Pritzker, Goodell, and Pat Ryan meet to keep Bears in Illinois ahead of November veto session

Key points

• First in-person meeting between Pritzker and Goodell occurred on Oct. 1, 2026, in downtown Chicago.
• Pat Ryan, a billionaire Bears minority owner and major Northwestern donor, attended the meeting as a key facilitator.
• Bears Chairman George McCaskey and President Kevin Warren were notably absent from the meeting.
• Pritzker stated that legislative action should happen during the November veto session (Nov. 17-19 and Dec. 1-3).
• The NFL stated that 'timely action is essential' for the Bears to find a long-term stadium solution.
• Illinois lawmakers failed to pass stadium legislation during the spring session, while Indiana passed incentives for a Hammond stadium.

Background

The Chicago Bears have been in a prolonged standoff with Illinois lawmakers since 2023 regarding stadium funding and tax incentives. In 2024, the team proposed a stadium near Soldier Field, which failed, leading them to focus on the Arlington Heights racecourse site. In 2026, the Illinois General Assembly failed to pass a unified stadium bill in the spring session, with the House and Senate passing competing measures. Meanwhile, Indiana passed legislation to incentivize a stadium in Hammond. Bears leadership had described summer communications with Illinois as 'minimal' in August, focusing instead on Indiana due diligence. This October meeting marks a shift, with Pritzker and Goodell having exchanged texts and calls since January 2026. Pat Ryan, who funded Northwestern's new $875 million stadium, has become a central figure in bridging the gap between the Bears and Illinois officials.

How outlets are covering it

The Chicago Tribune and Capitol News Illinois emphasize the significance of the first in-person meeting between Pritzker and Goodell, framing it as a positive sign for keeping the Bears in Illinois. Capitol News Illinois highlights Pat Ryan's role as a 'key facilitator' due to his connections with both the Bears and Illinois political circles, including his status as a Northwestern donor and Pritzker/Welch alumnus. The Tribune notes the absence of McCaskey and Warren but suggests their representatives' presence indicates continued dialogue. Politico focuses on the political implications, noting that the absence of Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson does not rule out a downtown stadium proposal and that any legislation would likely be location-neutral. All sources agree that the November veto session is the critical deadline for legislative action. The Tribune and Capitol News Illinois both reference public records showing ongoing communications between Pritzker and Goodell throughout the summer, contradicting earlier 'minimal' descriptions by Bears leadership.

Why it matters

The outcome of these negotiations will determine whether the Chicago Bears remain in Illinois or move to Indiana, with significant implications for local economies, taxpayers, and community identity. A move to Indiana could result in the loss of a major cultural and economic asset for Chicago and the state, while an Illinois deal could preserve the team but requires complex legislative and financial solutions. The involvement of Pat Ryan and the NFL's emphasis on 'timely action' suggest that a resolution may be imminent, potentially before the end of the General Assembly's term in January 2027. The failure to pass legislation in the spring session and the competing interests of Chicago, Arlington Heights, and Hammond create a high-stakes environment where delays could lead to a permanent relocation.

What to watch

Lawmakers are scheduled to return to Springfield for the veto session on November 17-19 and December 1-3. Pritzker has indicated that this is when legislative action should occur. The Bears are continuing due diligence on Indiana sites, with the Lost Marsh location deemed viable and Wolf Lake under review. A potential merger of the two Indiana sites is also being considered. The outcome of the November session will likely determine whether a stadium deal is reached in Illinois or if the Bears proceed with their Indiana plans. The Bears' board voted in June to advance the Indiana project, but the October meeting suggests that Illinois remains a viable option.