Chicago Bears: NFL steps in for Illinois stadium pitch

The Chicago Bears are focused on building a new stadium in Northwest Indiana, but it’s not out of the realm of possibility that the team will remain in Illinois with a new stadium.

The NFL is apparently doing what it can to keep the Bears viable in Illinois. Per Brenden Moore of Capitol News Illinois, Illinois Gov. JB Pritzker met with NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell, Pat Ryan, Speaker Emanuel Welch, and the top legislative negotiators regarding the new stadium project.

One name was mysteriously absent: Bears CEO/president Kevin Warren. Chairman George McCaskey was not in the meeting either.

Via the Governor’s office:

“The Governor’s Office has remained in conversation with the Bears about their plans in Illinois throughout the summer. “Today, Governor Pritzker was grateful to meet in Illinois with NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell, Pat Ryan, Speaker Emanuel “Chris” Welch, Rep. Kam Buckner, and Sen. Bill Cunningham.

“The Governor and General Assembly leadership were glad to participate in a productive meeting focused on keeping the Bears in Illinois and protecting taxpayers.”

Chicago Bears: NFL takes lead in Illinois talks

Oct 13, 2024; London, United Kingdom; NFL commissioner Roger Goodell (left) talks with Chicago Bears long snapper Scott Daly (46) and place kicker Cairo Santos (8) before the game against the Jacksonville Jaguars during an NFL International Series game at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-Imagn Images

The Bears weren’t making much progress in Illinois, maybe the league can find a solution that can work for the NFL, Bears, and taxpayers of Illinois.

Illinois officials have not been in a hurry to bend to the Bears’ wants this year. The team appeared to be aggressively scoping out a territory for a new stadium in Hammond, Indiana.

Chicago mayor Brandon Johnson has suggested in recent months that the “Windy City” is the best option for the Bears. Many Illinois legislators have addresses in Chicago.

The league made it clear in the spring that only the sites at Arlington Heights and Hammond are viable for the Bears. It’s unclear whether Pritzker, who isn’t opposed to the Bears remaining in Chicago, made any progress on that point with Goodell on Thursday.

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