Chicago Bears Eye Indiana for New Stadium with $2 Billion Investment
Hammond, Thursday, 19 February 2026.
The Chicago Bears are shifting focus to Hammond, Indiana, for a new stadium, committing $2 billion after Illinois negotiations stalled. Indiana aims to finalize the deal by the end of February 2026.
Indiana’s Legislative Push
On Wednesday, February 18, 2026, an Indiana House committee took a significant step by advancing legislation to establish a stadium finance authority, aimed at facilitating the Chicago Bears’ stadium construction in northwest Indiana [1]. Indiana House Speaker Todd Huston expressed enthusiasm about the partnership with the Chicago Bears, calling it a ‘historic day’ [1]. Conversely, an Illinois House panel’s hearing on legislation concerning payments with local taxing bodies was canceled on the same day, signaling a potential setback for stadium plans within Illinois [1]. The Bears had been seeking legislation in Illinois to negotiate payments with local taxing bodies in lieu of full property taxes [1].
Hammond’s Allure and the Proposed Stadium
Hammond, Indiana, is emerging as the frontrunner for the Bears’ new stadium, particularly the Wolf Lake area, which straddles the Illinois-Indiana state line [1][3]. Hammond Mayor Thomas McDermott has expressed the city’s eagerness to partner with both the state of Indiana and the Chicago Bears, pledging to do ‘whatever it takes’ to ensure the project’s success [1]. The proposed Indiana bill outlines the creation of the Northwest Indiana Stadium Authority, which would be responsible for building the stadium and then selling it to the Bears for $1 after 40-year bonds are paid off. The Bears would sign a 35-year lease, retaining all stadium revenues [1].
Financial and Political Dynamics
The financial structure for the stadium would mirror that of Lucas Oil Stadium, utilizing bonds, a renegotiated lease with the Indiana Toll Road, a proposed 1% food and beverage tax in Lake and Porter Counties, and a 5% innkeeper’s tax in Lake County [4]. Indiana lawmakers are aiming to pass the bill by the end of February 2026, while Illinois lawmakers remain in session through May 2026 [1]. Indiana Governor Mike Braun emphasized the state’s business-friendly environment, stating that Indiana ‘moves at the speed of business’ [1]. House Speaker Todd Huston highlighted the transformational investment for northwest Indiana, noting the Chicago Bears’ willingness to invest $2 billion in the stadium site [2].
Statements and Strategic Implications
The Chicago Bears organization views the passage of SB 27 as ‘the most meaningful step forward in our stadium planning efforts to date’ and have committed to completing site-specific due diligence for building a world-class stadium near Wolf Lake in Hammond [3][4]. Hammond Mayor Thomas McDermott emphasized the potential economic impact, stating, ‘Not since U.S. Steel built the Gary Works a century ago has the Region seen a project with this kind of economic impact’ [4]. If the move materializes, Indiana would join the few states boasting two NFL franchises [4].