CHICAGO (WLS) — Rahm Emanuel, the former mayor of Chicago and a past U.S. ambassador to Japan, has expressed his belief that the Chicago Bears are keen to remain in Illinois. However, he emphasized that the team must adopt a more focused approach if they wish to successfully negotiate a new stadium deal, as the ongoing saga continues to unfold.
During an exclusive discussion with ABC7 Chicago, Emanuel stressed the importance of the Bears clearly identifying their priorities and working closely with high-ranking political figures to secure an agreement that would keep the team anchored in the state.
ABC7 Chicago is now streaming 24/7. Click here to watch
“Cities and states offering financial incentives to billionaires are, in my opinion, making a mistake,” Emanuel remarked.
With the Bears pursuing tax incentives to construct a new facility in Arlington Heights, Emanuel underscored the necessity of transparency and collaboration.
“Once priorities are established, gather everyone together, stop procrastinating, and determine if you can fulfill that commitment,” he advised.
Questions have also been raised about whether the Bears are using the possibility of a move to Hammond, Indiana, as leverage. Emanuel said he does not believe the team wants to leave the Chicago area.
“I think they know where their fan base is; they know where their future is. And they know what would happen if they did. So, therefore, I don’t think they want to go,” he said.
Emanuel also addressed why Chicago is not hosting any World Cup matches as games get underway. He said FIFA was to blame, citing negotiations that took place in 2018 while he was mayor.
“I believed this was a boondoggle for the taxpayers; that’s why I said no,” Emanuel said.
He said FIFA wanted the city and taxpayers to shoulder all the financial risk while the organization reaped the rewards.
“Because they wanted us to take us, being the city and the taxpayers, to take on all the financial risk, and they literally walk away with all the financial reward,” Emanuel said.
Emanuel said talks ultimately collapsed over contract language that would have required a dome to be built over Soldier Field.
“I said, ‘take it out.’ They said no. I said, ‘well, end of discussion then.’ I said, because you’re not leaving me with a $100 million liability on behalf of the taxpayers, not doing it now. I want to be clear. I hope the games are a success,” he said.
Emanuel also discussed his political future after recently finishing a bike ride across New Hampshire and speaking with voters. Asked how serious he is about a possible presidential run, Emanuel responded, “I am very serious.”
He said he is weighing whether he can help address what he described as broken middle-class foundations.
“Do I have what it takes to help put that foundation back on solid ground to help the next generation?” Emanuel said. “Now do I have what it takes to answer that? That’s what I’m going to decide in the next six months.”
As for his appearance court-side at a New York Knicks NBA Finals game, Emanuel said his brother, Ari Emanuel, bought the tickets and invited him. He added he would not have paid the asking price himself, amid reports that the tickets were outrageously expensive.
Copyright © 2026 WLS-TV. All Rights Reserved.