It seems as though the Chicago Bears are shifting directions for their planned new stadium .

And once again, it's not in Chicago.

According to a spokesperson for Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson, executive leadership from the team have "indicated they intend to prioritize the development site located in the Village of Arlington Heights."

While the writing may have been on the wall for the newest development, it marks the most concrete shift away from the city since the team revealed they were returning their focus to Chicago's lakefront, unveiling plans for a new stadium next to Soldier Field.

But the team has met resistance from Chicago and state lawmakers over their requests for some public financing of the project and have also encountered questions from advocacy groups like Friends of the Parks over the lakefront location.

"As the Mayor has said several times, the door remains open in the city of Chicago," the spokesperson for Johnson told NBC Chicago.

In a statement to NBC Chicago, the Bears confirmed they have "made significant progress with the leaders in Arlington Heights, and look forward to continuing to work with state and local leaders on making a transformative economic development project for the region a reality."

The newest development comes just after Arlington Heights' swore in its new mayor, Jim Tinaglia, who said he spoke with Bears President and CEO Kevin Warren just before his swearing-in ceremony.

“He came by just to sit and chat and talk about things. And he is just a really good guy," Tinaglia said.

According to Tinaglia, discussions between the two were positive.

“I feel good about it," he said. "Kevin is, I think if I was able to read his mind, I would say I think he wants to come here. I’m pretty sure that he does.”

The Bears had previously pivoted away from building a domed stadium and entertainment district in Arlington Heights, though they never ruled out the property entirely. Then, while speaking to Pro Football Talk’s Mike Florio and Chris Simms last month, Warren confirmed that the Bears’ stadium project is “really down to the Museum Campus and downtown Arlington Heights."

The team bought the now-shuttered Arlington Park racecourse for nearly $200 million in 2023, but a property tax dispute stalled their plans.

The village board recently approved an agreement with a consulting firm to evaluate an economic impact study surrounding the new stadium and proposed entertainment district. The village also hired a consultant to take an in-depth look at the traffic impacts of the proposed stadium.

“My main goal is to work with the Bears and work with the team, work with Kevin and George to make sure that the entire project is something that everybody’s really proud of," Tinaglia said.

“We are the largest landowner [in Arlington Heights]. I’m excited for these next couple of months,” he said. “This land is absolutely beautiful. It’s a great piece of land.”