The Chicago Bears are having to rethink plans for a new home, and are even considering a potential move to north-west Indiana, after efforts to secure public funding for venue in Illinois stalled.

In an open letter to fans, issued Wednesday (17th December), team president Kevin Warren insisted that the storied franchise still preferred to build a new stadium on land it owns in Arlington Heights, Illinois, and denied that discussions about Indiana are being used as leverage.

The team’s focus has shifted repeatedly between Arlington Heights and a lakefront site near Soldier Field, with the latter gaining support from mayor Brandon Johnson but not the state governor or lawmakers

Having never owned its own stadium since moving to Chicago in 1921, the Bears’ latest plan is to privately fund stadium construction at the former Arlington Park racetrack site, about 30 miles north-west of their current home at Soldier Field, but are seeking $855m in public funding for surrounding infrastructure, according to a consultant’s report released in September. Proposed state legislation that would have frozen property taxes on large-scale developments failed to pass in October, delaying the project.

With plans now in abeyance, Warren wrote a lengthy missive to fans explaining the team’s next move:

“On the Monday night of our home opener, September 8th, 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 organisation 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 $2bn 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 north-west 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 organisation 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 honour 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.”