WNBA sensation Caitlin Clark is known for buzzer-beaters and jaw-dropping highlights. However, this week, she was caught off guard by a different kind of headline involving the Chicago Bears.
Iowa, Clark’s home state, has entered the race to host a new stadium for the Bears. The state joins Indiana and several Illinois cities in the competition.
According to a report by Front Office Sports, Iowa lawmakers filed a proposal to entice the Bears to build a new stadium in the state. The new bill, Senate File 2252, would modify Iowa’s Major Economic Growth Attraction (MEGA) program.
MEGA currently offers incentives to companies investing at least $1 billion in the state. The program primarily supports advanced manufacturing, biosciences and research and development. The new bill would allow those incentives to support an NFL team’s construction of a stadium.
Seven state senators filed the bill, including Sen. Kerry Gruenhagen and Sen. Scott Webster. Gruenhagen said Iowa wants to show it is ready for the Bears. He added that the state would act while its competitors debate stadium plans.
Iowa’s bid follows recent stadium proposals in Gary, Indiana, and multiple Illinois cities. Iowa does not have any major professional sports teams.
Indiana Fever guard Caitlin Clark (22) drives to the basket against Chicago Sky guard Lindsay Allen (15).
Caitlin Clark reacts to Iowa’s attempt to lure the Chicago Bears
Clark had a moment of disbelief when she saw this headline on social media: “Iowa wants the Chicago Bears.”
“This is not something I’d thought I’d see,” she wrote on Instagram, with four laughing emojis.
Caitlin Clark reacts to Iowa’s reported interest in the Chicago Bears
(via @caitlinclark22 on IG) pic.twitter.com/mnR9GRQokM
— Paolo Songco (@PaoloSongcoNBA) February 12, 2026
In addition to being one of the top superstars in women’s basketball, Clark is also a huge sports fan. She supports the Kansas City Chiefs. However, as a native of Des Moines, Iowa, she could not help but react to her home state potentially getting its own NFL team.
The Bears currently play at Soldier Field in downtown Chicago. They have been at the historic venue since 1971, except during the 2002 renovations. The team has considered building a new stadium for years, including moving to a different location.
The stadium project is estimated to cost over $5 billion. The Bears recently requested $855 million in public infrastructure funding. A new stadium would take about three years to build, and the Bears had hoped to break ground by now.
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