The Chicago Bears learned one critical factor that could affect their 2024 season in a new way on Thursday.

The NFL announced that the Chicago Bears will be one of the three teams playing in London, England during the 2024 season.

According to the NFL's press release, "each team's opponent, along with dates and kickoff times will be announced when the full schedule is revealed this spring."

It's currently unknown whether the game will counted as one of the Bears home or away games in 2024 but that distinction could be a major factor that could affect the next season for Chicago.

The Bears went five and seven at Soldier Field during the 2023 season and potentially missing out on a home game in Chicago next season could be a major blow for the team. 

While conducting the end of the season press conference on Wednesday, Bears general manager Ryan Poles spoke about how important playing at home was for the team and the fans this season.

"In our fans, their support their energy that they gave this year was incredible," Poles said. "When I take my little walk before each game, the amount of advice that I get is incredible. Our fanbase sees the progress that we're making. They can feel that energy, they can see these new players here and make an impacting on our game is a really special thing."

The Bears will be playing in London for the first time since 2019 when they played the Raiders in the first NFL game played at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium. That site will once again be the location for the Bears upcoming game next season.

The Bears lost to the Raiders 24-21 with the Raiders considered the home team in terms of schedule designation. Quarterback Chase Daniel threw two touchdown passes to wide receiver Allen Robinson but a late second touchdown by running back Josh Jacobs gave the Raiders the win.

Bears Chairman George H. McCaskey addressed the news on Thursday and described how important this decision could be for the entire organization.

"Every game the Chicago Bears play is rich in tradition, culture and passion," said McCaskey. "And every year, game after game, we look forward to welcoming fans to experience that richness. This year, we will take our storied franchise and tradition back to London and share internationally what our fans locally experience at every game. We are excited to join the many NFL teams who are expanding internationally to play a game in London during our 2024 season."

The NFL played five international games during the 2023 season and will be playing five more games in 2024. The Bears, Vikings and Jaguars have all been confirmed to play in London. The Panthers will be playing a game in Munich, Germany, and a to be announced game will be held in São Paulo, Brazil.

This will be the Bears third regular season game played in London in franchise history. The Bears are 1-1 in London with the lone win coming in 2011 against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers where the Bears won 24-18.

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