Pritzker Met With Goodell Regarding Chicago Bears
The Illinois Governor discussed the team's future as the Chicago Bears consider a new stadium in Northwest Indiana.
Updated on Oct. 1, 2026 in Football
Live Poll
Should local governments offer taxpayer funding to prevent professional sports teams from leaving the area?
Governor J.B. Pritzker met with NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell on Thursday to discuss keeping the Chicago Bears in Illinois. State lawmakers joined the Governor in efforts to protect taxpayers while negotiating the team's potential stadium relocation.
Why it matters
The meeting underscores the state's ongoing attempt to retain the franchise as the Chicago Bears pivot toward a potential move to Northwest Indiana. Officials aim to balance the team's future in the region with the protection of Illinois taxpayers.
Official reports confirm that the Governor's office maintained talks with the Bears throughout the summer of 2026. The NFL previously held discussions with select Illinois lawmakers regarding stadium development in August.
The players
J.B. Pritzker
He is the Governor of Illinois who led the meeting to negotiate keeping the Chicago Bears in the state.
Roger Goodell
He serves as the Commissioner of the National Football League.
Emanuel Welch
He is the Speaker of the Illinois House of Representatives.
Kam Buckner
He is an Illinois State Representative who participated in the discussions with NFL leadership.
Bill Cunningham
He is an Illinois State Senator who attended the meeting regarding the team's future.
The details
Governor J.B. Pritzker and General Assembly leadership, including Speaker Emanuel Welch, Rep. Kam Buckner, and Sen. Bill Cunningham, engaged with Commissioner Goodell to advocate for the team remaining in the state. The team has signaled a shift in strategy by focusing its stadium development efforts on a site in Northwest Indiana.
Timeline
Summer 2026: Governor Pritzker’s office held ongoing conversations with the Chicago Bears.
August 2026: NFL representatives held meetings with select Illinois lawmakers.
October 1, 2026: Governor J.B. Pritzker met with NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell.
Season Trajectory
This development marks a critical shift in the team's long-term stadium strategy, moving away from previous site targets. The state's intervention aims to influence the franchise's geographic future and its lasting impact on the regional sports ecosystem.
The potential relocation would significantly impact the local economic landscape and state infrastructure planning. Residents should monitor future announcements for potential impacts on state tax allocations related to stadium construction.
The takeaway
The active pursuit of new stadium locations by the team remains a significant concern for state leadership. Residents can expect further updates as negotiations between the Governor's office and the NFL continue.
Further reading
For more background on the team's stadium search, visit the Football section.
Live Poll
Should local governments offer taxpayer funding to prevent professional sports teams from leaving the area?
