• Loading stock data...
Sunday, November 10, 2024
DEADLINE EXTENDED: The Best Employers in Sports survey is now open through Nov. 13 Learn More

‘Time Is Money’ for the Bears’ New Home. Now the Wait Is Even Longer

  • The Illinois legislature is set to adjourn its spring session without considering the team’s funding request.
  • The NFL team is running into growing opposition toward public funding for stadiums owned by billionaires.
Manica

The Bears already knew the pursuit of public money for their ambitious $4.7 billion stadium plan along the Chicago lakefront was going to be an uphill slog. But the Illinois state legislature has made that task even harder. 

About a month after the Bears unveiled their stadium proposal—complete with a set of flashy renderings—the legislature is set to adjourn this week for the spring without taking up any funding proposal relating to the project, and it won’t be back until the fall. 

“A proposal of this magnitude deserves sunlight and scrutiny,” state Rep. Kam Buckner told the Chicago Tribune. “Very often what has happened in this building is that things get rammed through at the last minute without much public input or transparency. So I welcome conversations that will probably begin once we’re done here [for the spring].”

The team wants public money to cover slightly more than half of the stadium cost, with $2.3 billion in private money pledged. Three phases of infrastructure development projected to total $1.5 billion are most notably not connected to any potential funding source. Chicago mayor Brandon Johnson is an ardent advocate for the Bears project, but Illinois Gov. J.B. Pritzker’s office has called the effort a “nonstarter,” and interest has been cool among other legislators in Springfield in picking up the issue. 

Both Confirming and Defying a Trend

That sentiment arrives amid a fast-growing skepticism in many sectors around the country toward supplying public funding for stadiums that house privately held teams owned by billionaires—particularly as the values of those teams in most instances continue to soar. That sentiment is still spreading, even as the Bears’ proposal easily beats the team-level contributions for forthcoming facilities in Buffalo and Tennessee, both in actual amount and percentage of overall development cost, and could also overtake what is being discussed in Kansas City and Cleveland

Jacksonville, meanwhile, is also considering a plan in which it would fund about 55% of a $1.4 billion renovation of the Jaguars’ EverBank Stadium with taxpayer dollars. 

The Bears have steadily sought to keep up the pressure on timing for the public funding, with team president Kevin Warren repeatedly saying “time is money.” The team has estimated that every year lost to delays adds more than $150 million to the stadium cost.

Linkedin
Whatsapp
Copy Link
Link Copied
Link Copied

What to Read

Former President Donald Trump waves to the crowd as he exits the putting green with his aide Walt Nauta, left, during the final round of the LIV Golf Bedminster golf tournament at Trump National Bedminster on Sunday, Aug. 13, 2023.
opinion

Trump Win Puts Sports Back in the White House

With Trump back in the White House, sports get more political again.
Members of the NY Giants run onto the field to start the game between the New York Giants and the Washington Commanders at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford on Sunday, Nov. 3, 2024.

The NFL Is Becoming the League With No Borders

Where will the NFL go next? International expansion will only get bigger.
Tigers Head Coach Brian Kelly as the LSU Tigers take on the Ole Miss Rebels at Tiger Stadium in Baton Rouge, LA. Saturday, Oct. 12, 2024.

Source of LSU’s New Tiger Has History of Animal Abuse Allegations

LSU isn’t using the tiger that lives on campus for Saturday’s game.

NBA Ratings Are Dipping and One Legend Has a Theory Why

NBA teams are averaging 37 three-points attempts per game this season.
podcast thumbnail mobile
Front Office Sports Today

First College Football Playoff Rankings Mark New Era

0:00

Featured Today

NFL Center Connor McGovern Is the Heir to a Potato Empire

The NFL vet’s family provides potatoes for McDonald’s, Wendy’s, and others.
Vanderbilt Commodores fans head to the south end zone as the goal post is taken down by exuberant fans after beating No. 1 Alabama 40-35 at Vanderbilt Stadium in Nashville, Tenn., Saturday, Oct. 5, 2024.
opinion
November 2, 2024

Something New in College Football This Year: Parity

Upsets, surprises. CFB is more fun on the field than the NFL.
Sep 28, 2024; Tuscaloosa, Alabama, USA; GOP Presidential candidate Donald Trump waves flanked by former Georgia Bulldogs player Herschel Walker, recording art Kid Rock, professional golfer John Daily, Alabama senators Tommy Tuberville (R) and Katie Britt (R) during the second half of the game between the Alabama Crimson Tide and the Georgia Bulldogs at Bryant-Denny Stadium.
November 1, 2024

Mission Swing State: College Football’s Political Advertising Battle

Trump, Harris, and the PACs that support them are utilizing the sport.
October 31, 2024

The Untapped Revenue ‘Powder Keg’ of Women’s NFL Fandom

There’s a “boatload” of money at stake for brands and the league.

Cubs Agree to Alter Wrigley As Part of DOJ Settlement

The second-oldest MLB ballpark will have to make upgrades again.
November 1, 2024

Inside Cosm’s Plans for a Fourth Location—and Beyond

The downtown Detroit site will add to the city’s sports and entertainment district.
November 1, 2024

Rays’ Future Uncertain As Tropicana Field Repairs Begin

The Rays still don’t know where they will play in 2025.
Sponsored

How UBS Crafts Impactful Partnerships Across Sports, Arts, and Culture

As UBS continues to expand its impressive array of sports and entertainment partnerships, the company solidifies its position as a leader in wealth management.
October 31, 2024

Florida-Georgia Game Hits the Road Amid $1.4B Stadium Renovation

EverBank Stadium will have reduced capacity in 2026 and be closed in 2027.
Oct 20, 2024; Cleveland, Ohio, USA; Cleveland Browns defensive end Myles Garrett (95) walks off the field after the game against the Cincinnati Bengals at Huntington Bank Field.
October 25, 2024

Browns Sue Cleveland Over ‘Modell Law’ Threatening Suburban Dreams

The Browns want a new stadium, but a law forbids leaving downtown.
October 24, 2024

Packers Agree to Green Bay’s Rent Terms Amid Lambeau Lease Dispute

The team and city have been embroiled in a lease dispute.
Intuit Dome
October 24, 2024

From Restrooms to Tech, Fans Rave About Intuit Dome Despite ‘Hassle’

The Intuit Dome cost $2 billion to build.