The Pittsburgh Steelers have officially submitted a bid to host the NFL Draft in either 2026 or 2027, aiming to bring one of the league’s significant events to the city. The NFL Draft is scheduled to be hosted in Detroit this spring and Green Bay in 2025, with the announcement for the 2026 location expected at the owners’ meeting in May.
“We believe our city will be an excellent host to showcase the great history that connects Western Pennsylvania to the early roots of professional football and the evolution of the game through the decades,” said Steelers spokesperson Burt Lauten in a statement from November.
“The NFL Draft will draw hundreds of thousands of fans and out-of-town visitors, and we look forward to working with local and state officials and community leaders to ensure we craft a successful bid to host the 2026 or 2027 NFL Draft.”
If a future NFL draft is hosted in Pittsburgh, it is anticipated to occur on the North Shore, positioned between Acrisure Stadium and Stage AE along North Shore Drive, as reported by the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette. The event aims to feature musical performances, a fan experience, and highlights on youth football, flag football, and diversity in and around the city.
The potential draft in Pittsburgh could significantly contribute to the local economy. Jerad Bachar, President and CEO of VisitPITTSBURGH, estimates a direct economic impact ranging from $120 million to $160 million for the city.
However, the Steelers and Pittsburgh might encounter a challenge in securing cooperation from Major League Baseball, as they would need to coordinate with the league due to the Pittsburgh Pirates being in-season during that period in the spring.
