The scheduled Illinois House committee meeting to discuss funding for a new Chicago Bears stadium was canceled, significantly boosting the prospect of the team moving to Indiana.
Meanwhile, Indiana's House Ways and Means Committee unanimously passed an amended bill allowing bonds to finance a stadium in Northwest Indiana. Illinois had been progressing with its own plan, but the Bears requested a pause to make adjustments, surprising legislators by then issuing a statement favoring Indiana.
The Bears expressed commitment to due diligence for a Hammond, Indiana site near Wolf Lake, praising Indiana's leadership. Indiana Governor Mike Braun emphasized the state's pro-growth environment and the framework now in place for a deal, contingent on site approval.
Hammond is the latest potential location considered, alongside other Indiana cities and Des Moines. Previous Illinois options in Chicago and Arlington Heights would require over $1 billion in public funds. Indiana lawmakers view this as a "once-in-a-generation opportunity" to bring the NFL franchise to the state.