The Chicago Bears’ search for a new stadium could potentially do the unthinkable: move the legendary NFL franchise out of Illinois. Indiana lawmakers cleared a significant hurdle for the Bears to build a domed stadium in the Hoosier State. The state House Ways and Means Committee unanimously approved an amendment to Indiana State Bill 27 that would allow the Bears to build a stadium in Hammond, Indiana. The legislation would help finance construction, issue bonds, and acquire land for a new stadium. “The passage of SB 27 would mark the most meaningful step forward in our stadium planning efforts to date,” the Bears said in statement, according to ESPN. “We are committed to finishing the remaining site-specific necessary due diligence to support our vision to build a world-class stadium near the Wolf Lake area in Hammond, Indiana,” the statement continued. The City of Hammond is approximately 30 miles southeast of Chicago. FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: In a 24-0 unanimous vote, Indiana House Ways and Means Committee names City of Hammond as Chicago Bears stadium location. https://t.co/Lu1p0Qn5pH pic.twitter.com/IO8jaywo5P — City of Hammond (@cityofhammond) February 19, 2026 ESPN has more: The Bears had been seeking legislation in the state of Illinois that would allow the team to negotiate tax payments with local governing bodies instead of paying full property taxes. The team had previously announced that it would invest $2 billion into the construction of a stadium but was seeking an estimated $850 million in public funding to cover “essential local infrastructure,” including roads, sewers and improvements to adjacent commuter rail lines around the 326-acre property the team purchased in Arlington Heights, Illinois. An Illinois House panel had been set for a hearing on such legislation on Thursday morning, but the committee canceled the meeting. A spokesperson for Illinois governor J.B. Pritzker said that “Illinois was ready to move this bill forward. After a productive three-hour meeting yesterday, the Bears leaders requested the ILGA pause the hearing to make further tweaks to the bill. This morning, we were surprised to see a statement lauding Indiana and ignoring Illinois.” The Bears’ current lease at Soldier Field — the stadium where they play but which is owned by the City of Chicago — runs through 2033. “Indiana is open for business, and our pro-growth environment continues to attract major opportunities like this partnership with the Chicago Bears. We’ve identified a promising site near Wolf Lake in Hammond and established a broad framework for negotiating a final deal. If approved, the proposed amendment to Senate Bill 27 puts forward the essential framework to complete this agreement, contingent upon site due diligence proceeding smoothly,” Indiana Gov. Mike Braun said. “The State of Indiana moves at the speed of business, and we’ve demonstrated that through our quick coordination between state agencies, local government, and the legislature to set the stage for a huge win for all Hoosiers. We have built a strong relationship with the Bears organization that will serve as the foundation for a public-private partnership, leading to the construction of a world-class stadium and a win for taxpayers,” he continued. Indiana is open for business, and our pro-growth environment continues to attract major opportunities like this partnership with the Chicago Bears. We’ve identified a promising site near Wolf Lake in Hammond and established a broad framework for negotiating a final deal. If… — Governor Mike Braun (@GovBraun) February 19, 2026 Indiana Capital Chronicle explained further: Hammond Mayor Tom McDermott told committee members that the project would be transformational for northwest Indiana. “If this opportunity becomes a reality, Indiana will become one of the very few states in America with two National Football League franchises,” McDermott said. “Think about that, two NFL teams, Indianapolis and Hammond. Two global brands, two engines of economic growth, two sources of pride.” McDermott told reporters afterward that while state officials were handling negotiations with the Bears, he was “giving up a significant part of my city for this project to make it happen.” He said he believed the stadium project would end up in Hammond. “Indiana’s got the best offer on the table,” he said. “We got the best business environment. Why would the Bears walk away from a better deal? I mean, this is a business just like all these other businesses moving to northwest Indiana. The Bears are a business and they want to save money, too.” Watch additional coverage below: