Gov. Pritzker says Mayor Johnson has 'no plan' to keep the Bears in Chicago

Key Points:

• Illinois Governor JB Pritzker criticized Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson for having "no plan" to keep the Bears in Chicago, calling Johnson's approach to Springfield "typical" of a mayor who has accomplished little there.
• Johnson previously proposed a $2.4 billion publicly supported domed stadium near Soldier Field, but the plan stalled without backing from Pritzker or legislative leaders, and Chicago has been largely absent from recent stadium negotiations.
• Johnson recently advocated for the city to take control of the Illinois Sports Facilities Authority to gain leverage in stadium talks, but Pritzker noted the governor appoints a majority of the board, making a transfer of control unlikely soon.
• The Bears are currently considering only two sites for a new stadium: Arlington Heights and Hammond, Indiana, with Illinois lawmakers focusing on legislation to provide tax incentives for Arlington Heights, expected to pass before the May 31 session adjournment.
• Despite ongoing tensions over various issues, Johnson maintains the city supports a publicly owned stadium plan that avoids burdening property taxpayers, while Pritzker emphasizes protecting Illinois taxpayers by avoiding public funding for stadium construction.