(INDIANAPOLIS) - Gov. Mike Braun says Indiana remains a serious contender to land the Chicago Bears as lawmakers advance legislation aimed at financing a potential NFL stadium in northwest Indiana.
Braun made the comments after the Senate Public Policy Committee unanimously voted to send Senate Bill 27 to the full Senate. The bill would create a Northwest Indiana Stadium Authority, a key step in negotiating with the Bears as the team weighs future stadium options.
Senate Bill 27, authored by Sens. Ryan Mishler and Chris Garten, would authorize the stadium authority to acquire land, issue long-term bonds and enter lease agreements with private partners, including an NFL franchise.
Under the proposal, the authority could issue bonds with terms of up to 40 years to finance land purchases or stadium construction. The state would own the facility, while the team would retain operating revenue and be responsible for maintenance and upgrades.
Braun said the legislation advances ongoing discussions with the Bears, who are also considering a new stadium in Arlington Heights, Illinois, where the team already owns property.
Support for the bill appears to extend beyond the Senate. House Speaker Todd Huston said he would support the measure if it reaches the House, but emphasized lawmakers should only move forward with a firm commitment from the Bears.
The committee removed a provision that would have required a set percentage of construction work to go to minority- and women-owned businesses. No public testimony was taken during Thursday's hearing.
Indiana's effort to attract the Bears intensified in December after team CEO Kevin Warren said Illinois officials had indicated the franchise was not a priority in 2026. Warren later confirmed the team expanded its stadium search to northwest Indiana, with Lake County among the areas under consideration.
Since then, Illinois leaders have signaled a more flexible stance.
Senate Bill 27 now heads to the full Senate for further consideration.