Roger Goodell drops surprising Bears stadium update as Indiana move gains momentum

Goodell confirmed Wednesday that he recently met with Illinois lawmakers regarding the Bears' pursuit of a new stadium, according to USA Today's Jarrett Bell. More importantly, the commissioner made it clear that Arlington Heights remains an option alongside Hammond, Indiana.

That's noteworthy considering what Bears president and CEO Kevin Warren said just two weeks ago.

"Our sole focus at this point in time is working on a world-class stadium and mixed-use development in Hammond, Indiana," Warren said on Aug. 13.

The NFL isn't ready to close the door on Illinois just yet.

Goodell says Bears still looking at Arlington Heights and Indiana

Goodell was asked about the stadium situation following Wednesday's NFL owners meeting in Atlanta.

"There's no specific timetable from my standpoint, other than we know that they are looking at the alternate groups, Indiana or Arlington Heights," Goodell said. "We want to make sure that Arlington Heights and Illinois have an opportunity, as well as Indiana, to put their best foot forward."

The Bears announced in June that their board had voted to advance the stadium development project in Hammond. Earlier this month, Warren doubled down on Indiana as the team's "sole focus."

The Bears have already completed due diligence on the Lost Marsh site in Hammond and determined it is viable. They're also evaluating the nearby Wolf Lake Terminal property, and Warren has said it's possible the two sites could ultimately be incorporated into the project together.

But Goodell isn't talking like Arlington Heights is dead. Quite the opposite, actually.

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Goodell met with Illinois lawmakers about Bears stadium

The most important stadium development is Goodell's involvement. The commissioner confirmed that he recently met with select Illinois lawmakers. The meeting had previously been reported, but Goodell publicly acknowledged it for the first time Wednesday.

Goodell downplayed the idea that his involvement should be viewed as unusual.

"I'm involved in a lot of stadium efforts," Goodell said. "It's not unusual for me to be involved in conversations with either public officials or others."

The Chicago Bears have spent months expressing frustration over their inability to secure the public infrastructure assistance and legislative framework necessary to make their Arlington Heights vision work. The Bears own 326 acres at the former Arlington International Racecourse, property the organization purchased in 2023. But Illinois lawmakers adjourned their spring session without the House taking up legislation that could have helped clear a path for the project.

That helped push the Bears toward Indiana.

Now the NFL commissioner is personally speaking with Illinois lawmakers while publicly stressing that Illinois should have an opportunity to make its best offer.

At minimum, Illinois isn't out of this fight.

Bears have said Hammond is their focus

It's important not to take Goodell's comments too far. There has been no announcement that the Bears have reversed course. In fact, Warren and Bears chairman George McCaskey publicly reiterated their commitment to exploring Hammond earlier this month.

The Bears have conducted extensive studies of the Indiana properties, including topographical, geographical and environmental work, while examining financing and the land necessary for the stadium and surrounding development. They've moved well beyond simply using Indiana as a theoretical alternative.

But they also haven't started building anything. And until that happens — or until the Bears formally commit to one location — Arlington Heights remains alive.

Bears stadium decision remains wide open

There was a point this summer when the Bears appeared to be approaching a final decision. That hasn't happened. And Goodell offered no new timetable Wednesday.

Instead, the latest development creates an interesting disconnect between the team's public messaging and the NFL commissioner's comments. Warren says Hammond is the Bears' sole focus. Goodell says the Bears are looking at "Indiana or Arlington Heights" and wants both sides to have the opportunity to put their best foot forward.

Both things can be true at the same time. The Bears can continue aggressively developing the Hammond option while the league works to determine whether Illinois can finally produce an acceptable alternative.

After years of stadium proposals, legislative battles, and changing locations, perhaps Bears fans should know better than to assume anything is final. This saga has another chapter left.