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+----- Thread: Indiana takes a page from Kansas, looking to steal Chicago Bears? (/thread-1025158.html)
Indiana takes a page from Kansas, looking to steal Chicago Bears? - bryanw1995 - 02-19-2026 01:31 PM
https://www.espn.com/nfl/story/_/id/47977218/indiana-unanimously-passes-bill-lure-bears-away-chicago
The area of Wolf Lake, which crosses the Illinois-Indiana border along Interstate 90, is located on Chicago's southeast side and in Hammond in Northwest, Indiana, which is around 25 minutes south of Soldier Field.
Looks to be in line with the Chiefs ~ 30 minute jump across the State Line into Kansas.
RE: Indiana takes a page from Kansas, looking to steal Bears? - The Beaver - 02-19-2026 02:06 PM
They already demolished the horsetrack, whats preventing them from building the stadium as planned?
RE: Indiana takes a page from Kansas, looking to steal Bears? - Dr Dawgma III - 02-19-2026 02:08 PM
I get it, but I don’t have to like it. Soldier Field is iconic.
RE: Indiana takes a page from Kansas, looking to steal Bears? - Frank the Tank - 02-19-2026 02:11 PM
I could write a whole book on my thoughts here, but here’s how it’s broken down:
(1) For anyone looking at this from the outside, staying in Soldier Field is “not an option”. I put that in quotes because by normal free market business standards, of course the Bears don’t *need* to leave Soldier Field. However, the Bears are looking at the universe of other NFL business standards and particularly those located in large markets and they are at a huge disadvantage in terms of stadium revenue, which in turn impacts the value of the franchise. A new stadium likely makes the Bears into the most valuable sports team in the *world* (not just the NFL) besides the Cowboys, but their value has been limited with the Soldier Field deal (where they don’t have control over concerts or other non-NFL events there or any land surrounding the stadium as that’s public park land protected by law).
It sucks because those aerial shots of the Chicago skyline and Lake Michigan behind Solider Field are stunning, but it’s also weirdly like a Las Vegas Strip casino where it looks way closer when trying to walk to it from downtown than it actually is (e.g. it’s over a mile from the nearest El station because of the convoluted path that you need to take to get to the stadium) and effectively on an island with only one way in and one way out (as the East side of the stadium is Lake Michigan).
(2) Arlington Heights, a Northwest suburb on the Illinois side, is where the Bears have owned land for a new stadium and mixed used development district for several years. It used to be the site of the Arlington Park horse racing track (which was a beautiful facility). This is large enough that they can effectively build a “Bears City” there. (You can fit all 4 pro sports Chicago stadiums and their parking lots on this site. It is HUGE.) There is actually a Metra station located on the site and multiple interstates are close to the location, so as far as the suburbs go in terms of size and location, it’s as good as it will ever get. This is also a really good location for any affluent suburban ticketholders that predominantly live in the North, Northwest, and West suburbs. The intended model is to have what the Braves have with Truist Park and the Battery district on steroids.
The Bears will spend the money to build the stadium itself on their own. They’re not asking the State of Illinois to build the stadium per se, but they are looking to secure infrastructure funding (e.g. roads, utilities, etc.) required for the stadium and property tax “certainty” where the state will allow a deal that the Bears and the City of Arlington Heights and other applicable governmental units (most notably the public school district, which have totally different boundary lines than towns and counties in Illinois).
The infrastructure costs aren’t the issue - the State is fine with those as that area needs road improvements, anyway. Instead, it’s the property tax issue. The Bears claim that not having such certainly would cause them to have a $200 million per year property tax bill. As a comparison, the current highest property tax bill for an NFL stadium is SoFi Stadium in LA County with around $7 million per year. Once again, the Bears and local government entities have a property tax deal, but it can’t go into effect without the State allowing for it, so that is where the tension is. Needless to say, the Bears won’t be staying in Illinois if they have a $200 million annual property tax bill.
