Illinois pivots to public ownership model to retain Bears amid Indiana pressure
The Chicago Bears are exploring a publicly owned stadium in Arlington Heights, Illinois, after private financing efforts stalled. NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell met with Illinois Governor JB Pritzker and legislative leaders on October 1 to discuss a new legislative framework. While the Bears publicly emphasize their Indiana plans, this renewed engagement suggests a potential shift to keep the team in Illinois, though key owners were absent from the meeting.