The departure from Soldier Field is taking shape for the Chicago Bears after 40 years. The Michigan Lake franchise will likely have a new home starting in 2026.

Munich – The Chicago Bears will probably leave the metropolis on Michigan Lake in 2026. Even if only by a few kilometres.

According to a report by “CBS”, the Bears will leave Soldier Field, which has hosted the franchise’s home games since 1971, in that year. The article is based on several league sources.

Chicago Bears take over grounds of a horse racing track

The new stadium is to be built in Arlington Heights. The suburb, about 50 kilometres from Chicago and the current venue, is considered the largest village in the US.

It is there that the Bears have reached agreement to purchase the land, which is home to a famous horse-racing track.

This was announced by club boss Ted Phillips in late September, promising “a close working relationship with Arlington Heights and the surrounding communities”.

Bears may terminate lease with Soldier Field in 2026

From “CBS” an insider is quoted as saying, “This is not leverage. It’s very likely to happen. It’s the right move.” The Bears can terminate the existing lease with Soldier Field in five years on the terms given, the report adds.

The problem for the franchise: Their current stadium is the one with the smallest capacity in the NFL and also offers little opportunity for expansion.

In Arlington Heights, the Bears could also use the space around the new stadium. The entire site is said to measure 326 hectares, and the club is paying 197.2 million US dollars (just under 170 million euros), according to “The Athletic”.