Trending Now - Chicago's Leaders Push to Retain Bears Amidst Relocation Talks

WHO:

Fox News - Chicago politicians, Chicago Bears, Illinois Senator Bill Cunningham, Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson, Illinois Governor J.B. Pritzker

WHAT:

NBC Sports - The Bears issued a statement saying, “The team has been clear with the city of Chicago and state leaders there are only two viable stadium locations under consideration, Arlington Heights and Hammond, and a decision is expected between the two later this spring or early summer.”

NBC Sports - Illinois Senator Bill Cunningham stated that the Bears' outreach to the city as of late April has led to resistance from some legislators against the Arlington Heights site, as they believe the team is open to staying in Chicago.

NBC Sports - The Bears stated, “The team has been clear with the city of Chicago and state leaders there are only two viable stadium locations under consideration, Arlington Heights and Hammond, and a decision is expected between the two later this spring or early summer.”

NBC Sports - The Bears stated, “The Chicago Bears have exhausted every opportunity to stay in Chicago, which was our initial goal. There is not a viable site in the city. As a result, the only sites under consideration are in Arlington Heights and Hammond.”

NBC Sports - The Chicago Bears have narrowed their stadium options to two locations: Arlington Heights, Illinois, and Hammond, Indiana.

NBC Sports - The Bears stated that a decision on the stadium location is expected between the two later this spring or early summer.

NBC Sports - The Bears denied claims that they are considering staying in Chicago, asserting that only Arlington Heights and Hammond are viable options.

WHERE:

NBC Sports - Arlington Heights, Illinois; Hammond, Indiana; Chicago, Illinois

WHEN:

NBC Sports - Illinois faces a deadline of May 31 to finalize plans regarding the Bears' stadium location.

WHY:

NBC Sports - Cunningham mentioned that the Bears' outreach to the city has helped convince Chicago legislators to move slowly, allowing the city a chance to develop a new lakefront plan and to not support the Arlington Heights site.

NBC Sports - Illinois Senator Bill Cunningham indicated that the Bears' outreach to the city as of late April has given credence to the mayor's claim that a lakefront site in Chicago is still viable, which has led to some legislators moving slowly on supporting the Arlington Heights site.

NBC Sports - Illinois Senator Bill Cunningham indicated that the Bears' outreach to the city as of late April has led to resistance from some legislators against the Arlington Heights site, as they believe the team is open to staying in Chicago.

NBC Sports - Illinois Senator Bill Cunningham indicated that some legislators believe the Bears are open to staying in Chicago, which has led to resistance against the Arlington Heights site.

NBC Sports - Cunningham mentioned that the Bears' outreach to the city as of late April has given credence to the mayor's claim that a lakefront site in Chicago is still viable.

HOW:

NBC Sports - Mayor Brandon Johnson and Illinois Governor J.B. Pritzker have been in disagreement regarding the possibility of the Bears remaining in Chicago, with the stakes being high as Indiana could end up getting the Bears if Illinois does not finalize plans by the May 31 deadline.

NBC Sports - Mayor Brandon Johnson and Governor J.B. Pritzker have been in disagreement regarding the possibility of the Bears remaining in Chicago.

NBC Sports - Local politicians are attempting to disrupt the Bears' plans to relocate by advocating for a new lakefront stadium in Chicago.

(UPDATED May 22, 2026 13:48 UTC)

The Chicago Bears have announced that they are considering two potential stadium locations, Arlington Heights and Hammond, with a decision expected later this spring or early summer. Illinois Senator Bill Cunningham noted that recent outreach from the Bears has led to some resistance among legislators towards the Arlington Heights site, as they believe the team might still be open to remaining in Chicago. Meanwhile, Mayor Brandon Johnson and Illinois Governor J.B. Pritzker are at odds over the Bears' future, with the looming May 31 deadline putting pressure on Illinois to finalize plans, or risk losing the team to Indiana.

(UPDATED May 22, 2026 10:05 UTC)

The Chicago Bears have announced that they are considering two potential stadium locations, Arlington Heights and Hammond, with a decision expected later this spring or early summer. Illinois Senator Bill Cunningham has noted that recent outreach from the Bears has supported the mayor's assertion that a lakefront site in Chicago remains a possibility, causing some legislators to hesitate in backing the Arlington Heights option. Meanwhile, Mayor Brandon Johnson and Illinois Governor J.B. Pritzker are at odds over the Bears' future in Chicago, with a looming May 31 deadline that could see the team relocating to Indiana if plans are not finalized.

(UPDATED May 22, 2026 06:22 UTC)

The Chicago Bears have announced that they have exhausted all opportunities to remain in the city, stating that there is no viable site available, which has led them to consider locations in Arlington Heights and Hammond. Illinois Senator Bill Cunningham noted that recent outreach efforts to the city have sparked resistance from some legislators who believe the team might still be open to staying in Chicago. Meanwhile, Mayor Brandon Johnson and Governor J.B. Pritzker are at odds over the possibility of the Bears continuing to play in the city.

(UPDATED May 21, 2026 21:34 UTC)

The Chicago Bears have narrowed their stadium options to Arlington Heights, Illinois, and Hammond, Indiana, with a decision expected later this spring or early summer. Illinois faces a deadline of May 31 to finalize plans regarding the Bears' stadium location, as local politicians, including Illinois Senator Bill Cunningham, are pushing for a new lakefront stadium in Chicago. Despite some speculation about the Bears potentially staying in Chicago, the team has firmly stated that only Arlington Heights and Hammond are viable options for their new home.