In a recent development, the Chicago Bears engaged in discussions with the city’s Corporation Counsel to explore the potential terms for establishing a new stadium along the lakefront, according to a representative from Mayor Brandon Johnson’s office.
Despite these talks, the Bears released a statement on Thursday afternoon clarifying their position: “The Chicago Bears have pursued every avenue to remain in Chicago, which was our primary objective. Unfortunately, there is no feasible location within the city. Consequently, the only options being considered are in Arlington Heights and Hammond.”
ABC7 Chicago is now streaming 24/7. Click here to watch
Mayor Johnson has been actively advocating for the Bears to stay in Chicago, which has led to a disagreement with Governor JB Pritzker. The governor supports relocating the team to Arlington Heights rather than risk them moving to Hammond, Indiana.
In another statement responding to the mayor’s office earlier on Thursday, the Bears emphasized, “Any meetings with the City of Chicago were strictly between legal representatives. Team management was not involved. These discussions are bound by strict confidentiality and typically address numerous issues regarding the Bears’ current lease at Soldier Field.”
The statement continued, “In line with customary procedures, these dialogues covered various subjects and will remain confidential. No significant changes emerged. The only locations under consideration are Arlington Heights and Hammond.”
This situation unfolds as the Illinois megaprojects bill, potentially enabling the construction of a stadium in Arlington Heights, remains in a state of uncertainty. Lawmakers in Springfield have just one week left to pass the bill.
The lead negotiator in the Illinois Senate, Senator Bill Cunningham, says they were told those discussions were about the Bears existing lease at Soldier Field, which runs through 2033.
“During the course of that investigation, they shifted to hypothetical discussions about what might happen if the Arlington Heights site does not get improved, and those hypothetical discussions included reconsidering a site on the lakefront,” Sen. Cunningham said.
RELATED: Indiana Governor Mike Braun optimistic Chicago Bears will move to Hammond: EXCLUSIVE
Mayor Johnson dismissed the proposed stadium site in Hammond Indiana as unviable, and he said there is no plan in place for Arlington Heights. He remains eternally hopeful for Chicago.
“My hope has never been lost,” Johnson said. “That’s why I have maintained my position that Chicago is the best location for the Bears. The Bears believe that as well.”
Another complication for the Bears involves the teams failure to provide a traffic impact study for the area around the Arlington Heights property, which lawmakers need before they can vote on infrastructure funding estimated to be around $850 million.
“We’re going to continue to work through these obstacles, but the Bears are going to have to step up their efforts in the legislature, working with senators and representatives, if they want to see the bill passed,” Cunningham said.
Senator Cunningham suggested that if the Bears don’t move quickly, this legislative session could end on May 31 without a package to help the Bears.
Copyright © 2026 WLS-TV. All Rights Reserved.
