Bears Near Illinois Stadium Deal, Arlington Heights Favored: Report

CHICAGO — The Bears are nearing a potential deal to remain in Illinois, with Arlington Heights the most likely location for a new stadium, according to a new report.

The report from Crain's Chicago Business comes as Chicago architecture firm Skidmore, Owings & Merrill promotes a separate stadium concept at the White Sox's Rate Field site, adding another city option to the discussion. Neither development represents an announced agreement by the Bears to select a stadium location.

Crain's columnist Greg Hinz reported Thursday, citing sources familiar with the discussions, that lawmakers could vote as soon as November on legislation allowing a municipality, including Chicago, to establish an authority to finance and operate stadiums and potentially other major projects.

Revisions remain under discussion, Hinz reported.

Stadium Authority Plan Gains Momentum

Under the framework described by Crain’s Chicago Business, the publicly owned stadium would be exempt from property taxes, and the authority could collect additional sales tax revenue generated by the development.

State spending would support roads and other infrastructure. The report did not establish a final infrastructure price tag or funding agreement.

Hinz credited increased involvement by Bears minority owner Pat Ryan with helping advance negotiations. NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell has also participated in talks with Gov. JB Pritzker.

RELATED: Pritzker Meets With NFL Commissioner In Push To Keep Bears In Illinois

The framework would preserve Chicago's ability to compete for the team, even with Arlington Heights described as the likely destination. Hinz identified Mayor Brandon Johnson's position and the treatment of remaining Soldier Field debt as unresolved factors.

A Separate Chicago Stadium Concept

Meanwhile, Skidmore, Owings & Merrill released a conceptual proposal for a Bears stadium in Bridgeport, contingent on the White Sox relocating.

"Should the White Sox relocate, we have developed a conceptual proposal that brings a new stadium to Bridgeport," the firm wrote in an Oct. 28 LinkedIn post.

SOM envisions the stadium as the centerpiece of a mixed-use district with housing, entertainment, hospitality, parks and public recreation. The firm highlighted existing parking and access to the CTA, Metra and Dan Ryan Expressway.

The concept also identifies surrounding publicly owned land for affordable and market-rate housing, civic amenities and new or improved pedestrian bridges.

Patch has contacted SOM for additional information about the proposal.

ABC7 reported that community advocates want residents involved in discussions about the site. Ald. Nicole Lee said her first preference remains keeping the White Sox in their longtime home. Opposition to a proposed Amtrak maintenance facility tied to the Sox's potential relocation further complicates the discussion.

The Bears declined to comment to the Chicago Sun-Times about the concept. Lee told the newspaper she had not discussed a potential move to the area with the team.

Pritzker Previously Left Both Illinois Options Open

As Patch reported Oct. 15, Pritzker said legislation being discussed would allow the Bears to choose between Chicago and Arlington Heights.

"We want to keep them in the state of Illinois," Pritzker said. "If we give them those two options, I think that would be satisfactory."

RELATED: Pritzker Says Chicago Still An Option For Bears Stadium Under Proposed Bill

At that time, the governor did not identify a new Chicago site or announce an agreement with the team.

The Bears already own the 326-acre former Arlington Park property, purchased in 2023. But President and CEO Kevin Warren said in August that the organization's "sole focus" was a stadium and mixed-use development in Hammond, Indiana.

Pritzker has opposed taxpayers paying to construct the stadium while distinguishing that expense from public infrastructure improvements.

Past Coverage

• • Bears’ ‘Sole Focus’ Is Hammond Stadium Project, Kevin Warren Says
  • Pritzker Meets With NFL Commissioner In Push To Keep Bears In Illinois
  • Chicago Lakefront Still ‘Best Place’ For Bears To Play: Mayor
  • Bears Contacted Chicago About Potential Lakefront Return: Report