The Chicago Bears stadium saga took yet another turn Wednesday as the team announced it would explore building a stadium outside of Illinois due to legislative roadblocks — and Bears President and CEO Kevin Warren didn’t mince words when it came to his reasoning.
The news comes as the team prepares to take on their biggest rivals in what has become an exciting season so far for fans, but the message from Warren to Illinois lawmakers was as icy as the last game at Soldier Field.
The team sits atop the NFC North division as the regular season nears its end, with some pivotal games still left on their plate.
“With two regular season home games remaining, we are focused on building a championship organization worthy of you,” Warren wrote in an open letter to fans. “The same standard has guided our work on a new world-class stadium.”
Warren acknowledged that while the team has spent months focused on building a new stadium in northwest suburban Arlington Heights, and still believes “it offers the best and only path forward in Cook County,” they have reached a tipping point when it comes to state finances.
“Over the past several years, we have worked in good faith with Illinois leaders and made clear our commitment and readiness to invest more than $2 billion by the Chicago Bears, one of the largest private investments in state and NFL history,” the letter read. “We have not asked for state taxpayer dollars to build the stadium at Arlington Park. We asked only for a commitment to essential local infrastructure (roads, utilities, and site improvements) which is more than typical for projects of this size. Additionally, we sought reasonable property tax certainty to secure financing. We listened to state leadership and relied on their direction and guidance, yet our efforts have been met with no legislative partnership.”
Warren noted that while the project would mean more jobs, year-round entertainment possibilities and revenue for the state, “for a project of this scale, uncertainty has significant consequences.”
He criticized lawmakers’ lack of “urgency or appreciation” and said they have received “no legislative partnership.” As a result, he noted the team now needs to expand its search, which will include northwest Indiana.
A spokesperson for Illinois Gov. J.B. Pritzker, however, called the possibility of the Bears moving to Indiana “a startling slap in the face to all the beloved and loyal fans who have been rallying around the team during this strong season.”
“The governor’s a Bears fan who has always wanted them to stay in Chicago,” the spokesperson said. “He has also said that ultimately they are a private business that makes their own decisions, but the governor has also been clear that the bottom line for any private business development should not come at the full expense of taxpayers.”
Read Warren’s full letter below:
Dear Chicago Bears Fans:
On the Monday night of our home opener, September 8, 2025, the passion in every corner of Soldier Field was palpable and powerful. Today, 100 days later, that feeling is even stronger. We had a strong win this past weekend at Soldier Field in record setting cold temperatures, with your support and encouragement. We have won five of our six home games this season. Your support lifts this team. With two regular season home games remaining, we are focused on building a championship organization worthy of you.
The same standard has guided our work on a new world-class stadium. Earlier this season, we shared that Arlington Heights is the only location in Cook County that meets the requirements for a world-class NFL stadium. We still believe it offers the best and only path forward in Cook County given there are no other viable alternatives. Over the past several years, we have worked in good faith with Illinois leaders and made clear our commitment and readiness to invest more than $2 billion by the Chicago Bears, one of the largest private investments in state and NFL history.
We have not asked for state taxpayer dollars to build the stadium at Arlington Park. We asked only for a commitment to essential local infrastructure (roads, utilities, and site improvements) which is more than typical for projects of this size. Additionally, we sought reasonable property tax certainty to secure financing. We listened to state leadership and relied on their direction and guidance, yet our efforts have been met with no legislative partnership.
The stakes for Illinois are significant: thousands of union jobs, year-round attractions and global events made possible by a fixed roof stadium that would provide long-term revenue for the State. For a project of this scale, uncertainty has significant consequences. Stable timelines are critical, as are predictable processes and elected leaders, who share a sense of urgency and appreciation for public partnership that projects with this level of impact require. We have not received that sense of urgency or appreciation to date. We have been told directly by State leadership, our project will not be a priority in 2026, despite the benefits it will bring to Illinois.
Consequently, in addition to Arlington Park, we need to expand our search and critically evaluate opportunities throughout the wider Chicagoland region, including Northwest Indiana. This is not about leverage. We spent years trying to build a new home in Cook County. We invested significant time and resources evaluating multiple sites and rationally decided on Arlington Heights. Our fans deserve a world-class stadium. Our players and coaches deserve a venue that matches the championship standard they strive for every day. With that in mind, our organization must keep every credible pathway open to deliver that future.
The Bears have called Chicago home for more than a century. One certainty is that our commitment to this city will not change. We will continue to provide unwavering support to the community. We need to secure a world-class venue for our passionate fanbase and honor the energy you bring every week. The Chicago Bears are a founding franchise, playing in the oldest and smallest stadium in the NFL.
As we move forward, our goal is clear: build a world-class football team that has a world-class stadium worthy of our world-class fans – a stadium that reflects the future we are building together.
Every home game we are reminded of one thing. Bears fans are the best fans in all of sports. We appreciate you.
You cheer. You care. You love your Chicago Bears.
Take care, and Godspeed.
Sincerely,
Kevin Warren
President & CEO
Chicago Bears Football Club
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