IL lawmakers look to fall session for stadium framework aimed at keeping Chicago Bears in state

Chicago Bears IL lawmakers look to fall session for stadium framework aimed at keeping Chicago Bears in state By John Garcia Monday, November 9, 2026 10:50PM Illinois lawmakers are looking to the fall session for stadium framework aimed at keeping the Chicago Bears in the state. WLS SPRINGFIELD, Ill. (WLS) -- Illinois lawmakers returning to Springfield for the fall veto session next week are expected to take up a range of issues, including efforts to reach a deal that could help keep the Chicago Bears in Illinois. The Bears own a more than 300-acre site in Arlington Heights that remains undeveloped. According to lawmakers, the team has not moved forward with construction of a new stadium while discussions continue over property tax-related issues and potential state assistance. ABC7 Chicago is now streaming 24/7. Click here to watch After meetings involving Gov. JB Pritzker, key lawmakers and the NFL, supporters of a stadium proposal say they hope progress can be made during the upcoming session. "We're trying to draft a franchise neutral and location neutral bill right here that puts these tools in place for stadium development," said state Sen. Bill Cunningham, D-Chicago. Cunningham and several other lawmakers discussed the fall session during an online forum. Cunningham said one proposal being discussed in the Senate would allow the Bears to build and operate a stadium while transferring ownership of the facility to a stadium authority. Under that framework, the stadium would be state-owned, allowing the team to avoid property taxes. He said the proposal could apply to multiple locations and potentially to other professional sports franchises. SEE LATEST: Chicago Bears stadium proposal on Southeast Side gains attention as lawmakers work on legislation Evanston Township HS student killed in Deerfield crash involving Chicago Tribune box truck 1 hour ago Bill Belichick's ex-girlfriend Jordon Hudson sues over 2023 Ring cam video 30 minutes ago Wisconsin state trooper detained by ICE while boarding domestic flight to be released "We're at the point where we need to take the politics out of it. The election's finished. And see if we can come to a conclusion to keep the Bears, we are obviously all excited to keep them here," said state Sen. Sue Rezin, R-38th District. Some House members said a proposed "mega projects" bill could provide a similar approach by offering benefits such as bonds or tax credits for large construction projects. "Mega projects is agnostic throughout the entire state of Illinois because we have mega projects that certainly could be in Arlington Heights or Rockford or Peoria or Bloomington," said state Rep. Ryan Spain, R-73rd District. The Bears are also considering plans for a stadium in Hammond, Indiana. Indiana Gov. Mike Braun said in a statement last week that the Bears need to make a decision quickly or Indiana will shift its focus to other projects. Stadium consultant Marc Ganis of Sportscorp Ltd. said Illinois risks losing the team if lawmakers fail to act. "This is a gift to the state of Illinois. Roger Goodell and the NFL have gotten personally involved to try to make it happen so that generations to come don't look back at the 2026 state legislature and say what the heck were those guys thinking?" Ganis said. The Bears have not publicly set a deadline for making a stadium decision. Report a correction or typo Copyright © 2026 WLS-TV. All Rights Reserved. Related Topics SPORTS SPRINGFIELD CHICAGO BEARS NFL FOOTBALL STATE POLITICS Bears secure 27-24 victory over Buccaneers with last-minute field goal Bears stadium proposal gains attention, lawmakers work on legislation ABC7 Sports Overtime with Dionne Miller ABC7 Sports Overtime with Dionne Miller: Nov. 6, 2026 Watch Live ON NOW ETHS student killed in suburban crash involving Chicago Tribune truck 1 hour ago Bill Belichick's ex-girlfriend Jordon Hudson sues over Ring cam video 30 minutes ago Wisconsin state trooper detained by ICE to be released Man convicted of fatally stabbing young suburban mom 120 times in 1966 12 minutes ago Air France flight nearly hits American Airlines plane after taking off from LAX 3 hours ago Voice recorder from Florida jet crash recovered by investigators 1 hour ago Mother charged in OD death of 12-year-old daughter: Joliet police Suburban hospital placed on EMS bypass as owner fails to make payroll