HAMMOND, Ind. -- The Chicago Bears have taken a major step toward moving the team to Indiana.

The team announced its board of directors voted to advance developing a stadium in Hammond. The exact site is yet to be determined.

According to ESPN, this comes after extended uncertainty over the future of the team. The Bears organization purchased a 326-acre property in Arlington Heights, Illinois in 2021. That site was previously scoped as a potential new stadium.

The team has previously said it would not build a stadium without certainty on property taxes. Indiana lawmakers created a Northwest Indiana Stadium Authority in February with the power to issue bonds, acquire land and finance construction. The state has offered the Bears up to $1 billion in incentives to relocate to Hammond.

Previous attempts at Illinois legislation that would offer incentive to the Bears have either failed or not advanced.

This vote is not the final determination that a stadium will be built in Hammond.

The following are statements on the move our newsroom has gathered this afternoon. Stay with ABC57 as we continue to track the latest.

TEAM STATEMENT:

INDIANA GOVERNOR MIKE BRAUN: 

"Hoosiers, help me welcome the Chicago Bears to our great state!

We look forward to building a partnership as strong as the '85 Bears defense, creating opportunities and economic growth that will benefit our state and the Bears organization for decades to come. An NFL franchise in Northwest Indiana will be an economic boost to the entire region like we haven’t seen before.

Thank you to Speaker Huston, the legislature, and Mayor McDermott for their partnership. I also want to thank the entire Chicago Bears organization for their partnership and commitment in making this move a reality.

Welcome to Indiana!"

CHICAGO MAYOR BRANDON JOHNSON:

"Over the last several years the Bears have stated their intentions in multiple jurisdictions, today's announcement is not surprising.

It's also not surprising that Bears officials have stated this vote does not mean a move to Hammond is a done deal.

Without a final site selection, until we see shovels in the ground in Hammond, the City will continue to engage in discussions grounded in the interests of our residents."

INDIANA SENATOR JIM BANKS:

"This is great news for The Region! This will be an economic boom for the state of Indiana and I look forward to cheering on the Bears in Hammond."