Story perspectives

Pritzker meets Goodell to keep Bears in Illinois

By Drooid · Oct 2, 2026, 3:09 AM UTC · How we work

Summary

Story summary

Governor J.B. Pritzker met NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell and Pat Ryan to keep the Bears in Illinois.
The Oct. 1, 2026 meeting also included Speaker Chris Welch, Rep. Kam Buckner and Sen. Bill Cunningham.
The governor’s office called the meeting productive and aimed at keeping the Bears in Illinois while protecting taxpayers.
Bears pledged $2 billion for a stadium regardless of whether it is built in Illinois or Indiana.

History

Historical Context

In 1996, the NFL approved the Cleveland Browns' relocation to Baltimore, creating the Ravens and sparking a $185 million settlement. The Maryland Stadium Authority pledged $220 million for M&T Bank Stadium, while Ohio Governor George Voinovich secured a $185 million compensation package for Cleveland. Similarly, Governor J.B. Pritzker, Speaker Chris Welch, and Rep. Kam Buckner met NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell to keep the Chicago Bears amid stadium financing talks. These negotiations echo past relocation battles, suggesting that public-private stadium deals will shape franchise stability and taxpayer exposure for years ahead.

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Story summary

Governor J.B. Pritzker met NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell and Pat Ryan to keep the Bears in Illinois.
The Oct. 1, 2026 meeting also included Speaker Chris Welch, Rep. Kam Buckner and Sen. Bill Cunningham.
The governor’s office called the meeting productive and aimed at keeping the Bears in Illinois while protecting taxpayers.
Bears pledged $2 billion for a stadium regardless of whether it is built in Illinois or Indiana.

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