NFL founding franchise edges closer to decision over cross state border move and name change could be next

The Chicago Bears appear to be zeroing in on a move across state lines to Hammond, Indiana.

On Wednesday it was reported that the Bears had planned to make an announcement during the team’s press availability during training camp.

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Some, including Hammond Mayor Tom McDermott, were of the belief that they would be announcing their decision on where they will be relocating the team to.

“I was told from the Bears, that there would be an announcement,” he said. “But maybe I’m not presuming anything. I’m hopeful it’s going to be good news.”

McDermott also said that these plans to make an announcement also reflects the Bears’ ongoing evaluation.

“And I do know there’s extensive testing going on. Even right now, I had one of the local businesses in the new footprint call me and say, ‘Hey, they’re boring holes currently.’ So that’s the issue of the day between us and the Bears,” he said.

Indiana Governor Mike Braun also added: “When we get this across the finish line — we’re in the due diligence stage — it’s going to be one of the biggest thing that’s ever occurred in our state, not to mention the Region.

“So we’re doing everything you need to do to make sure we get it done.”

One thing was for certain – the Bears will depart Soldier Field in Illinois, which they have called home since 1971.

Their next destination, though, is what has been up for debate over recent months, with multiple sites having been explored including in Arlington Heights, as well as across the state in Hammond, Indiana, which had emerged as the leading front-runner.

Bears brass speak out publicly

Now, it appears that that is the direction that the Bears appear to be heading in.

“Our focus is in Hammond, Indiana… we don’t have any legislation in Illinois,” Bears CEO Kevin Warren said on Thursday, per ESPN’s Courtney Cronin.

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However, Warren is yet to announce a target date for breaking ground on their $4billion domed stadium.

“My wife told me about six months ago, don’t give any more target dates. Just get the work done,” he added.

Warren was also unable to provide any additional clarity on which site in the state they have chosen, with multiple options being considered, including Wolf Lake and Lost Marsh.

With a decision seemingly made to move out of the state, though, this now begs the question of whether the team will look to change their name.

After all, they can’t be called the Chicago Bears if they aren’t playing in Chicago, right?

But the ‘Indiana Bears’ just doesn’t have that same ring to it – and also lacks the history of one of the NFL’s founding franchises.

Team owner George McCaskey also addressed reporters on Thursday, made it abundantly clear that the team name will remain, even if they are no longer in the state of Illinois.

“No. We will be the Chicago Bears whether we’ll be in Arlington [Heights] or in Hammond,” he said.

While talks appear to remain ongoing with Illinois legislators over the Arlington site, McCaskey has revealed that the communication has been “minimal” following the Bears’ Board of Directors vote to focus their efforts solely on Hammond.

He also added, “Indiana has been very proactive, very communicative, very solution-oriented.”

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