Indiana Gov. Mike Braun may have received an early holiday gift, one that could potentially deliver a lump of coal to a neighboring state, Wednesday evening.

Braun took to social media to proudly boast his willingness to bring the Chicago Bears to Northwest Indiana, which was a response to Bears President and CFO Kevin Warren writing a letter to fans that the Region is under consideration as the franchise has not received a “sense of urgency or appreciation to date” from Illinois.

“The Chicago Bears recognize Indiana’s pro-business climate, and I am ready to work with them to build a new stadium in Northwest Indiana,” Braun, a Republican, wrote. “This move would deliver a major economic boost, create jobs, and bring another premier NFL franchise to the Hoosier State. Let’s get it done.”

Indiana HB 1292 was signed April 30 for opportunities such as the one presented by Warren. The bill established the northwest Indiana professional sports development commission. It “authorizes the commission to prepare a comprehensive master plan for building the facilities and other infrastructure necessary for attracting and developing one or more professional sports franchises in northwest Indiana.”

In a months-long battle over where the Bears will play, their existing home of Soldier Field has seemingly never been under consideration. However, the plan became the Bears building within Cook County in Arlington Heights, Illinois, at the old Arlington Park horse race track. The team has been seeking tax breaks and nearly $900 million in public funding, according to media reports.

“We have been told directly by state leadership our project will not be a priority in 2026,” Warren said. “Consequently, in addition to Arlington Park, we need to expand our search and critically evaluate opportunities throughout the wider Chicagoland region, including Northwest Indiana.

“This is not about leverage. We spent years trying to build a new home in Cook County. … Our fans deserve a world-class stadium. Our players and coaches deserve a venue that matches the championship standard they strive for every day. With that in mind, our organization must keep every credible pathway open to deliver that future.”

Illinois Gov. JB Pritzker, a Democrat, didn’t hold back in his response Warren offering Indiana as an option for the Bears.

“Suggesting the Bears would move to Indiana is a startling slap in the face to all the beloved and loyal fans who have been rallying around the team during this strong season,” a Pritzker spokesman said in a statement to the Chicago Sun-Times. “The Governor’s a Bears fan who has always wanted them to stay in Chicago. He has also said that ultimately they are a private business that makes their own decisions, but the Governor has also been clear that the bottom line for any private business development should not come at the full expense of taxpayers.”