Chicago Bears Advance Toward Move to Indiana

The legendary NFL franchise is looking to move to Hammond.

Soldier Field in Chicago. Shutterstock photo.

(Hammond, Ind.) - The Chicago Bears could soon call Indiana home. 

On Thursday, Chicago Bears Chairman George H. McCaskey and President and CEO Kevin Warren announced that the Board of Directors voted to advance the team's stadium development in Hammond, Indiana. 

Statement from Chairman George H. McCaskey and President & CEO Kevin Warren: pic.twitter.com/U4lHzSV8Zv

— Chicago Bears (@ChicagoBears) June 5, 2026

"Hoosiers, help me welcome the Chicago Bears to our great state," said Gov. Mike Braun. "We look forward to building a partnership as strong as the 85' Bears defense, creating opportunities and economic growth that will benefit our state and the Bears organization for decades to come. An NFL franchise in Northwest Indiana will be an economic boost to the entire region like we haven’t seen before. "

In February, leaders announced the framework to build a new stadium at Wolf Lake in Hammond, which is about 23 miles southeast of Chicago. 

The Bears originally committed over $2 billion for a stadium in the Arlington Heights neighborhood of Chicago, but that plan stalled. 

The Bears have been targeting the 2029 season for the planned opening of their new stadium. 

"Without a final site selection, until we see shovels in the ground in Hammond, the City of Chicago will continue to engage in discussions grounded in the interests of our residents," said Brandon Johnson, Mayor of Chicago.