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Illinois plans local stadium authorities as Bears consider relocation

2 sources • 1 min read • Latest: May 31, 2026, 10:49 PM

Last updated May 31, 2026

Illinois plans local stadium authorities as Bears consider relocation

Summary

The Illinois legislature is working on a plan to create local stadium-financing authorities in an effort to keep the Chicago Bears from moving to Indiana. As the legislative session nears its end, the proposed law would allow municipalities to own the stadium and surrounding land, mitigating property tax obligations for the Bears. This comes as the franchise considers its future stadium plans, with an decision expected this summer. Indiana has plans for a stadium in Hammond, increasing pressure on Illinois to finalize its proposal.

Source Links

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By the Numbers

•Illinois legislature is proposing local stadium-financing authorities.
•The Bears aim to decide on a new stadium location by summer.
•Proposed law would exempt Bears from property taxes on the stadium.
•Indiana has a competing stadium plan in Hammond.
•Legislative session is close to concluding.

Latest Updates

10:49 PMNBCSports.com — Bears’ Illinois solution hinges on new plan to create local stadium authorities - NBC Sports
10:48 PMYahoo Sports — Bears' Illinois solution hinges on new plan to create local stadium authorities

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