The Chicago Bears, a cornerstone of the NFL since 1921, are signaling that their century-long tenure in the Windy City could be coming to an end. Team President Kevin Warren recently suggested the franchise might relocate to Northwest Indiana as stadium and tax negotiations with Illinois officials reach a stalemate.
While the Bears have deep roots in Chicago—outlasting historical rivals like the Hammond Pros and the Dayton Triangles—the financial reality of a new stadium project is creating a significant rift.
The Team’s Demands
The Bears are currently seeking a specialized financial package to support their transition to a new stadium. Their proposal includes two primary pillars:
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Infrastructure Funding: Approximately $855 million in public money to cover roads, utilities, and transit adjustments needed for a suburban stadium site.
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Tax Breaks: Legislation that would waive sales tax on construction materials and freeze property tax assessments at pre-development levels for “megaprojects.”
The Tax Burden: Illinois vs. Indiana
The team’s interest in Indiana isn’t just a bluff; the math highlights a stark contrast in the tax environments of the two states.
If the Bears build a campus valued at $3 billion in Arlington Heights, Illinois, they could face an annual property tax bill of roughly $210 million. In contrast, a similar development in Northwest Indiana would likely cost between $50 million and $75 million per year in property taxes.
Furthermore, Indiana offers a lower sales tax rate (7%) compared to the 10% rate found in Arlington Heights. On a project requiring $1 billion in raw materials, building across the state line could save the team an additional $30 million upfront.
A Policy Dilemma for Lawmakers
Illinois officials are hesitant to grant these massive subsidies. Critics argue that taxpayer-funded stadiums rarely provide a fair return on investment for the public. While it is reasonable to debate who should pay for the roads and pipes leading to a stadium, many believe the team should shoulder a larger portion of those costs.
On the other hand, the Bears’ frustration points to a larger issue: Illinois and Cook County have some of the highest tax burdens in the country. Historically, the state has used targeted incentives to keep businesses from leaving, rather than lowering rates across the board. Without those “sweetheart deals,” even a legendary institution like the Bears finds it difficult to justify the cost of staying.
The situation leaves Illinois in a difficult position: stand firm on tax principles and risk losing a cultural icon, or provide a massive tax giveaway to a profitable sports franchise.