(3) Hammond is directly adjacent to the southeastern edge of Chicago across the state line in Indiana. I know a lot of people might think Indiana is an entire universe away from Chicago, but similar to how Jersey City and Hoboken in New Jersey are actually closer to Manhattan than most of the Bronx or Queens or even many parts of Brooklyn, this part of Indiana is closer to downtown Chicago than Arlington Heights or frankly most suburbs on the Illinois side. What Hammond doesn’t have is the affluent ticket holder base or realistic ability to make a true mixed use site because the demographics of the area simply aren’t as favorable for other businesses. The trade-off, though, is that Indiana is effectively offering a free stadium to the Bears, and regardless of what the financials look like in Arlington Heights, nothing beats free.
My understanding is that the Illinois talks are still going and the headlines this morning are being alarmist. I personally think the property tax issue will get resolved, but who knows with some of the egos involved. (I think it’s less about the Governor and more of the stonewalling of the legislators from the Chicago city limits that seem to rather lose the Bears entirely from the State if they aren’t in the city going forward.)
Also, any new stadium will 100% be a dome. They want Super Bowls, Final Fours, CFP games and other high profile events as additional revenue generators. It’s one thing to see high profile events go to LA, but it’s another thing to see Indianapolis really clean our clocks on that front as a smaller Midwestern market.
RE: Indiana takes a page from Kansas, looking to steal Bears? - Dr Dawgma III - 02-19-2026 02:21 PM
A few years ago there was a mixed use proposal at the site of Soldier Field where the facade stayed intact and was used for something else. There was a new dome adjacent to that. The renderings looked incredible. I’m not sure what happened with that, but the Lakefront hasn’t been kind to anyone doing “business” there. See Meigs Field, which was public and destroyed overnight.
I imagine the Bears would not be granted ownership of a stadium at that site, so end of discussion unfortunately.
RE: Indiana takes a page from Kansas, looking to steal Bears? - DFW HOYA - 02-19-2026 02:27 PM
(02-19-2026 02:11 PM)Frank the Tank Wrote: A new stadium likely makes the Bears into the most valuable sports team in the *world* (not just the NFL) besides the Cowboys, but their value has been limited with the Soldier Field deal (where they don’t have control over concerts or other non-NFL events there or any land surrounding the stadium as that’s public park land protected by law).
Can you cite a source on this? Nothing suggests the Bears have that kind of valuation.
RE: Indiana takes a page from Kansas, looking to steal Bears? - Frank the Tank - 02-19-2026 03:01 PM
(02-19-2026 02:27 PM)DFW HOYA Wrote:(02-19-2026 02:11 PM)Frank the Tank Wrote: A new stadium likely makes the Bears into the most valuable sports team in the *world* (not just the NFL) besides the Cowboys, but their value has been limited with the Soldier Field deal (where they don’t have control over concerts or other non-NFL events there or any land surrounding the stadium as that’s public park land protected by law).
Can you cite a source on this? Nothing suggests the Bears have that kind of valuation.
The Bears jumped up to #2 or #3 in value back when Soldier Field was just renovated, but steadily went down the rankings ever since then as other teams got better stadium deals. The Bears have the largest unshared market in the NFL and essentially 100% fandom.
You can see in the current valuations where the Bears are #7:
https://www.cnbc.com/amp/2025/09/04/cnbcs-official-nfl-team-valuations-2025.html
The value of their market alone has allowed the Bears to still be more valuable than several teams with much more lucrative stadium deals, such as the 49ers, Eagles and Falcons. You can even just do simple math: the Bears have zero equity in their stadium and/or have zero outside non-NFL revenue with their stadium, whereas all of the teams above them do. In either Arlington Heights or Hammond, they’re going to either own or control a $2 billion-plus stadium and all ancillary revenue. That could very easily add $2 billion to the value of the franchise, which would make them #2 again after the Cowboys. You’re talking about going from $0 to Jerry World-level ancillary stadium revenue for the Bears in the #3 metro area of the US. That would be a HUGE boost to the Bears valuation.
RE: Indiana takes a page from Kansas, looking to steal Bears? - e-parade - 02-19-2026 03:06 PM
I definitely read this wrong at first and thought this was about literal actual bears and not the NFL team. Was wondering why IU would want to steal some, and how KU managed to already do it without me hearing about it before.
This might end up in a similar way to when Connecticut tried to get the Pats to move there from Foxborough. Where it was newsworthy for a while and then nothing came of it.
RE: Indiana takes a page from Kansas, looking to steal Bears? - andybible1995 - 02-19-2026 03:06 PM
The Bears should have built a new domed stadium 20 years ago.
