What happened: The NFL said it appreciated meeting with Gov. Pritzker and legislative leaders as the Bears pursue a long-term stadium plan. The governor's office said Commissioner Roger Goodell, Pat Ryan, Speaker Welch and top negotiators were part of the session.

Why it matters: The league's public push adds pressure to move the stadium effort from discussion toward a legislative path. It also extends talks that returned to the table earlier Thursday on one of the franchise's biggest off-field issues.

What to watch: Watch for whether state leaders or the Bears put forward a financing or legislative framework after the meeting. The next signal will be whether the talks produce a concrete timeline.