Indiana Governor: Bears Deal ‘Looking Decent’

Indiana Governor Mike Braun Confident in Chicago Bears Move to Hoosier State

Indianapolis, IN – The winds of change are blowing, and they might be carrying the Chicago Bears across state lines. In a revealing interview on The Pat McAfee Show, Indiana Governor Mike Braun expressed strong optimism about the potential relocation of the NFL franchise to Northwest Indiana, signaling a significant potential shift in the league’s landscape.

A Deal “Looking Decent”

Governor Braun, a staunch advocate for bringing business to Indiana, confirmed that discussions regarding the Bears’ potential move have progressed significantly. “We’re going to do our best and it’s looking decent,” Braun stated when asked about the likelihood of the deal getting done. He highlighted the speed at which Indiana has moved to accommodate the franchise, noting that the process from general agreement to an accommodating bill and a strong public statement has occurred in a matter of months – a pace he described as “speed of light in this business.”

Illinois’s Hesitation as a Catalyst

The impetus for the Bears’ exploration of Indiana reportedly stems from a lack of progress and public funding commitment from their home state of Illinois. “For two and a half years, there was just like, we’re not interested, I think assuming that it would just happen there,” Braun explained, referring to the Bears’ lengthy negotiations in Illinois. “But to get something done, even though that lease goes through that where they’ll be playing there for several more years, that clock was starting to run out to get it planned for a new stadium.” He added that the Bears approached Indiana because they were “being told bluntly, you know, you got to build your own stadium. We’re not putting any taxpayer dollars into it.”

Indiana’s “Open for Business” Approach

Indiana, under Governor Braun’s leadership, has positioned itself as an attractive alternative. The state has passed Senate Bill 27, which offers tax breaks and property incentives to the Bears. “We didn’t try to lure them because they thought there was no interest,” Braun clarified. “We never got ahead of our skis. I wanted to make sure it was an honest broker.” He emphasized Indiana’s business-friendly environment, citing “reasonable regulations, taxes, high wages, low cost of living” as key selling points.

“We’re going to do everything we can to get it done.”

The governor drew parallels to other franchises that have relocated or explored moves across state borders, including the New York Jets and Giants, and even the Kansas City Chiefs’ move to another state. “This is how you rebuild,” Braun remarked, discussing the potential economic revitalization for Northwest Indiana, an area historically linked to the steel industry.

A New Era for Bears Nation?

While the Chicago Bears’ current lease at Soldier Field extends through 2032 or 2033, the timeline for a new stadium in Indiana is projected to be around 2029. Braun suggested that once a new stadium is built, the team could negotiate a buyout of the remaining lease. He also addressed concerns from fans, assuring them that it would still be the “Chicago Bears in Indiana,” and noted the proximity, estimating it to be only about 20 minutes from Soldier Field. This move, he believes, would be “way better for them. Way better for the league.”

Economic Impact and State Pride

The potential relocation is seen as a significant economic driver for Indiana. Braun highlighted the population density in Northwest Indiana (Lake, Porter County) being nearly as large as Marion County. He pointed to the synergy with existing infrastructure like the convention center, casino, and the Gary airport, and envisioned how a major NFL franchise could further boost the region’s economy, similar to how Indianapolis has become a “sports state” with the NCAA headquarters and numerous events.

When asked about the difference in approach between Indiana and Illinois, Braun was direct. “Most of us have to make our living in the real world, not in a world that’s dominated by government,” he said, contrasting Indiana’s private sector focus with what he perceived as Illinois’s tendency to “grow government.”

As the conversation concluded, Governor Braun reiterated his commitment. “We’re going to do everything we can to get it done.” The prospect of the Chicago Bears playing their home games in Indiana marks a pivotal moment, and all eyes will be on the finalization of this potentially transformative deal.

Source: Are The Chicago Bears Really Moving To Indiana? | Indiana Governor Mike Braun Joins Pat McAfee (YouTube)