NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell Meets Gov. JB Pritzker and Illinois Leaders on Keeping Chicago Bears in State
NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell met Thursday in Illinois with Gov. JB Pritzker and state legislative leaders to discuss the future of the Chicago Bears and the team's search for a new stadium.
The governor's office called the meeting productive and said the discussion focused on keeping the Bears in Illinois while protecting taxpayers.
Along with Pritzker and Goodell, the meeting included House Speaker Emanuel "Chris" Welch, state Rep. Kam Buckner and state Sen. Bill Cunningham, according to the governor's office. Pat Ryan, a businessman who owns a stake in the Bears, also attended.
Bears President and CEO Kevin Warren was not among the listed attendees.
"The Governor and General Assembly leadership were glad to participate in a productive meeting focused on keeping the Bears in Illinois and protecting taxpayers," the governor's office said in a statement.
The NFL spokesperson said the league valued the meeting with Pritzker and legislative leaders and wants the stadium question resolved quickly.
"The NFL appreciated the opportunity to meet with Governor Pritzker and legislative leaders today," an NFL spokesperson said. "Timely action is essential as the Bears work to find a long-term stadium solution for the club and their fans."
Illinois officials have been trying to keep the Bears in the state since the team pointed to Hammond, Indiana, as its preferred stadium site this summer.
Warren said in August that the team was focused solely on potential sites in Hammond as it worked to finalize plans for a new domed stadium and entertainment district.
"Our sole focus at this point in time is working on Hammond," Warren said then, according to previous reporting.
The governor's office said it has remained in conversation with the Bears throughout the summer about the team's plans.
A Bears spokesperson did not immediately return a request for comment.
The Bears remain publicly committed to Hammond, while Illinois officials continue pressing the team to stay in the state.
