The Chicago Bears’ bid for Arlington International Racecourse has oddsmakers in a bind. Is it a bluff, or are the Bears really considering leaving Chicago? 

There are two other dark horses in the race to buy that site. 

Here’s what Mayor Lori Lightfoot — a Bears season ticket holder — had to say about it last week.

“Frankly, I’m not sure what they want,” she said. “But, we are open to the conversation. I think it’s important. I say this as much as the mayor but also as a 20-plus year season ticket holder of the Chicago Bears, that there is some interest in improving the fan experience at Soldier Field, and them being able to maximize the profitability of the stadium. And I’m totally supportive of that.”

We discuss the situation with Allen Sanderson, a sports economist at the University of Chicago; and Marc Ganis, president of sports business consulting firm Sports Corp.