Report: Bears are close to a deal to stay in Illinois
NBC Sports • • sports
Key Points:
- The Chicago Bears are reportedly close to a deal to keep their new stadium in Illinois, ending months of claims that they were focused solely on building in Indiana.
- A vote in the Illinois legislature on the stadium proposal could occur as soon as November, with Arlington Heights being the likely location rather than Chicago proper.
- The proposed law would allow any municipality to form an authority to own and operate the stadium without paying property taxes, with taxpayers only covering new roads and infrastructure costs.
- Progress on the deal has been driven by Bears minority owner Pat Ryan and NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell, while majority owner George McCaskey and president/CEO Kevin Warren have taken a less prominent role.
- Although not finalized, this development strongly suggests the Bears will remain in Illinois despite previous statements indicating a move to Hammond, Indiana was their sole focus.
