• Loading stock data...
Monday, June 30, 2025

Illinois Governor: Bears Are ‘Private Business,’ Don’t Need Taxpayer Funds

  • Illinois Governor JB Pritzker said that he loves the Bears, but they don’t need excessive public funds for a new stadium and development.
  • A state senator proposed freezing property tax assessments for major new projects.
Chicago Bears want public money to move
Jon Durr-USA TODAY Sports

The Chicago Bears are getting blocked by the state of Illinois.

Gov. JB Pritzker said he wasn’t in favor of a plan that would provide tax relief for the team regarding its proposed stadium and development in Arlington Heights.

State Sen. Ann Gillespie, who represents Arlington Heights, filed a bill that would freeze the team’s property assessment for up to 40 years.

“I love the Bears,” said Pritzker, “but it is a private business, and I honestly do not think the public has an obligation to fund, in this major way, a private business.”

The Bears are intent on moving to the town northwest of Chicago after agreeing to buy the Arlington Heights Racetrack in 2021 for $197 million. The team is planning a $5 billion entertainment district centered around a $2.2 billion domed stadium.

School District Enters the Field

The school district based in Arlington Heights voted to hire a lobbyist to represent the district in state government on “mega projects” such as the Bears’ proposed development, particularly in regard to tax breaks the team might access.

The team hasn’t secured public funding from state and local governments, nor has it struck deals for land use, transportation, or other related issues.

Linkedin
Whatsapp
Copy Link
Link Copied
Link Copied

What to Read

ESPN, MLB Relationship May Not Be Over After All

The parties restart rights talks amid a high-profile divorce in February.

College Sports Revenue-Sharing Underway As More Changes Loom

July 1 marks the first day schools can directly pay players.

What Would a LeBron James L.A. Exit Look Like?

ESPN’s Bobby Marks said “there isn’t” a trade market for James.
Rob Manfred, Commissioner of the MLB, speaks to the media during Cactus League media day at the Arizona Biltmore on Feb. 18, 2025, in Phoenix.

Manfred, MLB Owners Pitch Directly to Players Ahead of CBA Expiration

Owners see a disconnect between union leadership and individual players.

Featured Today

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.
June 27, 2025

Shitposters Have Taken the Reins of Pro Sports’ Official Voices

Meet the social media pros turning sports teams into internet trolls.
Jun 17, 2025; Sunrise, Florida, USA; Florida Panthers center Sam Reinhart (13) hoists the Stanley Cup after winning game six of the 2025 Stanley Cup Final against the Edmonton Oilers at Amerant Bank Arena
June 26, 2025

Stanley Cup’s International Summer Tour: Rules, Repairs, and Raucousness

No pro trophy tour compares to the NHL’s three-month global victory lap.

Bengals Strike 10-Year, $470M Stadium Deal to Stay in Cincinnati

The NFL franchise and Hamilton County have agreed to a new lease.
June 25, 2025

MLB’s Bold Bristol Plan: Inside the Renovation and Potential Records

Work accelerates to convert the massive motorsports venue for baseball.
June 26, 2025

Browns $2.4B Stadium Plan Now Relies on Ohioans’ Forgotten Money

Ohio’s Modell Law is revised, while stadium funding faces new challenges.
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.
June 24, 2025

Diamondbacks Score Up to $500M for Chase Field Renovation

Concerns about another potential team relocation in Arizona influence the vote.
June 23, 2025

A’s Launch $1.75B Ballpark Build With Funding Puzzle Still Unsolved

Ground is broken in Las Vegas, but funding issues, Sacramento woes persist.
June 23, 2025

World Cup, NFL Draft, New Stadiums in PA … and No State..

Growing sports-related needs conflict with budget worries in the commonwealth.
Fenway Park
June 18, 2025

Fenway Park Concession Workers Poised to Strike 

The unionized workers overwhelmingly voted to authorize a strike.