Chicago Mayor Johnson Pitches New Bears Stadium Plan After 1 Key Illinois Bill Stalls
Updated
Updated · NBC Sports · Jun 1
Chicago Mayor Johnson Pitches New Bears Stadium Plan After 1 Key Illinois Bill Stalls
12 articles · Updated · NBC Sports · Jun 1
Brandon Johnson said Chicago offers the Bears the strongest path to stay in the city after Illinois lawmakers ended their spring session without advancing legislation tied to Arlington Heights.
Chicago’s pitch centers on a publicly owned site the team has already vetted, an existing sports authority and a dedicated revenue stream that Johnson said could move a deal forward while protecting property taxpayers.
The Bears have repeatedly framed Arlington Heights and Hammond, Indiana, as their two options, but the stalled Illinois bill weakens momentum for their preferred in-state suburban site.
That leaves Chicago trying to reopen itself as a viable stadium contender, with Hammond still appearing to many observers mainly as leverage in the broader Illinois negotiations.
With Illinois lawmakers at a standstill, will the Bears choose Chicago's legacy or Indiana's billion-dollar offer?
As stadium deals demand more public funds, who truly profits from a new Bears stadium: the team or taxpayers?