Chicago Bears stadium plan stalls as Illinois lawmakers adjourn
Bears stadium plans remain uncertain after Illinois lawmakers miss key vote
A last-minute stadium proposal passed the Illinois Senate but stalled in the House, leaving the Chicago Bears’ future stadium plans in Arlington Heights or Hammond, Indiana unresolved as the team continues evaluating both sites.
CHICAGO - Illinois lawmakers adjourned their spring legislative session early Monday without approving a last-minute stadium financing proposal aimed at keeping the Chicago Bears in the state, leaving the franchise free to continue weighing potential stadium sites in both Illinois and Indiana.
Chicago Bears stadium latest
The backstory:
The General Assembly wrapped up its work around 4:40 a.m. without the House taking up a newly introduced plan that would have allowed communities such as Arlington Heights to create local stadium authorities. Supporters said the measure would have provided property tax relief sought by the Bears as part of a proposed stadium development.
The proposal had cleared the Illinois Senate late Sunday night, but time ran out before it could receive a vote in the House.
Illinois leaders react after failing to pass last-minute Bears stadium bill
Illinois lawmakers ended their session without passing a stadium bill designed to help keep the Chicago Bears in the state.
What they're saying:
Shortly before 5 a.m., the Bears released a statement saying the organization remains actively engaged in evaluating potential stadium locations in both Arlington Heights and Hammond.
"We will finalize our evaluation of both Arlington Heights and Hammond, and remain on the late spring/early summer timeline that we have previously communicated. We will provide an update when we have a decision to share," the statement read.
The team also reiterated that it is operating on a timeline that calls for a decision during late spring or early summer, signaling that a final choice could come sooner rather than later.
The legislative setback comes as Indiana continues its effort to attract the Bears across state lines. Indiana officials have previously approved legislation that supporters say could provide up to $1 billion in incentives for a major development project in Hammond near the Illinois border.
The failure to advance the Illinois proposal leaves uncertainty about whether state lawmakers will revisit the issue before returning to Springfield later this year. The General Assembly is not scheduled to return for its regular fall session for several months.
What's next:
With lawmakers now out of session, attention shifts back to the Bears and their ownership group as they determine where the franchise's long-term home will be located.
For now, both Arlington Heights and Hammond remain under consideration, but the window for a decision appears to be narrowing as the team continues evaluating its options.
Arlington Heights reacts
The Village of Arlington Heights released the folowing statement on the General Assembly:
The Village of Arlington Heights is disappointed that Springfield did not pass any legislation to facilitate the proposed redevelopment of Arlington Park this session. While this outcome is not what many had hoped for, the Arlington Park property remains one of the largest and most important redevelopment opportunities with long-term potential for our community, the region, and the entire State of Illinois.
"The Village of Arlington Heights has spent the past five years working diligently to prepare for the redevelopment of Arlington Park. We are truly disappointed with the outcome from the springlegislative session yet again," said Mayor Jim Tinaglia. "Although we recognize that these discussions are complex and involve many stakeholders, this is clearly a fumble for the State of Illinois. My commitment to the residents and businesses of Arlington Heights is unwavering, and we will continue to represent the interests of our community as future opportunities and next steps are considered."
The Village remains committed to thoughtful planning, community engagement, and responsible evaluation and discussions of future redevelopment proposals with the Chicago Bears and stakeholders related to the Arlington Park property.
Mayor Brandon Johnson reacts
"Last night, the Illinois General Assembly decided to forgo a vote on HB 958, legislation that would have established a framework for the creation of municipal stadium finance authorities to build publicly owned sports stadiums in Cook County.
"I appreciate the bill’s proponents and their acknowledgment of the value of public stadium ownership and their desire to create a pathway for a new Chicago stadium. While questions remained about the legislation’s design, legislators ultimately reached the same conclusion the City reached in 2024: the strongest proposal for a new stadium centers public ownership, the use of a sports authority and a commitment to public infrastructure.
"Chicago’s 2024 plan relied on the Illinois Sports Facilities Authority and its existing 2% hotel tax to fund public infrastructure, a model that reflects the same principles the legislature ultimately centered in its framework.
"Chicago continues to offer the strongest opportunity to retain the Bears. We have a publicly owned site the team has already vetted and approved, an existing sports authority with a dedicated revenue stream, and a framework for moving a deal forward.
"I am grateful for the support of the Chicago delegation in our advocacy efforts and for helping ensure Chicago remains a viable path forward. I look forward to continuing to work with all stakeholders to pursue a deal that keeps the Bears while protecting property taxpayers."
The Source: The information in this report came from the Chicago Bears and the Illinois General Assembly.