What happened: The Chicago Bears are signaling a definitive shift toward Hammond, Indiana, following a board vote to prioritize the site for a new $5 billion stadium development. This move comes after the Illinois legislature adjourned without passing a key tax certainty bill for the team's 326-acre property in Arlington Heights.

Why it matters: By advancing the Hammond plan, the Bears have designated the Indiana site as their primary focus to pressure Illinois officials. Indiana has already enacted a framework for over $1 billion in public financing, providing the team with the 'tax certainty' they have failed to secure in Illinois amid ongoing property tax disputes.

What to watch: The team expects to complete a final evaluation of the Hammond site by late summer 2026 as Illinois leadership weighs a potential special session.