• Loading stock data...
Saturday, July 5, 2025

Chicago Mayor Sees ‘Pathway Forward’ To Keep Bears

  • New city leader meets with Bears president Warren
  • Renewed talks arrive as team’s plans in Arlington Heights are “at risk”
Daniel Bartel-USA TODAY Sports

Brandon Johnson knows he has an uphill fight in keeping the Chicago Bears at Soldier Field. 

But the city’s new mayor still believes there’s a way to keep the NFL team from moving to the suburbs.

Johnson, who succeeded Lori Lightfoot last month and met with Bears executives earlier this week, sees a new opening now that the team’s seemingly inevitable move to Arlington Heights is “at risk” amid a tax dispute and separate talks with neighboring Naperville.

“We want to make sure we keep shuffling here in the city of Chicago with the Bears,” Johnson said. “I want to make sure the ownership of the Bears, the Park District, and the residents of the city of Chicago have a real seat at the table to discuss a pathway forward.”

That message appears to have landed, as Johnson and Bears president Kevin Warren issued a joint statement saying they are both “committed to the idea that the city and its major civic institutions must grow and evolve together to meet the needs of the future.”

Given Chicago’s status as the country’s third-largest media market — and the Bears’ desire to bid for events such as the Super Bowl and Final Four in a new venue — the fate of the stadium project ultimately carries massive ramifications for the league, region, and sports business.

The Bears’ situation is now among the most closely watched NFL stadium development sagas after recent breakthroughs in Buffalo and Tennessee.

Linkedin
Whatsapp
Copy Link
Link Copied
Link Copied

What to Read

3,000 Hot Dogs, $20K in Prizes: Behind the Nathan’s Eating Contest

Nathan’s serves up thousands of hot dogs and $20,000 in prize money.
exclusive

WNBA Players Reject League’s First CBA Offer

Players felt the initial proposal wasn’t “entirely responsive” to their request.

NHL to Rejoin Olympic Ice in Milan—and NBC Set to Cash In

NHL players last competed in the Olympics in 2014.

Commanders’ $3.8B Stadium Deal in Jeopardy? Mayor Sounds the Alarm

Political tensions rise about delays in stadium funding approval.

Featured Today

Baseball’s Celebrity Row: Behind MLB’s First-Pitch Ritual

Often planned, sometimes spontaneous, the ritual throw is baseball’s celebrity row.
July 3, 2025

Geoffrey Esper Can’t Catch a Break at Nathan’s Hot Dog Eating Contest

“Hot dogs is not one of my favorite competitions of the year.”
June 29, 2025

The Battle Over Wimbledon’s Ambitious Expansion Plan

A classic NIMBY standoff on one of the most hallowed grounds in sports.
Seattle Rough & Tumble
June 28, 2025

Women’s Sports Bars Are on the Rise. Survival Isn’t Guaranteed

Some women’s sports bars are cashing in. Others are clawing for funding.
Donald Trump

Trump Bill Has $1.6 Billion for Olympics, World Cup Security

Host cities have lobbied for federal funding to help with security costs.
July 2, 2025

Trump’s ‘Big Beautiful Bill’ Includes Huge Tax Hike for Pro Gamblers

It was not clear who lobbied for this provision to be included in the bill, or why.
Mike Crapo
July 3, 2025

Trump Bill’s Tax Hike on Gamblers Was Authored by Sen. Mike Crapo

Crapo’s office did not respond to several messages seeking comment.
Sponsored

Hottest Matchups Following NFL Schedule Release

The NFL released the 2025 regular-season schedule, and anticipation is already building in the ticket marketplace with four months to go.
Angel City FC
June 16, 2025

Sports World Reacts to ICE Protests: ‘Immigrant City Football Club’

Angel City wore and distributed “Immigrant City Football Club” shirts Saturday.
Mexico
June 11, 2025

ICE Agents Could Show Up at Club World Cup, Gold Cup

The Gold Cup begins Saturday in Los Angeles with Mexico–Dominican Republic.
Donald Trump
June 4, 2025

Trump Threatens California After Trans Athlete’s Track Wins

A trans athlete won two events at the recent state championships.
Jan 15, 2024; Orchard Park, New York, USA; Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Mason Rudolph (2) talks with an official in the second half against the Buffalo Bills in a 2024 AFC wild card game at Highmark Stadium.
June 4, 2025

Steelers Email Fans After Mason Rudolph Appears at Friday Trump Rally

Rudolph was joined by a teammate and former Steeler Rocky Bleier.