Posted on 06/06/2026 8:09:24 AM PDT by PBRCat
Braun has previously given Indiana roughly “65-35” odds of landing the team and has repeatedly highlighted the advantages of Indiana’s business-friendly environment compared to Illinois’ high-tax, high-regulation climate.
Losing the Bears would represent far more than a symbolic defeat for Illinois. It would mean losing thousands of potential construction jobs, long-term economic activity, tourism revenue, and one of the state’s most iconic institutions.
It would also send a powerful message to businesses nationwide about the direction of Illinois under Democratic leadership.
The potential departure would fit a troubling pattern.
Since Pritzker took office, Illinois has seen more than 500,000 residents leave the state and over 1,200 businesses relocate or expand elsewhere. Now, one of the NFL’s founding franchises may be preparing to join that exodus.
For Braun and Indiana Republicans, securing the Bears would be a major economic development victory and a validation of policies focused on lower taxes, fewer regulations, and faster government action.
For Pritzker and Illinois Democrats, it would become one of the most visible examples yet of how political dysfunction and economic mismanagement continue to drive opportunity out of Illinois.
If Braun’s hint proves accurate, Illinois taxpayers may soon witness one of the largest self-inflicted economic and political failures in modern Illinois history.
Illinois is doing the right thing. No subsidies for billionaires. Still we should take every opportunity to rub it in. Most NFL income has not that much to do with ticket sales and TV viewers won’t be affected. The NY teams play in Jersey and the 49ers play in Santa Clara. Hopefully a retractable dome will be installed and the antiseptic feel indoors is better for competition.
I am hoping for the move, but my money says they will stay in Illinois. Too much money, corruption, pay offs, bribes, intimidation, threats, and political power with crooked politicians there to allow the Bears to move.
File under IT WILL NEVER HAPPEN but Bring back Arlington Racecourse.
Remember “Who lost China”?
This year it’s who lost the bears?
Will they still be the Chicago Bears?
Pritzker is such an inept leader. Even with veto proof Democrat super majorities, he cannot get significant legislation passed.
“Since Pritzker took office, Illinois has seen more than 500,000 residents leave the state and over 1,200 businesses relocate or expand elsewhere. Now, one of the NFL’s founding franchises may be preparing to join that exodus.”
Nice job by the obnoxious, repulsive slob. At least he’s got a sanctuary state, won’t cooperate with ICE, banned semi-autos/magazines, horrific crime/murder rate, frees rotten criminals with no bail, and has preposterous taxes. Give credit where credit is due.
The consensus here is that the Bears are only using Indiana for leverage against Illinois.
Chicago does not deserve da Bears.
Chicago does not deserve the Jets.
Maybe Chicago can get the Cardinals back. Would anyone in Arizona miss them?
Agree.
The Bears won’t leave Illinois.
But it is good leverage to use against Pritzker.
Unfortunately, they won’t move to Indiana, which would have helped them immensely.
I wonder how the taxpayers in Indiana feel about having to pay for a fancy new stadium that few will ever attend? Probably not real popular in Evansville.
It wouldn’t be people in Evansville paying for it, from what I’m hearing. It would be much more the local people. Now, they might have legitimate gripes.
I think this is just posturing by the Bears and Illinois. I’ll be surprised if a NFL stadium is built in Hammond.
Prickster should just write the check - call it Hyatt Stadium. His cousing Jenny could do rainbow striped goal posts.
I guess I’d want to study the Giants and Jets moving their playing locations to New Jersey to try to see if New Jersey saw any benefit.
I wish they’d do the same for college football. Playoffs should be at the home of the higher seeded team until the championship game.
Let’s see how the SEC does in the snow.
Yes, there is some opposition because of the 1% tax (only in Lake and Porter Counties) on food and beverages. I think most here still support the move, but I, too, would be really surprised if it actually happens.
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