Are the Bears going to get blown out of the Windy City?
It’s possible.
Kevin Warren, president and CEO of the Bears, penned an open letter to the team’s fans on Wednesday, saying the franchise is going to look outside of Arlington Heights in Cook County (Illinois) to potentially build a new stadium to replace Soldier Field.
And that means they’ll expand their search to out-of-state locations, including neighboring Indiana.
Caleb Williams throws a pass during the fourth quarter of the Bears’ Week 15 blowout win over the Browns at Soldier Field. IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect
In 2023, the team bought a 326-acre property in Arlington Heights for $197.2 million in hopes of getting a new venue in the Chicago area.
Warren, in the letter, said the team did not seek taxpayer dollars to fund the project but wanted critical infrastructure improved and “reasonable property tax certainty to secure financing.
We listened to state leadership and relied on their direction and guidance, yet our efforts have been met with no legislative partnership.”
Warren added that the leadership of Illinois said the stadium would not be a priority in 2026, which he believes means the team has to expand the search for a new location outside the state’s borders.
“Consequently, in addition to Arlington Park, we need to expand our search and critically evaluate opportunities throughout the wider Chicagoland region, including Northwest Indiana,” Warren wrote. “This is not about leverage. We spent years trying to build a new home in Cook County. We invested significant time and resources evaluating multiple sites and rationally decided on Arlington Heights. Our fans deserve a world-class stadium. Our players and coaches deserve a venue that matches the championship standard they strive for every day.
“With that in mind, our organization must keep every credible pathway open to deliver that future.”
A general view inside of Soldier Field during the Bears’ week 13 win over the Steelers on Nov. 23, 2025 in Chicago Getty Images
A spokesperson for Illinois Gov. J.B. Pritzker called out the letter in no unclear terms, reiterating that taxpayers should not be on the hook for a private business like the Bears.
“Suggesting the Bears would move to Indiana is a startling slap in the face to all the beloved and loyal fans who have been rallying around the team during this strong season,” the Pritzker spokesperson said in a statement, according to the Chicago Sun-Times.
Nevertheless, Indiana Gov. Mike Braun took a different tone, praising the Bears for considering his state for a possible new home.
“The Chicago Bears recognize Indiana’s pro-business climate, and I am ready to work with them to build a new stadium in Northwest Indiana,” he wrote on X. “This move would deliver a major economic boost, create jobs, and bring another premier NFL franchise to the Hoosier State. Let’s get it done.”
The Bears have called Chicago home since 1920 and at Soldier Field since 1971 — other than the 2002 season when the venue was being renovated.