The Chicago Bears have firmly dismissed rumors regarding a potential name change if the team relocates to Indiana. Owner George McCaskey asserted during a press conference that the franchise will retain its identity, stating, "We will be the Chicago Bears whether we are in Arlington [Heights] or whether we are in Hammond."

This statement comes as the Bears focus on their plans for a new stadium in Hammond, Indiana, as the team’s Board of Directors had voted in June to advance these plans. Kevin Warren, Bears CEO, emphasized that the franchise is not considering any options within Illinois, saying, "Our sole focus at this point in time is working on a world-class stadium and mixed-use development in Hammond, Indiana."

Currently, the Bears are exploring two potential sites in Hammond:

• Near the Lost Marsh Golf Course
• The Wolf Lake Terminal Site

Warren highlighted the importance of thorough planning, stating that the team aims to establish both a top-tier stadium and a comprehensive mixed-use development.

The state of Indiana has been proactive in its efforts to attract the Bears, having established the Northwest Indiana Stadium Authority to manage the stadium's financing and construction. Meanwhile, Illinois Governor JB Pritzker acknowledged ongoing discussions, emphasizing the desire to retain the Bears in Illinois, ideally in Arlington Heights, where the team previously purchased land for a potential stadium.

Despite these efforts, the Bears' move to Indiana appears increasingly likely as they progress in their plans for the new stadium.