Bears stadium deal with Illinois gaining momentum as deadline nears
TL;DR
The Chicago Bears are nearing a decision on their stadium location as Illinois moves closer to passing a crucial megaprojects bill. Indiana is prepared with an alternative site, but optimism grows in Illinois for a resolution soon.
Key points
- Chicago Bears are determining their next stadium location.
- Illinois is close to passing a megaprojects bill.
- Indiana has prepared a site for the Bears in Hammond.
- A vote on the bill is expected next week.
- Without the bill, the Bears face high property taxes.
Mentioned in this story
The Chicago Bears' stadium saga continues to roll on well into April with the team still working to determine the location for their next home. Indiana has put all their pieces into place and is ready to go with their Wolf Lake site in Hammond, while Illinois continues to slowly move their legislation along down in Springfield to try and pass the needed megaprojects bill to ensure tax certainty. But that may be picking up steam with the state getting close to passing the bill.
State representative Kam Buckner, who has been spearheading negotiations on the stadium issues, joined 104.3 The Score's Mully & Haugh on Friday to discuss the stadium bill, and he believes a resolution is going to come quickly. "As the old church folks used to say, 'Soon and very soon,'" Buckner said when asked about a possible deadline. "I don't know exactly when we're going to get this done, but listen, when I say we're on the punch list stuff, we are there. We got another day here in Springfield where we're going to hammer some other things out. Next week is a big week for us...I think we'll have some good news in short order."
Buckner isn't the only one optimistic about a deal. Around the same time as Buckner was on The Score, ESPN 1000 host David Kaplan was also sharing information that this bill was trending in the right direction. "There will be a vote next week, I believe, that will approve the megaprojects bill that will be bipartisan," Kaplan said on Kap & J-Hood. "It will be a good thing for the Chicago Bears, and it will pretty much solidify that they will be in Arlington Heights... I believe it is close to a done deal." Kaplan followed that up with a post on X doubling down on his report and saying a vote should be coming within the next 10 days.
It sounds like next week will essentially decide the Bears' fate. The NFL has already called for a meeting with the organization shortly after the NFL Draft to get an update on the stadium plans, and team president Kevin Warren has issued a deadline of late spring to make a final decision. The primary holdup with the Bears and Illinois is the megaprojects bills, which would allow private entities to negotiate tax certainty directly with the municipalities. Without this bill, the Bears could be paying over $100 million in property taxes for their Arlington Heights stadium. That problem doesn't exist in Indiana, which has already passed the necessary legislation to give the Bears what they need in a stadium deal.
If Illinois can pass the megaprojects bill, there is a very good chance the Bears commit fully to Arlington Heights and officially move forward with their new stadium. We could know as early as next week, but we know how quickly things can change when it comes to this project.
This article originally appeared on Bears Wire: Bears stadium deal with Illinois gaining momentum as deadline nears
Q&A
What is the status of the Chicago Bears' stadium deal in Illinois?
The Chicago Bears' stadium deal in Illinois is gaining momentum as state representatives work to pass a necessary megaprojects bill, which is expected to be voted on soon.
What are the implications if the megaprojects bill is not passed for the Bears?
If the megaprojects bill is not passed, the Bears could face over $100 million in property taxes for their Arlington Heights stadium, making the Indiana site a more attractive option.
When is the expected vote on the Illinois megaprojects bill for the Bears?
The expected vote on the Illinois megaprojects bill is anticipated to take place next week, which could significantly impact the Bears' stadium plans.