They never should have renovated Soldier Field.
It looks hideous now, and it lost its NHP designation as a result.
RE: Indiana takes a page from Kansas, looking to steal Bears? - Scoochpooch1 - 02-19-2026 04:01 PM
(02-19-2026 01:31 PM)bryanw1995 Wrote: https://www.espn.com/nfl/story/_/id/47977218/indiana-unanimously-passes-bill-lure-bears-away-chicago
The area of Wolf Lake, which crosses the Illinois-Indiana border along Interstate 90, is located on Chicago's southeast side and in Hammond in Northwest, Indiana, which is around 25 minutes south of Soldier Field.
Looks to be in line with the Chiefs ~ 30 minute jump across the State Line into Kansas.
I thought this was a done deal?
RE: Indiana takes a page from Kansas, looking to steal Bears? - bill dazzle - 02-19-2026 04:06 PM
It will be painful once the Bears leave downtown Chicago and Soldier Field. But it does seem inevitable.
Maybe DePaul can start a FBS football program and use Solider Field (I'm just being absurd, of course).
RE: Indiana takes a page from Kansas, looking to steal Bears? - dbackjon - 02-19-2026 04:10 PM
(02-19-2026 04:06 PM)bill dazzle Wrote: It will be painful once the Bears leave downtown Chicago and Soldier Field. But it does seem inevitable.
Maybe DePaul can start a FBS football program and use Solider Field (I'm just being absurd, of course).
Chicago State Cougars!!
RE: Indiana takes a page from Kansas, looking to steal Bears? - AssKickingChicken - 02-19-2026 04:27 PM
(02-19-2026 03:06 PM)e-parade Wrote: I definitely read this wrong at first and thought this was about literal actual bears and not the NFL team. Was wondering why IU would want to steal some, and how KU managed to already do it without me hearing about it before.
I thought the same thing. LOL
RE: Indiana takes a page from Kansas, looking to steal Bears? - goofus - 02-19-2026 05:14 PM
If the Bears move to Indiana, could a 2nd NFL team move to Arlington Heights?
Not sure if its true, I think I heard there is a rule that NFL teams within 60 miles of each other are considered within the same market.
Distance from Soldier field to Arlington Hts, IL -30 miles
Distance from Soldier field to Hammond, IN - 31 miles
Distance from Arlington hts to hammond - 62 miles
So a 2nd NFL team could not move into Soldier Field because that is only 30 miles away from a new Bears stadium. But a new stadium in Arlington Heights would be 62 miles from a new stadium in Hammond. So in theory a 2nd NFL team could move to the alternative site. Even if the Bears end up moving to Arlington Hts, that could still open NWI for another team.
RE: Indiana takes a page from Kansas, looking to steal Bears? - UofMemphis - 02-19-2026 05:33 PM
makes me glad to be a Packers fan...we aren't leaving Lambeau Field.
RE: Indiana takes a page from Kansas, looking to steal Bears? - bryanw1995 - 02-19-2026 05:51 PM
(02-19-2026 03:01 PM)Frank the Tank Wrote:(02-19-2026 02:27 PM)DFW HOYA Wrote:(02-19-2026 02:11 PM)Frank the Tank Wrote: A new stadium likely makes the Bears into the most valuable sports team in the *world* (not just the NFL) besides the Cowboys, but their value has been limited with the Soldier Field deal (where they don’t have control over concerts or other non-NFL events there or any land surrounding the stadium as that’s public park land protected by law).
Can you cite a source on this? Nothing suggests the Bears have that kind of valuation.
The Bears jumped up to #2 or #3 in value back when Soldier Field was just renovated, but steadily went down the rankings ever since then as other teams got better stadium deals. The Bears have the largest unshared market in the NFL and essentially 100% fandom.
You can see in the current valuations where the Bears are #7:
https://www.cnbc.com/amp/2025/09/04/cnbcs-official-nfl-team-valuations-2025.html
The value of their market alone has allowed the Bears to still be more valuable than several teams with much more lucrative stadium deals, such as the 49ers, Eagles and Falcons. You can even just do simple math: the Bears have zero equity in their stadium and/or have zero outside non-NFL revenue with their stadium, whereas all of the teams above them do. In either Arlington Heights or Hammond, they’re going to either own or control a $2 billion-plus stadium and all ancillary revenue. That could very easily add $2 billion to the value of the franchise, which would make them #2 again after the Cowboys. You’re talking about going from $0 to Jerry World-level ancillary stadium revenue for the Bears in the #3 metro area of the US. That would be a HUGE boost to the Bears valuation.
