The Chicago Bears Are Extremely Close To Moving To Indiana

It’s hard for NFL fans to wrap their head around, but one of the league’s oldest and most storied franchises might be leaving the city they’ve been associated with for over a century.

The Chicago Bears have not made the type of progress that they were hoping for with regards to a new stadium in the area, so they are seriously looking at playing their games across state lines in Indiana. The franchise has been searching for an updated stadium for many years without success, but the prospect of the team leaving Illinois is extremely real at this point.

“We believe a world-class stadium project in Hammond (Indiana) will transform the region, connecting Northwest Indiana and the South Side of Chicago through the Loop and across the neighborhoods and suburbs stretching north of the city,” Bears chairman George H. McCaskey and CEO Kevin Warren communicated through a statement.

If the Bears ultimately move to Hammond, Indiana would become home to two NFL franchises, with the Bears joining the Indianapolis Colts in the state. pic.twitter.com/kr78YPYjFW

— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) June 5, 2026

State government’s view on the Bears’ strategy to get the new stadium they desire is less favorable.

“The Bears have built a storied legacy in Illinois for over 100 years but have spent the last six years, and especially the last few months, shifting their position on a stadium location,” spokesperson Matt Hill said in a statement on behalf of Illinois governor JB Pritzker. “Today appears to be another instance of that after Illinois leaders have been working with the Bears in good faith. Governor Pritzker has always been clear that he wants the Bears to stay in Illinois and still remains open to a sensible solution that protects taxpayers.”

ESPN NFL insider Adam Schefter said that one of his sources indicated to him that the Bears’ relocation to Indiana is essentially confirmed at this point.

“I was like, is this real? Are they moving to Indiana?” Schefter said he asked the source. The source responded, “Yeah, it is. It’s not a bluff. There is more work to do but barring anything strange, it’s a done deal.”

Bears young emerging quarterback Caleb Williams isn’t focused on the business side of his franchise’s apparent desire to move the team.

“I’m going to play wherever there’s 120 by 53 and a third (yards) and it’s marked up with white lines and two end zones,” Williams told the Chicago Sun-Times. “I’m OK with whatever. Whatever decision they make is whatever decision they make. I just want some green and my teammates and coaches and another team out there. And fans.”

The Chicago Bears recognize Indiana’s pro-business climate, and I am ready to work with them to build a new stadium in Northwest Indiana.

This move would deliver a major economic boost, create jobs, and bring another premier NFL franchise to the Hoosier State. Let’s get it… https://t.co/bW72dSxS3p

— Governor Mike Braun (@GovBraun) December 18, 2025

While things don’t look great right now for the Bears’ future in Chicago, there’s still work being done to try to salvage the situation. Illinois state lawmaker Dan Ugaste said he is drafting a bill that is designed to keep the NFL franchise in the only city they have ever known.

“Once again, Illinois is at risk of losing a major business because of a broken tax system that has driven families and businesses away for years,” he noted in a statement. “The Bears are ready to invest $3 to $5 billion in a world-class stadium and entertainment district that could create jobs, drive growth, and attract major events. As state leaders, we cannot let this opportunity slip away.”