C
hicago Fire Football Club owner Joe Mansueto is eyeing a new stadium opportunity in one of the city's megadevelopments, as plans for other pro sports stadiums in Chicago face challenges. The team currently shares Soldier Field with the Bears and is seeking to develop its own stadium.

    Mansueto mentioned that if they can find the right location, they'll move forward with it. Two potential sites are Lincoln Yards and The 78, a $7 billion megadevelopment on the Near South Side where a White Sox stadium was initially planned. However, rumors of a possible White Sox sale to an ownership group looking to relocate to Nashville could impact Related Midwest's plans for The 78.

    A Fire stadium would be privately financed, unlike other Chicago sports teams pursuing public funding. Mansueto cited limitations in sharing Soldier Field with the Bears and concerts as reasons for seeking a new home. He believes a new stadium is crucial for revitalizing the club, which has struggled in recent years despite significant investments from him since taking over in 2019.

    The Fire's pursuit of a new stadium comes as 22 out of 29 MLS teams have their own soccer-specific stadiums, with two more under construction in Miami and New York.