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It's a tax scenario. It's like they own, but don't. They get the tax benefit from leading and also get the profit benefit as a full owner. They also get year round control and additional moneys that go with concerts etc.

I suspect its about getting a high return on their investment compared to how long it will take to pay back their investment if they owned it. If they owned the stadium it would still need to be replaced in 40 years also.

I read somewhere about the Bears not owning the stadium, but the piece I read had them renting the stadium for 40 years. 35 or 40, I don't like the fact that the Bears wouldn't own the stadium from day one. I guarantee you, long before the 35 years pass, this new stadium will be considered outdated and need to be replaced or go through major renovations.

This explains what most of the deal with Indiana will supply. They will become a tenant with the option to buy the stadium at the end of the lease. What makes this attractive is the bulk of the dollars brought in will go to them. Basically they will get a high return on the their money invested in the Stadium and then buy the stadium for 1 dollar at the end of the lease. There is already casinos in the area. That is the attractive part for the State by getting more revenue with the added attention to Hammond. (No, the Chicago Bears would not own the stadium (at least initially) if they move to Hammond, Indiana. indianacapitalchronicle.com Recent developments (as of June 5-6, 2026) show the Bears' Board of Directors voted to advance stadium plans in Hammond after stalled negotiations in Illinois. The project involves a new, enclosed stadium (likely near Wolf Lake) as part of a broader mixed-use development. chicagobears.com Key Details on Ownership and Financing Public ownership via authority: Indiana's legislation (Senate Bill 27, passed earlier in 2026) created the Northwest Indiana Stadium Authority. This public body would acquire land, issue bonds, finance, construct, own, and lease the stadium. indianacapitalchronicle.com Bears' role: The team would act as a tenant under a long-term lease (at least 35 years). They have committed ~$2 billion toward the project (construction and related development), while public incentives total up to ~$1 billion. The Bears would keep most game-day and non-football event revenues, handle maintenance/operations, and avoid property taxes during the lease. indianacapitalchronicle.com Path to potential ownership: At the end of the lease, the Bears could have an option to purchase the stadium—either for any remaining debt or for $1 if bonds are fully paid off (via lease payments and related taxes like admissions, food/beverage, and hotel taxes in

I dont know if this matters, call it a conspiracy theory: The Arlington Heights land purchase agreement specifically denies the Bears the ability to build a Casino or Sports Betting, protecting nearby Casinos that already exist, and probably have some political sway. Maybe while Virginia was alive, that concept wasnt even considered, but now, when you look at it, Hammond would allow the bears to do that, and thats a license to print money. So, continuing the conspiracy theory, imagine the Bears decide they WANT Hammond, and the casino, so how do they do that without making fans angry? By having the IL politicians reject them. No traffic study, no listening to lobbyists, not good communication to politicians. What if the Bears end up in Hammond, build a Bearsville, with restaurants, and Bears museums, and of course, a Casino. ANd they get to do it while everyone thinks it wasnt them that wanted it? It may not have been planned that way, pretty slick if it was, but it may end up like that anyway. So either Kevin Warren is a secret genius, incredibly lucky, or this is all a really bad idea. Is casino $ a hidden factor in this?

I doubt it. Anyone who watched the IL politicians blame the Bears for this situation knows that was the final straw. David Haugh said he agreed with the politicians the Bears lost credibility and this is their fault. How? By purchasing land in IL explicitly for a new stadium? That’s pretty threatening behavior for an NFL team. if after two years IL couldn’t make a deal comparable to other states/teams it won’t happen now after this decision. That might be best near term for a bankrupt state since they can’t afford anything. These stadiums are money losers. But IMO they improve quality of life and in the long term that makes an area more attractive to development. I’m old enough to remember all the corruption around the AZ Diamondbacks stadium deal. Phoenix was much smaller then. Why are we giving them money? There were similar issues with the Coyotes hockey team. Are we really thinking they’ll watch hockey in the desert? Then of course multiple votes for the Cardinals stadium. Then the realization they wanted to build it in the middle of nowhere on the other side of the city from where the majority lived Now Phoenix is one of the largest cities and still growing. People like to live around cities with lots of entertainment options Big businesses look at that when deciding where to locate It’s not the only thing of course but it helps when recruiting people. With that we are now on the verge of being one of the largest semiconductor manufacturing areas in the world It’s a big change from the call center businesses that dominated the area in the 90s. The area where they built the Suns and DBacks stadium was the worst part of the city. Now it is home to a vibrant urban area where thousands of young adults live with all their scooters and electric bikes Indiana will be using this as a recruiting tool to bring in more businesses to the area. It’s still close enough to have the benefits of other entertainment in Chicago. Ultimately that long game is how you get back the money given to the team

I was lost too. Warren seems to be a yes sir type. Every clip Ive seen of him has been of him being that. To be honest, he seems to be worthless, unless he told the McCaskeys its Ben Johnson or bust.

