Illinois Lawmakers to Weigh Bears Stadium Deal
A vote on a new Arlington Heights stadium for the Chicago Bears could come during the November 2026 legislative session.
Updated on Nov. 8, 2026 in Football
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Should Illinois give tax breaks to keep the Chicago Bears in the state?
Illinois lawmakers are expected to vote on a proposed Chicago Bears stadium deal in Arlington Heights, with a vote possible as soon as November. A Kalshi market gives an 82% probability that the Bears remain in Illinois.
Why it matters
The Bears have cited Illinois' high property tax rate as a main reason for considering relocation, and that concern has also held back redevelopment around Soldier Field. The proposed model would let municipalities operate stadiums financially and exempt them from property taxes, with the Bears responsible for construction.
Kalshi's market gives 82% odds the Bears stay in Illinois, compared with a 53% pre-season probability of a move to Indiana. The market settles on whether the team officially announces relocation plans by the start of the 2028 season.
The players
Roger Goodell
Roger Goodell is the commissioner of the National Football League, who has joined discussions with Illinois state officials about the Bears stadium.
Pat Ryan
Pat Ryan is a co-owner of the Chicago Bears who has joined discussions with state officials regarding a new stadium.
George McCaskey
George McCaskey is a co-owner of the Chicago Bears who has joined discussions with state officials regarding a new stadium.
The details
Negotiations between Bears team officials and state officials have progressed, with NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell and Bears owners Pat Ryan and George McCaskey joining the discussions. Under the proposed model, municipalities would operate the stadium and be exempt from property taxes, while the Bears would handle construction.
Timeline
Pre-season 2026: Kalshi gave the Bears a 53% chance of moving to Indiana.
November 17, 2026: Illinois legislative session begins.
November 2026: A vote on the Arlington Heights stadium could come as soon as this month.
December 3, 2026: Illinois legislative session ends.
Start of the 2028 season: Kalshi market settles on whether the Bears announce relocation plans.
Season Trajectory
The Bears' stadium decision ties directly to Illinois' property tax structure, which the team has cited as a reason to consider leaving Chicago. The outcome could reshape stadium financing arrangements for the franchise and its Soldier Field neighborhood.
A state-approved stadium deal would determine whether the Bears remain in Chicago for the 2028 season and beyond, affecting Soldier Field and the surrounding area. Fans and season-ticket holders would face any change in home venue only if the team officially announces relocation plans.
The takeaway
The Bears' stadium decision reflects how state tax policy can directly shape where a professional franchise chooses to play. Watch the Illinois legislative session in late 2026 for whether a deal advances.
What happens next
The Illinois legislative session begins November 17, 2026 and ends December 3, 2026, with a possible vote on the Arlington Heights stadium deal during that window.
Further reading
For more on the franchise's home-market debate, see Football coverage on the Bears' stadium and relocation options.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Sports Illustrated.
Live Poll
Should Illinois give tax breaks to keep the Chicago Bears in the state?
