Hold fire Chicago Bears fans. The NFL’s second-oldest franchise looked all but set to move away from Soldier Field – their home since 1971 – and across state lines to set up shop in Indiana.The Bears have called Soldier Field their home since 1971, and have played in Ilinois since 1920GettyBut it appears that the Bears – who are valued at $9.7 billion per Forbes – are reconsidering the option to remain in the state of Illinois after all.Rumors of this possible U-turn first emerged on October 29 when Greg Hinz of Crain’s Chicago Business reported that the Bears are “close to a deal that would keep them in Illinois.“Now the Bears have issued an update of their own, following the reveal that NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell had accompanied majority owner George McCaskey and CEO and team president Kevin Warren to a meeting with Illinois legislative leaders earlier this week. Bears issue new update over stadium relocation“The Chicago Bears remain committed to building a world-class stadium and mixed-use district for our fans, the Chicagoland community and the team,” a team statement read. “We continue to work collaboratively with local and state leaders in Indiana to advance our stadium development plans in Hammond, where we are finalizing due diligence details across two sites in the Wolf Lake area.“At the same time, we appreciate the recent engagement from Illinois leadership to explore legislation which has allowed us to share our feedback.“We expect productive dialogue with both leadership teams in the coming weeks. “We have a responsibility and obligation to explore every option available to the club, and we look forward to developing a transformational project that will attract global events and deliver jobs and economic growth to all of Chicagoland.”Although no decision has been formally finalized yet, with the team appearing to remain non-committal over their future, there is a growing feeling that Illinois lawmakers could revive their proposal to prevent the Bears from moving out of state. A vote on this legislature could be imminent with Gov, JB Pritzker revealing on Friday that state leaders are currently preparing a bill that would give the team “the opportunity to choose where they want to build a stadium” in Arlington Heights or Chicago, which could be voted on during the upcoming fall veto session scheduled to begin on November 17. The Bears still don’t know where their future home will beGettyIn Arlington Heights, the Bears have a $5 billion plan for a domed stadiumChicago Bears / Manica“We want to make sure the legislation is ready for people to look at and maybe have some hearings during that first week (of veto session) and then hopefully get voted on during the second week of veto,” Pritzker said at a news conference.Of course, a legislative hearing that was due to have taken place in Springfield back in February was canceled, leading to many believing that the state had conceded defeat to Indiana. Hinz’s report further alludes to the recent progress being made in regard to staying in Illinois being fueled by the involvement of Bears minority owner Pat Ryan, as well as NFL commissioner Roger Goodell, who met with Illinois Gov. JB Pritzker back on October 1.This recent involvement from Ryan has reportedly “made a big difference.”Both McCaskey and CEO and Warren had previously revealed that their “sole focus” was on striking a deal with Hammond, Indiana.Arlington Heights re-emerges as most likely destinationDespite reports of this recent U-turn, though, it is now believed that the “most likely” construction sight would be in Arlington Heights – with the Bears having purchased the 326-acre Arlington International Racecourse property for $197.2 million back in February 2023.The Bears had previously unveiled plans for a near-$5 billion project in the area that included the construction of an enclosed stadium, as well as a surrounding entertainment district. A site in Arlington Heights was once proposed, and is now back leading the wayManicaThe Bears could alternatively look to build a stadium at the Rate Field site on the South SideSkidmore Owings & MerrillIt is unclear whether these specific plans would be revisited as previously proposed, or whether the NFL franchise would make any amendments. As for the new law being proposed, should it pass, it would “allow a municipality, Chicago included, to establish an authority that would finance and operate stadiums and perhaps other mega projects.” Essentially, this means that the Bears would finance the construction of the new stadium, whilst taxpayers would only become responsible for new roads in the surrounding area, as well as other infrastructure needs.Because the stadium would be publicly-owned, it would therefore not be subject to paying any property taxes like they do at Soldier Field. Sports business expert Marc Ganis, though, believes that time could be running out with the newly-proposed legislation likely needing to pass both the Illinois House and Illinois Senate by December 3 – the last day of the fall veto session.“If a real deal is not done by then, you know, the handwriting is on the wall about, Hammond, Indiana,” Ganis said.Other recent proposals offered up to remain in Illinois include moving into the Rate Field site that could soon be vacated by Major League Baseball team Chicago White Sox as they seek to make the switch to the South Loop.Although nothing has yet been finalized, this is by far the strongest indication that the Bears could remain in Illinois, with Arlington Heights now emerging as the most likely destination to become Caleb Williams and co’s new home.Sign up for talkSPORT Stateside, the YouTube channel dedicated to passionate US Sports fans. Will Gavin, Brian T. 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