The Chicago Bears have taken a significant step toward potentially relocating their next stadium project across state lines, as Indiana lawmakers advanced legislation that could pave the way for a new venue in Hammond.
An amended version of Indiana Senate Bill 27 cleared the Indiana House Ways and Means Committee with a unanimous 24-0 vote. The measure would create the Northwest Indiana Stadium Authority, granting it the power to issue bonds, acquire land and finance construction of a proposed stadium site near Wolf Lake, close to the Illinois border.
The legislation already passed the Indiana Senate in a decisive 46-2 vote and now moves to the Indiana House of Representatives for further consideration. If approved, it would establish the legal and financial framework necessary to negotiate a public-private partnership for the project.
In a statement, the Chicago Bears described the bill’s progress as the most meaningful advancement in their stadium planning efforts so far. The team emphasized its commitment to completing site-specific due diligence to support its vision of building what it calls a world-class stadium near the Wolf Lake area. The franchise also expressed appreciation for Indiana leaders, including Governor Mike Braun and members of the General Assembly, for helping lay the groundwork.
Braun hailed the development as a major economic opportunity, saying the state’s pro-growth environment has positioned Indiana as an attractive partner for large-scale ventures. He described the Wolf Lake location as promising and said the proposed amendment provides the essential framework for finalizing an agreement, pending successful due diligence. Braun framed the effort as a potential win for taxpayers and a sign that Indiana can move quickly to attract high-profile projects.
The developments in Indiana come as the Bears’ stadium ambitions remain fluid in Illinois. The team recently requested the cancellation of a scheduled Illinois House Revenue and Finance Committee hearing tied to a separate mega-projects bill. That measure would enable negotiations between project overseers and local municipalities and is considered necessary for advancing the Bears’ previously announced plans in Arlington Heights.
The franchise closed on a 326-acre property in Arlington Heights in 2023 and has pledged to contribute $2 billion toward the construction of a new stadium. The Bears’ current lease at Soldier Field runs through 2033, leaving a defined but narrowing window for long-term decisions.
Team president Kevin Warren has shifted messaging over the past year, at times indicating a preference for a site near Soldier Field before reaffirming interest in Arlington Heights. He has also stated that the organization is expanding its search to include the wider Chicagoland region and Northwestern Indiana. Warren has insisted that exploring multiple options is not a tactic to gain leverage.
Illinois officials, however, appeared caught off guard by the Bears’ public praise of Indiana. A spokesperson for Governor J.B. Pritzker noted that state lawmakers had been prepared to move forward with discussions before the team requested additional adjustments to the Illinois bill.
With legislative tracks now active in two states, the Bears’ next home remains uncertain. What is clear is that the franchise is positioning itself at the center of a competitive regional effort, with billions of dollars and significant economic impact hanging in the balance.