The Chicago Bears’ stadium search centers on due diligence for sites in Hammond, Indiana, after the team’s board voted in June 2026 to prioritize that location following stalled Illinois legislation. As of mid-August, officials described Indiana as the sole focus yet emphasized ongoing environmental, infrastructure, and financing reviews with no announced groundbreaking or site selection timeline. The franchise’s Soldier Field lease extends through 2033, removing any urgency to relocate operations before year-end, while recent on-field continuity under the current coaching staff and roster has produced no reported disruptions to front-office planning. These factors align with trader consensus that an actual departure from Illinois by December 31 remains unlikely.