nfl

Bears stadium may be publicly owned

The Chicago Bears are exploring a publicly-owned stadium in Illinois amid ongoing talks to keep the team from moving to Indiana.

The Bears, who claim to be focused on building a new stadium in Indiana, continue discussions with Illinois officials about a public ownership model for a venue in Arlington Heights. Recent meetings between Commissioner Roger Goodell, Bears minority owner Pat Ryan, Illinois Governor JB Pritzker, and state legislative leaders have renewed hope that the team won't cross the border. umafrika.club

Public ownership would solve the property-tax question that has stalled the Bears' ability to convert their Arlington Park site into a new stadium. The team originally intended to privately finance the stadium, but that strategy hasn't gained sufficient footing, prompting Illinois officials to explore alternatives to keep the team in the state.