BREAKING: Chicago Bears Announce Move to London as Their Permanent Site, Rebranding as “London Monarchs”.
In a shocking and unprecedented move, the Chicago Bears have officially announced their decision to relocate to London, England, making them the first-ever NFL franchise to permanently move outside North America. The team will undergo a complete rebranding, adopting the name “London Monarchs”, a nod to the historical European football franchise of the same name from NFL Europe.
The stunning announcement was made at a joint press conference held in Chicago and London, with representatives from the team, the NFL, and the British government present. Bears Chairman George McCaskey described the decision as “historic and necessary for the growth of the franchise,” stating that London’s rapidly expanding NFL fan base made it an ideal home for the team’s future.
For years, the NFL has been working to expand its global reach, regularly hosting games in London at Wembley Stadium and Tottenham Hotspur Stadium. Commissioner Roger Goodell has frequently hinted at the possibility of a full-time European franchise, and now, that vision has become a reality.
“London has proven itself to be a city with an incredible passion for American football,” Goodell said. “With the Chicago Bears transitioning into the London Monarchs, we are ushering in a new era for the league—one that will help grow the sport on a truly global scale.”
According to sources, the NFL provided financial incentives to facilitate the move, including guarantees for expanded television deals and priority in international player recruitment. The team will play its home games at Wembley Stadium, which will undergo further renovations to accommodate the NFL’s growing presence.
The decision has sparked outrage in Chicago, where the Bears have been a cornerstone of the city’s sports culture since their founding in 1920. Soldier Field, the team’s historic home, will now be left vacant, and city officials are scrambling to find solutions.
Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson expressed deep disappointment over the move, calling it “a betrayal of Chicago’s loyal football fans.” Reports suggest that the city had made multiple counteroffers to keep the team in Illinois, including proposals for a new state-of-the-art stadium and tax incentives.
Fans, meanwhile, have taken to social media to vent their frustration. Some have organized protests outside Soldier Field, while others have begun burning Bears jerseys in anger. Season ticket holders have also filed lawsuits against the organization, demanding compensation for what they call a “bait-and-switch” from the front office.
As part of the rebrand, the team will don a new color scheme inspired by British royalty, featuring deep purple, gold, and white. Their new logo, expected to be unveiled in the coming weeks, will incorporate elements of a lion and a crown, symbolizing both strength and heritage.
Team executives have promised that they will work hard to embrace their new London fan base while respecting the legacy of the Chicago Bears. Head coach Ben Johnson acknowledged the difficulty of the transition but expressed excitement for the future.
“This is a bold new chapter for the organization,” Johnson said. “We understand the emotions of Chicago fans, but we also see this as an opportunity to bring a fresh and exciting brand of football to an international audience.”
The NFL’s move to establish a permanent team in London raises serious questions about future expansion. Could more teams follow? Speculation has already begun about the possibility of an NFL Europe division, with cities like Munich, Paris, and Madrid being floated as potential locations for additional franchises.
Meanwhile, American football in the UK is expected to experience a boom, with more youth programs and investment in local talent. British NFL fans have reacted with enthusiasm, many already purchasing season tickets for the Monarchs’ inaugural season in 2026.
The relocation of the Chicago Bears to London is one of the most controversial moves in sports history. While it marks an exciting milestone for the global growth of the NFL, it also leaves behind a century of tradition and loyal fans in Chicago.
As the “London Monarchs” prepare for their debut season, only time will tell whether this gamble pays off for the NFL—or if it becomes one of the most regrettable decisions in league history.
