Overview
- Multiple outlets report Illinois leaders and the Bears are close on a plan for Arlington Heights that pairs state-backed infrastructure with PILOT/megaprojects legislation, while the team funds stadium construction.
- Gov. J.B. Pritzker confirmed progress in ongoing talks and reiterated the state will not pay to build the stadium, with discussions also covering fan affordability protections.
- Sources say negotiations among the governor’s office, legislators, Arlington Heights officials, and the Bears have occurred several times a week since December and are moving quickly.
- Indiana’s bid remains active, with a Senate-passed bill creating a Northwest Indiana stadium authority and a 35-year lease model; legislative deadlines later this month are adding time pressure, and Wolf Lake in Hammond is cited as the primary site under review.
- Competition widened as Portage plans to unveil a privately financed stadium proposal on city land and Iowa lawmakers introduced a bill signaling interest in attracting the franchise.