Recent legislative momentum in Illinois, including veto-session talks ending December 3, has boosted prospects for a publicly owned stadium authority model in Arlington Heights or Chicago that resolves property-tax concerns without the team crossing into Indiana. Governor JB Pritzker has expressed growing confidence after meetings with NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell and Bears ownership, while the franchise continues due diligence on Hammond sites but has not finalized financing or legal agreements for any relocation. These developments, combined with the Bears’ ongoing 2026 season at Soldier Field and the absence of any imminent operational shift, underpin trader consensus that the team will remain based in Illinois through year-end. On-field factors such as roster health or recent results have not altered the stadium timeline.