A bill now in the Senate in Washington could put a damper on the hopes the Chicago Bears could move to northwest Indiana.
Two progressive Senators introduced the “Home Team Act.”
It would require any professional sports franchise looking to move give locals one year to buy the team before it leaves.
The sponsors, including Bernie Sanders, say this would prevent taxpayers being on the hook to give team owners sweetheart deals to entice a move.
Indiana just established a Northwest Indiana Stadium authority to try and lure the Bears to Hammond, with billions of dollars in incentives and a new stadium on the line.
Texas Rep. Greg Casar (D) said, “Indiana taxpayers are now put in a competition against Illinois taxpayers to subsidize a team worth $8 billion. It’s possible to have much better deals if you aren’t negotiating with a gun to your head, like we’re seeing right now in Illinois.”
Indiana Rep. Earl Harris Jr. (D) said while he understands the intent of the bill, it does not take into account guardrails in Indiana’s plan to make sure the Bears pay their fair share.
“It’s not a free stadium for the Bears. They’re putting in $2 billion, so that’s a hefty amount. Everything I’ve heard is that things are moving forward and that at some point, hopefully sooner than later, there’ll be a wonderful announcement about the Bears coming to northwest Indiana,” said Harris Jr.
Indiana Gov. Mike Braun (R) called the Senate bill “crazy.”
The Illinois General Assembly has until the end of May to finalize a counter offer.