Overview
- In a Thursday press conference, Bears president Kevin Warren said the franchise’s “sole focus” is Hammond, Indiana, reporting that due diligence at the Lost Marsh site found it viable and that environmental and topographical testing is under way at the Wolf Lake Terminal.
- The Bears’ board voted in June to advance a Hammond development and the team has pledged roughly $2 billion of private funds toward building a new domed stadium and mixed-use project.
- Indiana lawmakers passed incentive legislation earlier this year that officials say would cover a large share of development costs, but the Bears still have not signed a definitive contract with state or local leaders.
- Team executives say conversations with Illinois officials in recent weeks have been minimal and that Illinois has not produced a written offer, while NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell has met privately with select Illinois lawmakers as the league stays involved.
- The final outcome now hinges on completion of site studies, a finished financing plan and formal approvals, and Bears leaders warn that further delay could increase construction costs and complicate the timeline.