The latest rankings I just looked up:
1. Dallas Cowboys: $13b
2. Los Angeles Rams: $10.6b
3. New York Giants: $10.1b
4. New England Patriots: $9b
5. San Francisco 49ers: $8.6b
6. Philadelphia Eagles: $8.3b
7. Chicago Bears: $8.2b
8. Las Vegas Raiders: speculative based upon recent revenues
9. Washington Commanders: $7.6b
The Bears going from a bad stadium deal to a great stadium deal should vault them above the Rams, but it will depend upon what the final deal ends up looking like.
RE: Indiana takes a page from Kansas, looking to steal Bears? - Mav - 02-19-2026 11:27 PM
(02-19-2026 02:06 PM)The Beaver Wrote: They already demolished the horsetrack, whats preventing them from building the stadium as planned?They want complete exemption from property taxes and the state is telling them to pound sand
RE: Indiana takes a page from Kansas, looking to steal Bears? - Just Joe - 02-20-2026 12:32 AM
(02-19-2026 05:14 PM)goofus Wrote: If the Bears move to Indiana, could a 2nd NFL team move to Arlington Heights?
Not sure if its true, I think I heard there is a rule that NFL teams within 60 miles of each other are considered within the same market.
Distance from Soldier field to Arlington Hts, IL -30 miles
Distance from Soldier field to Hammond, IN - 31 miles
Distance from Arlington hts to hammond - 62 miles
So a 2nd NFL team could not move into Soldier Field because that is only 30 miles away from a new Bears stadium. But a new stadium in Arlington Heights would be 62 miles from a new stadium in Hammond. So in theory a 2nd NFL team could move to the alternative site. Even if the Bears end up moving to Arlington Hts, that could still open NWI for another team.
When Al Davis beat the NFL in federal court and won the right to move wherever he wanted, the league determining moves was deemed an illegal antitrust action. But of course the NFL has spent the last 40+ years putting the genie back in the bottle. The Bears wouldn’t want another team in the market, other owners wouldn’t want to set a precedent they could face a second team, so it would really take another renegade owner to practically make a move like that. There aren’t any renegades left, not like Al Davis.
RE: Indiana takes a page from Kansas, looking to steal Bears? - bryanw1995 - 02-20-2026 02:01 AM
(02-19-2026 11:27 PM)Mav Wrote:(02-19-2026 02:06 PM)The Beaver Wrote: They already demolished the horsetrack, whats preventing them from building the stadium as planned?They want complete exemption from property taxes and the state is telling them to pound sand
Oh yeah, the Bears obviously prefer the Arlington Heights location, and what they want in the form of tax breaks is no different from what any other NFL team gets right now. But Indiana will either help them get Illinois on side, or in 30 years, a future generation of Illinois legislators will be begging the Bears to come back.
RE: Indiana takes a page from Kansas, looking to steal Bears? - Wahoowa84 - 02-20-2026 09:46 AM
(02-20-2026 02:01 AM)bryanw1995 Wrote:(02-19-2026 11:27 PM)Mav Wrote:(02-19-2026 02:06 PM)The Beaver Wrote: They already demolished the horsetrack, whats preventing them from building the stadium as planned?They want complete exemption from property taxes and the state is telling them to pound sand
Oh yeah, the Bears obviously prefer the Arlington Heights location, and what they want in the form of tax breaks is no different from what any other NFL team gets right now. But Indiana will either help them get Illinois on side, or in 30 years, a future generation of Illinois legislators will be begging the Bears to come back.
Yes, this is all about the Bears seeking leverage in discussions with Illinois legislators. Indiana is helping, but it seems like a long shot that they get the stadium. For the leverage to work, the Bears need a realistic alternative. The NY Giants and Jets moved to the Meadowlands, NJ…it worked because of logistical convenience and opportunities for long term growth. On the other hand, the Washington Commanders move to PG County, MD was awkward and never took-off.