9% corporate tax, and further income tax cuts scheduled for 2027.

Local businesses in Arlington Heights had backed the move within Illinois, anticipating tourism and revenue growth. Relocating to Indiana could reduce costs for the franchise and players while keeping the team close to the Chicago metro area.

The Bears, following an NFC North division title and playoff appearance last season with quarterback Caleb Williams and new head coach Ben Johnson, continue to emerge as a top contender in the NFC. The potential move to Indiana mirrors other interstate stadium efforts, such as the Kansas City Chiefs’ new stadium plans in Kansas after decades in Missouri.