(VIDEO) Chicago Bears Closer to Northwest Indiana Move as Indiana Committee Approves Stadium Funding Bill

The Chicago Bears moved one significant step closer to potentially relocating across state lines after an Indiana House committee unanimously approved legislation Thursday that establishes the framework for financing and building a new stadium in Northwest Indiana.

The Indiana House Ways and Means Committee voted 24-0 to advance an amended version of Senate Bill 27, which creates the Northwest Indiana Stadium Authority. This body would have the power to issue bonds, acquire land, finance construction and oversee a lease agreement with the team. The bill, which previously passed the Indiana Senate in late January, now heads to the full House for consideration before the legislative session ends Feb. 27.

The proposed site centers on an area near Wolf Lake in Hammond, Indiana, in Lake County. House Speaker Todd Huston (R-Fishers), who sponsored the bill in the House, announced during the committee meeting that the Bears have committed to investing $2 billion toward the project. Huston described the development as a “shared commitment” between the team and state leaders, calling it a “transformational investment” for northwest Indiana and the state.

In a statement released Thursday, the Bears called the committee’s action “the most meaningful step forward in our stadium planning efforts to date.” The team expressed readiness to complete site-specific due diligence and affirmed its vision for a “world-class stadium near the Wolf Lake area in Hammond, Indiana.” The Bears thanked Indiana Gov. Mike Braun, Speaker Huston, Sen. Ryan Mishler and other lawmakers for establishing a “critical framework and path forward” to deliver a premier venue serving Chicagoland fans and visitors.

The momentum comes amid stalled progress in Illinois, where the Bears have played at Soldier Field since 1971. An Illinois House committee meeting scheduled Thursday to discuss stadium funding was canceled, heightening speculation about an out-of-state move. Reports indicate Bears leadership paused Illinois negotiations earlier in the week to allow for bill adjustments.

Senate Bill 27 sets parameters for a potential deal, including bond issuance, a long-term lease and creation of a Northwest Indiana Stadium Development District and Professional Sports Development Area in Hammond. While it outlines authority powers, key financial specifics—such as exact public contributions, tax mechanisms or total project costs—remain subject to final negotiations and due diligence.

The Bears have long sought a modern facility to replace aging Soldier Field. Previous efforts focused on Arlington Heights, Illinois, but those plans faced hurdles. Indiana’s aggressive push, backed by bipartisan legislative support, positions Hammond as a viable alternative just across the state line, offering proximity to Chicago while providing new economic development opportunities.

Local leaders in northwest Indiana have welcomed the proposal, viewing it as an economic boon through jobs, tourism and infrastructure upgrades. Critics in Illinois argue losing the Bears would hurt Chicago’s sports identity and tax revenue, while some in Indiana question public funding for professional sports venues.

NFL insider Conor Orr, citing sources, described the Indiana move as feeling like an “inevitability” barring major changes from Illinois. The Bears’ statement stopped short of exclusivity but placed clear pressure on Springfield to advance competing legislation.

If the full House approves SB 27, the stadium authority could begin formal talks, land acquisition and environmental reviews. No timeline for groundbreaking or completion has been set, but passage would mark a pivotal advancement in years of stadium uncertainty for the franchise.

The Bears, owned by the McCaskey family, have emphasized a facility that enhances fan experience, community integration and global appeal. A move to Indiana would mark the first NFL team relocation since the Rams and Chargers shifted in recent years, though cross-state shifts remain rare.

As the Indiana House prepares to vote, attention turns to whether lawmakers can finalize the bill before session’s end. The Bears continue exploring options but have signaled strong interest in the Hammond vision.

For Chicago fans, the prospect of road trips to Indiana raises mixed emotions—loyalty to the city versus excitement for a state-of-the-art home. For northwest Indiana residents, it promises revitalization in a region long seeking major investment.

The coming days will determine if the Bears stay in Illinois or cross into Indiana for a new chapter.