I dont see how anything Warren has done would help him be Mayor of Chicago. Playing politics (and losing!), being two faced all that stuff it doesnt make him more popular. Honestly that's the first I've heard anyone say Warren wants to be mayor. You say it like it's a fact, at best it's a longshot hot take.

Warren has been playing politics because he eventually wants to be the Mayor of Chicago, that's why he keeps playing with Chicago. This time the board voted on it which excludes his games. Until shovels are in the ground is what matters . I would prefer AH because its a hour away from me but the state and city are in a bad financial situation and cant help the Bears unless they add more taxes in one of the highest taxed states in the Union but this is a major step in going to Indiana.

yes of course, hibernation time.

No the stadium talk wasn’t the distraction. There just no angst-over our QB. Our new OC. The Oline. Who is WR3. Not too long ago we had Mooney as WR1. Who will start at safety. Even though he was with the second team Thieneman looked good. Anxiety generates debate. There are a few more OTAs but from here the next big discussions will be when the pads come on

So for what it's worth, the resolution is non binding. This well could be a move to create leverage to force Illinois to do what's necessary to make Arlington heights work. It's a high stakes game of chicken, but the outcome isn't necessarily decided yet.

I think the fact all of this stadium talk has controlled the airways we didnt notice that Logan Jones and Thieneman signed. Is Rousch signed yet? One thing got exposed, Loveland, Burden and Zavion Thomas are going to wreak the NFL.

If they build it fans will come. Many years ago the Cardinals built their stadium in Glendale which was, at the time, in the middle of nowhere. Civilization is now built up all around it. I have no clue what Hammond looks like now but in 20 years it will be a lot different.

Quietest OTAs ever. The offense showed up. Ran plays, scored points. Everybody went home. Nobody complained.

I forgot to mention, multiple parking garages and tailgating areas. There will be Uber lanes, bus lanes and train shuttles, plus every fan will be able to drive and park if they choose. They want a year round venue..

Good point a facility that will have a great spot to tailgate and to support fans.

Its 20 miles from soldier field, still Chicagoland. Indiana doesn't have the crooked politicians and unions trying to squeeze more into their pockets than what is reasonable. Bearville sounds like a great venue for the Bears! For me its good food tailgating before and then sometimes finding dinner on the way home.

I love when people say its toxic and yet there is a public golf course there. That is political talk because that's all they got. Half of Chicago is built on toxic land reclamation. The state and city is in financial ruins so they cant help the Bears. It would nice to stay there or go to AH but no one wants more taxes in the 3rd highest taxed state in the union. Its closer to the Lakefront than coming from Barrington or northwest of there. Lets get a great stadium (hopeful) and watch the Bears play in a SB there. Caleb will still be here in 5 years. Just heard this on the radio, as we enter our SB run with Caleb and BJ and they are going to bail on the team. That is not going to happen.

My guy said, they want to build Bearville. Museums, attractions, restaurants, hotels and bars. There are already two casinos in the area. A year round venue. Indiana will build special ramps on the toll road and other highway. Excavation will occur to remove any slag. A golf course is currently on some of it. Trust me, this will be done really well. Welcome to the Hoosier State. Bear down! PS: can someone perform a wellness check on our favorite author?

Looks like the board decided on Hammond. We have a decision and can move on. Now lets see this state of art stadium.

I would have done that deal in a heartbeat.

As much as I would love to add Garrett or Crosby, I am okay sitting idle until the trade deadline if needed. I am excited seeing DA prototype edges projected in the next draft too. I would say the Poles era personal/scout team evaluate these things and maybe why they were fine not addressing the position using a higher value draft pick this year. The prospects, I believe are projected to be better talented players as well. So we sacrifice not drafting a Bryce Young when we want/need a franchise Qab, because we think Caleb Williams and his class will be better next year.

I would have done that. Thing is Sweat isn't as good as Verse, so Cleveland probably would've needed more in draft capital. Plus, Sweat makes a lot more...

Yes