Bears Owner Confirms Chicago Moniker Retained Amid Indiana Relocation Push

Chicago Bears owner George McCaskey has firmly rejected speculation that the franchise would alter its identity should it relocate to Indiana, confirming the team will retain the 'Chicago Bears' name regardless of its physical location. The clarification came during a press conference where McCaskey addressed rumours that the 106-year-old NFL franchise might rebrand as the 'Indiana Bears' if it moved to Hammond. McCaskey stated emphatically that the team would remain the Chicago Bears whether it stayed in Arlington Heights or relocated across the state border.

The franchise’s leadership has pivoted its attention squarely toward developing a stadium and mixed-use site in Indiana. CEO Kevin Warren indicated that while occasional meetings with Illinois officials have occurred, the organisation’s sole focus is now on the Indiana project. Warren noted that the team is currently evaluating two specific sites in Hammond: a location near the Lost Marsh Golf Course and the Wolf Lake Terminal Site. The Board of Directors voted in June to advance this plan, signalling a decisive shift away from Illinois as a viable option.

Indiana has taken significant legislative steps to facilitate the potential move. In February, the state passed a bill establishing the Northwest Indiana Stadium Authority, an entity tasked with handling the financing, construction, and leasing of a new stadium if the Bears relocate. The city of Hammond is situated approximately 30 miles from Soldier Field, positioning it as a feasible, albeit distant, alternative to the team’s current home.

Efforts by the state of Illinois to retain the franchise appear to be faltering. Governor JB Pritzker expressed a personal desire to keep the team in the state, citing his status as a Bears fan and his duty to protect taxpayers. However, Pritzker acknowledged that while his staff has communicated with the franchise, no agreement has been reached. The governor noted that Arlington Heights remains the most viable alternative within Illinois, where the Bears previously purchased a 326-acre plot for $197 million, though tax issues previously stalled those plans.

Warren emphasised that the franchise is prioritising due diligence and securing the appropriate capital stack before breaking ground. The Bears’ current lease at Soldier Field runs through 2033 but includes a buyout clause, allowing for a potential departure once a new stadium is operational. While the exact timeline for the decision remains unclear, the trajectory suggests an imminent move to Indiana, with the team’s identity and branding remaining firmly anchored in Chicago.