An announcement is expected Wednesday in the Ways and Means Committee that the Chicago Bears have agreed to relocate to Northwest Indiana, specifically the Hammond area, Indy Politics has learned.
The anticipated announcement would mark a significant development in the long-running uncertainty surrounding the Bears’ stadium future. The team has spent several years exploring options in Illinois, including proposals involving Chicago’s lakefront and suburban redevelopment sites. No formal agreement has been publicly confirmed to date.
Sources indicate the matter is expected to be addressed within the Indiana General Assembly’s Ways and Means Committee, suggesting that financing mechanisms and potential state involvement will be part of the discussion. Projects of this scale typically require a combination of private investment, local infrastructure commitments, and state-level financial participation.
If confirmed, the relocation would have substantial economic and political implications for both Indiana and Illinois. For Northwest Indiana, the arrival of an NFL franchise would represent one of the largest sports-related economic development projects in state history. Stadium construction, hospitality expansion, transportation infrastructure, and surrounding commercial development would likely follow.
For Illinois, the departure of the Bears would raise questions about stadium financing negotiations and regional competitiveness. The franchise has long been associated with Chicago’s identity, and a move across state lines would be notable both symbolically and economically.
Neither the Bears organization nor state officials have publicly confirmed the reported relocation agreement as of publication.
Legislative leaders have not yet released formal details regarding the committee agenda or the scope of the proposed project. It is also unclear what specific financing tools or incentive packages may be under consideration.
Further information is expected following the committee proceedings.
Indy Politics will provide updates as details become available.
