‘Once-in-a-generation opportunity’: Hammond mayor ready for Bears stadium
The Bears are prepared to invest about $2 billion for the stadium project in Hammond, according to Indiana House Speaker Todd Huston, R-Fishers.
Pro Sports
Indy stadium board distributes survey seeking feedback on Major League Soccer effort
Indianapolis has been in pursuit of an MLS club since April 2024, when Mayor Joe Hogsett announced the city’s intent to use the Indianapolis Downtown Heliport in a stadium and mixed-use district.
UPDATE: Amended bill paves way for potential Chicago Bears stadium in Hammond
As amended Thursday, Senate Bill 27 creates a financial framework for the construction of a new stadium and puts to rest speculation as to where that stadium might be built.
Chicago Bears affirm interest in Hammond as House considers amended stadium bill
In a statement released Thursday morning, the Bears said they are “committed” to continuing their exploration of a targeted development site near Hammond.
Pacers fined $100K for holding out starters in Feb. 3 matchup with Utah Jazz
The NBA’s player participation policy was put in place in September 2023 to try to discourage clubs from purposely losing in order to improve their chances with the draft lottery.
Key state lawmaker casts doubt on Indianapolis’ aspirations for MLS stadium
For the second time in as many months, a state lawmaker is questioning the city’s chances of financing a potential Major League Soccer stadium.
Portage pitches $5B lakefront stadium, entertainment district to Chicago Bears
Halas Harbor, named for the team’s founder, George Halas, is being billed as a privately funded, shovel-ready site that could break ground as early as June of this year.
Caitlin Clark and Angel Reese unite on a star-studded US World Cup qualifying roster
Fellow Indiana Fever player Aliyah Boston, who played for the U.S. at the Olympic qualifying tournament in 2024, rounds out the squad.
Portage mayor to make pitch for Chicago Bears stadium site
Portage is the latest community to throw its hat into the ring following a December announcement from Chicago Bears CEO Kevin Warren that the team is expanding its search for a new stadium site to include northwest Indiana.
US figure skater Amber Glenn resolves copyright issue with a Canadian music artist at the Olympics
The process for obtaining copyright permission is confusing and prone to mistakes, and several skaters at the Milan Cortina Games have had to change programs at the last minute because of it.
City disputes Chuck Surack’s claims that MLS effort is dead
Surack told Fox 59/CBS 4 over the weekend that in 2025 he was told by those involved in the effort that the stadium plan was no longer moving forward. He said he heard similar remarks from city hall.
Alex Palou ordered to pay McLaren Racing $12M in breach of contract suit
The IndyCar driver said after the ruling that he was “disappointed that any damages have been awarded to McLaren” but has not decided on his next legal step.
UPDATE: Key lawmaker wants Bears commitment before finalizing stadium bill
Gov. Mike Braun told IBJ on Thursday that he hopes more concrete developments regarding the Chicago Bears’ potential move to northwest Indiana could come “within 10 days or a couple weeks.”
Legislative committee sends amended Bears stadium bill to full Senate
The vote came after little discussion and no testimony—no one from the public signed up to talk about the bill.
Indianapolis secures NFL Scouting Combine through 2028
Other announcements made at Visit Indy’s annual State of Tourism event include the addition of two medical conventions to the city’s slate.
UPDATE: Gary Mayor Eddie Melton: ‘We made a lot of noise’ by rolling out Bears proposal
The public push by the northwest Indiana city, which includes a website called BearStadiumDistrict.com, comes after state lawmakers introduced a framework for the development of a new stadium governing body and financing mechanism.
Illinois governor says Soldier Field debt not all on the Bears
Illinois Gov. JB Pritzker said the debt “is not the core issue” in making a deal to keep the Bears in Illinois.
Colts to move training camp from Grand Park to team HQ in 2027
The team, which will return to Grand Park for the final time this summer, has held training camp in Westfield since 2018–except for in 2020, due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
Prominent law firm registers as Bears’ lobbyist at Indiana Statehouse
An application for Taft Stettinius & Hollister LLP was completed Wednesday with the Indiana Lobby Registration Commission, indicating the firm will represent CBFC Development LLC, an affiliate company for the NFL franchise.
UPDATE: Bears say GOP stadium legislation is ‘significant milestone’ in talks to move team
Language introduced in the Indiana Senate on Thursday would create a stadium authority authorized to acquire land, finance capital improvements and enter into leases with private entities, including NFL teams.