Chicago Bears executives confirmed Thursday that their sole focus for a new stadium development is in Hammond, Indiana, while talks with Illinois remain minimal. Team leadership also addressed stadium design costs, ongoing site testing, and confirmed the franchise will retain its historic name.
As the 2026 regular season approaches, the Chicago Bears find themselves still searching for a permanent home following years of stalled negotiations in their home state. Team leadership clarified their stance during a press availability at Halas Hall in Lake Forest, outlining a strategy that centers heavily on northwest Indiana while leaving the door slightly open for lawmakers across the state line.
Due Diligence and Environmental Testing at Hammond Sites
Bears President and Chief Executive Officer Kevin Warren told reporters that the organization has finished its due diligence at the Lost Marsh site in Hammond, deeming it viable. The team is now evaluating a second potential location nearby at the Wolf Lake Terminal, with executives exploring the possibility of merging parts of both parcels into a single comprehensive complex.
Environmental and engineering activity has already begun on the ground. Hammond Mayor Tom McDermott noted that crews conducted soil testing at one of the prospective sites, with utility flags and tire tracks visible near the marshy area close to the terminal.
“And I do know there’s extensive testing going on. Even right now, I had one of the local businesses in the new footprint call me and say, ‘Hey, they’re boring holes currently.’ So that’s the issue of the day between us and the Bears.”
Tom McDermott, Hammond Mayor
Indiana leadership has expressed strong enthusiasm for the prospect of hosting a second NFL franchise alongside the Indianapolis Colts. Indiana Gov. Mike Braun stated that his administration maintains weekly contact with the team, describing the potential project as one of the biggest things that’s ever occurred to our state.
Minimal Progress and Legislative Stalls in Illinois
While the franchise advances its evaluation in Indiana, discussions with Illinois representatives remain slow. Warren characterized the talks with Illinois lawmakers as minimal since the spring legislative session ended in March, with no clear breakthrough regarding the team’s property tax concerns for the 326-acre Arlington Park property purchased in 2023.
Illinois Gov. JB Pritzker noted that while the Bears have communicated various desires, they have yet to formalize those requests in a written funding bill. Illinois House Speaker Emanuel “Chris” Welch poured cold water on the prospect of an immediate legislative fix, noting that lawmakers do not plan to hold a special session for the team.
“Our goal is to continue to have the conversations, get to something substantive. And if we can get that done, it would be done in veto session.”
Emanuel “Chris” Welch, Illinois House Speaker
Bears Chairman George McCaskey echoed a pragmatic view on future talks with Springfield officials, telling reporters that if there are substantive discussions to be had, let’s have ‘em. Meanwhile, Warren warned that financial pressures continue to mount, noting that the projected cost of constructing a new stadium is increasing by $150 million per year.
George McCaskey Confirms Team Name Will Remain Unchanged
With the organization actively looking across state lines, fans have raised questions regarding the team’s identity should a move materialize. Having spent over a century in Chicago following their early origins as the Decatur Staleys, the franchise was directly asked if a relocation to Indiana would prompt a rebranding.
McCaskey answered the inquiry directly during Thursday’s media session, putting speculation to rest regardless of whether the final spade goes into the ground in suburban Cook County or northwest Indiana.
“No, we will be the Chicago Bears, whether we’re in Arlington or whether we’re in Hammond.”
George McCaskey, Chicago Bears Chairman
Neither Warren nor McCaskey provided a definitive timeline for when a final site selection or construction start date will be announced. As environmental work proceeds near Wolf Lake, the team continues to weigh its options between an untested out-of-state complex and an unresolved legislative landscape in Illinois.
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