• Loading stock data...
Thursday, September 18, 2025

Bears Stadium Push Stalls As Pritzker Repeats Funding Rejection

  • Illinois Gov. J.B. Pritzker provides another sobering assessment of the NFL team’s search for public funds.
  • Numerous Chicago-area community groups unite in opposition to the stadium proposal.
David Banks-Imagn Images

The Bears opened the 2024 season with a dramatic, come-from-behind victory, and there’s new optimism surrounding the team on the field. But when it comes to the ongoing push to develop a lakefront stadium, the NFL franchise is still largely stuck.

Bears president Kevin Warren met again last week with Anne Caprara, the chief of staff for Illinois Gov. J.B. Pritzker, in an effort to jump-start the team’s bid for public funding toward roughly half the cost of a $4.7 billion domed facility—something previously described by the state leader as “near impossible” in the upcoming legislative term. Following that meeting, Pritzker offered yet another sobering assessment, saying “nothing has changed” with regard to the low appetite for public funding in the state for pro sports stadiums. 

“We want Illinois businesses to do well,” Pritzker said. “This is a privately owned business. If I can find some way to assist, great. But right now, there is no building any new stadiums.” 

The same situation applies to MLB’s White Sox, which are also trying to develop a new ballpark, in part with taxpayer funds, and are nearing a modern-era MLB record for losses in a season

Warren has repeatedly made the case that Chicago, the No. 3 U.S. media market, is losing out on hosting major events such as the Super Bowl, Final Four, and College Football Playoff with a modern, domed facility. The Bears’ ongoing stadium saga remains one of the NFL’s most pressing, and closely watched, facility sagas. 

Renewed Community Opposition

The Bears’ effort, meanwhile, is also facing a fresh round of pushback from a newly formed coalition of preservation and community organizations. Friends of the Parks, a group focused on protecting the Chicago lakefront, was an early opponent of the team’s development plans. Now that body is working collaboratively with several other groups and community leaders to fight against the proposed Bears stadium. 

“As great as it would be to have a domed stadium, Chicago should not put a ‘sold’ sign on our lakefront,” said Gin Kilgore, interim executive director of Friends of the Parks.

Linkedin
Whatsapp
Copy Link
Link Copied
Link Copied

What to Read

ESPN Draws Highest ‘MNF’ Doubleheader Audience Since 2015

Buccaneers–Texans and Chargers–Raiders averaged 13.5 million viewers.
Brian Flores

Brian Flores Says NFL Arbitrator Is Stalling in Discrimination Case

A new filing says the arbitrator has done nothing for a year.
Tush Push

Why Fox’s Dean Blandino Is ‘Done’ With the Tush Push

The NFL rules analyst outlines why the play should be banned.

$3.8 Billion Commanders Stadium Deal Approved Despite Late Drama

A decisive final vote on the stadium followed some last-minute snags.

Featured Today

Adriunna Brown

Business Is Booming for WNBA’s Top Beauty Pros

A network of stylists is shaping how players look, feel, and perform.
Premier Lacrosse League
September 14, 2025

‘The Circus Is Coming to Town’: Why Upstart Leagues Start on Tour

In their ambitious plans, a traveling schedule is only temporary.
PHILADELPHIA, PENNSYLVANIA - APRIL 19: A detailed view of the MLB Debut patch on the jersey of Patrick Monteverde #44 of the Miami Marlins prior to game against the Philadelphia Phillies at Citizens Bank Park on April 19, 2025 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.
September 13, 2025

The Tiny Jersey Patch at the Center of the MLB Rookie Card..

Autographed cards containing a piece of baseball history have upended the market.
September 11, 2025

Eagles-Chiefs Super Bowl Rematch Could Set More NFL Ratings Records

Fox will nationally televise Sunday afternoon’s matchup.

Commanders’ $3.8B D.C. Stadium Nears Key Council Vote

The Commanders’ proposed $3.8 billion stadium deal is poised for final approval.
Aug 23, 2025; New Orleans, Louisiana, USA; Detailed view of the Denver Broncos helmet against the New Orleans Saints during warmups at Caesars Superdome.
September 9, 2025

Broncos Eye 2031 Opening for New Multibillion-Dollar Stadium

The NFL team plans a new venue and mixed-use development.
January 5, 2025; Maui, Hawaii, USA; Hideki Matsuyama hits his fairway shot on the 13th hole during the final round of The Sentry golf tournament at Plantation Course at Kapalua.
September 15, 2025

PGA Tour’s January Season Opener Won’t Be Played At Kapalua

The Sentry’s longtime home is no longer able to host the tournament.
Sponsored

How World Series Champ Dexter Fowler Became a Premier League Team Owner

Dexter Fowler discusses navigating retirement and embracing new roles as an owner & investor.
Aug 22, 2025; Bridgeview, Illinois, USA; Chicago Stars FC forward Jameese Joseph (8) passes the ball during the first half of a match against the North Carolina Courage at SeatGeek Stadium.
September 4, 2025

Chicago Stars FC Move to Evanston After 12 Years in Bridgeview

Stadium plans beyond the 2026 season aren’t solidified. 
August 28, 2025

As CFB Programs Add Corporate Field Logos, Are Jersey Patches Next?

Texas is adding a sponsor’s logo to its football field this season.
Dec 10, 2024; Salt Lake City, Utah, USA; A general view of the Delta Center before the game between the Utah Hockey Club and the Minnesota Wild.
August 19, 2025

Utah’s Sports Boom Expands Into Music, Emulating Atlanta

The Jazz and Mammoth owner strikes a major deal with Live Nation.
August 18, 2025

Browns $2.4B Stadium Plan Runs Into Airspace Turbulence

The team’s proposed stadium is deemed a threat to nearby airport operations.