The Chicago Bears' Board of Directors has officially voted to move the franchise to Hammond, Indiana, according to a report from @AdamSchefter. Schefter has characterized the historic relocation as a "done deal" for the charter NFL franchise as of June 5, 2026.
With this move, Indiana will become home to two NFL franchises, as the Bears join the Indianapolis Colts within the state's borders. The team issued an official statement today confirming the board's vote to advance the Hammond project. This decision marks the beginning of the end for the team's residency at Soldier Field in Chicago, where they have played for decades.
The Bears' organization had been exploring several sites for a new, state-of-the-art stadium, ultimately settling on the Hammond location due to its proximity to the Chicago metropolitan area and the project's long-term viability. The transition represents one of the most significant geographic changes for a major sports franchise in recent memory.
This is a developing story. Check back for updates.
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