George McCaskey says the Bears would remain the Chicago Bears even if a new stadium is built in Hammond, Indiana

Chicago Bears chairman George McCaskey said the team’s “sole focus” for any new stadium would be Hammond, Indiana, while also making clear that the franchise would not rebrand in connection with a move. The comment was reported in the context of ongoing discussions about stadium possibilities and what the team would call itself if a new facility comes to the Calumet-area region.

In outlining the approach, McCaskey tied the stadium question directly to franchise identity. He indicated that if the Bears ever make a relocation related to stadium construction, it would still be the Chicago Bears, not a name aligned with Hammond or Indiana. In other words, the message from the team is that the brand is anchored to Chicago even if the physical location changes.

The positioning matters in the NFL because stadium decisions are rarely only about construction timelines and site control. Ownership branding, fan expectations, and broader market relationships can all become part of the public-facing debate long before any ground is broken. By emphasizing “sole focus” on Hammond and pairing that with a no-rebranding stance, the Bears appear to be trying to reduce uncertainty for supporters who view a move as a risk to team identity rather than simply a venue change.

McCaskey’s remarks also underline how the Bears are attempting to manage messaging around a complex, multi-stakeholder process. Stadium proposals typically involve local and state government participation, long timelines, and detailed agreements on funding and operations. Even when the on-field product remains the same, the team’s off-field decisions can influence how fans and sponsors perceive continuity and stability.

What to watch next is whether the “Hammond, Indiana” framing is followed by additional, more concrete steps such as formal announcements, partnership updates, or documentation tied to any prospective stadium timeline. For now, the most measurable takeaway is the Bears’ intent to keep the “Chicago Bears” name regardless of where a new stadium is built.

If the planning eventually advances, the Bears’ messaging strategy will likely be tested by the practical realities of moving an NFL franchise. Distance from the city, transportation access, and the day-to-day fan experience can all become central issues. The Bears’ leaders are effectively preempting one concern already, insisting that a physical relocation would not come with a franchise-name change.