The Chicago Bears find themselves in a prime position, juggling offers from both Indiana and Illinois as they seek a new stadium. Last week, progress was announced on a potential stadium in Indiana, catching Illinois off guard. Now, the tables might be turning.
Bears CEO Kevin Warren recently stated, “We continue to work with Illinois’ leadership and appreciate the progress being made,” a comment shared with Crain’s Chicago Business. This statement subtly nudges Indiana, especially as it approaches the final week of its legislative session, and keeps Illinois in the mix to retain the team.
For the Bears, it’s a strategic play. They’re aiming for the best deal possible, often involving substantial public funding.
In a time when taxpayers are generally against subsidizing large corporations, finding a way to secure such deals remains a challenge. Yet, elected officials often manage to navigate these complexities.
Whether it’s Indiana or Illinois, one of them will likely strike a deal. The Bears are skillfully playing both sides to secure the most favorable terms, even as the possibility of staying in downtown Chicago seems increasingly unlikely.