The Chicago Bears, one of the NFL’s original teams, are considering a big change: moving to Hammond, Indiana. This idea comes up because talks for a new stadium in Illinois have been stuck. Hammond is right next to Chicago, across the state border, and the plan includes building a new covered stadium near Wolf Lake.

On February 19, 2026, Indiana lawmakers took a key step by voting 24-0 in a committee to support the stadium plan. The Bears called it a major progress and said they will study if a high-quality stadium can be built there. The team has promised $2 billion for the project, while Indiana would add $1 billion for things like roads and other upgrades.

Indiana leaders, including Governor Mike Braun, are eager to bring the Bears because it could create jobs and boost the local economy. Hammond’s mayor, Thomas McDermott Jr., has said the city will do whatever it takes to make it work. The proposed site is on land that used to be a golf course on top of an old factory area.

However, the move is not final. Illinois Governor JB Pritzker was surprised by the news. He mentioned that his team met with the Bears on February 18 and they were almost ready to agree on a deal to stay in Illinois. Pritzker sees the Bears’ statement as just exploring options, not a done deal, and called the situation disappointing. Illinois is still pushing its own plan.

The Bears have searched for a new stadium for years. They looked at places like Arlington Heights and areas in Chicago, but problems with taxes and funding got in the way. A move to Indiana might offer better financial terms, but it could upset Chicago fans. The NFL generally prefers teams to stay in large cities like Chicago.

Reactions are split: excitement in Indiana and worry in Chicago. If Indiana’s full law passes next week, the process could speed up. As of February 20, 2026, both states are competing to keep or win the team.