Frequently Asked Questions
Is the NFL really trying to block the Chicago Bears from moving to Hammond, Indiana?
Mike Florio of Pro Football Talk believes the NFL could veto the Bears' move to Indiana, and Roger Goodell's meeting with Illinois Governor J.B. Pritzker rather than Indiana's governor signals the league prefers the team stays in Illinois. At least 23 other NFL owners would have to approve any relocation, and approving a move of one of the league's most historic franchises across the border to Indiana seems unlikely.
Why did Roger Goodell meet with Illinois Governor J.B. Pritzker instead of Indiana's governor?
Goodell's meeting with Illinois Governor J.B. Pritzker is seen as a strong signal that the NFL would rather see the Bears stay in Illinois than relocate to Hammond, Indiana. If Indiana were truly the frontrunner, it would have made more sense for Goodell to meet with Indiana Governor Mike Braun instead.
What would happen to the Bears' Arlington Heights property if they moved to Indiana?
The Bears have already spent $200 million on the Arlington Heights property, which has been bulldozed and had negotiations with local governments completed. Moving to Indiana would essentially mean throwing that $200 million investment away.
What are the main reasons the NFL might reject the Chicago Bears' move to Hammond, Indiana?
The concerns include environmental issues in Hammond's polluted industrial region, an underwhelming landscape, the move encroaching on Indianapolis Colts territory, and a desire to keep a franchise in Illinois, the country's sixth-most-populous state. Arlington Heights is considered a far superior location with better infrastructure and a much larger population base.
Why haven't the Chicago Bears made a final stadium decision yet?
The Bears have drawn out the stadium process longer than any other NFL franchise currently seeking a new stadium, with some teams that announced plans after the Bears already under construction. The holdup in Illinois comes down to legislation needed to provide the team with property tax breaks and infrastructure support.
Erik Lambert
I’m a football writer with more than 15 years covering the Chicago Bears. I hold a master’s degree in the Teaching of Writing from Columbia College Chicago, and my work on Sports Mockery has earned more than twenty million views. I focus on providing analysis, context, and reporting on Bears strategy, roster decisions, and team developments, and I’ve shared insight on 670 The Score, ESPN 1000, and football podcasts in the U.S. and Europe.
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