The NFL is reportedly bringing the draft to the home of one of its most storied franchises.
According to Jeremy Fowler of ESPN, the league “has officially awarded Pittsburgh the 2026 NFL draft. Art Rooney II will address media shortly.”
The NFL Draft has seen incredible turnout since taking its show on the road. Per the Associated Press, April’s event in downtown Detroit set a new attendance record with more than 775,000 fans showing up to the Motor City for the three-day event.
In a statement on Pittsburgh’s selection, here’s what commissioner Roger Goodell had to say:
The NFL Draft is one of the biggest, most-anticipated sporting events of the year, and we’re thrilled to partner with the Pittsburgh Steelers and VisitPITTSBURGH for our 2026 event. We have a unique opportunity to spotlight this wonderful community on a global stage, benefiting Pittsburgh’s economy and entertaining football fans from all markets. We know this pride of Pennsylvania will shine bright in 2026.
The Steelers were rumored to have put in a bid in to host the draft in 2025 but the Packers had already landed the opportunity.
The last time an NFL Draft was held in the Steel City was in 1947. Pittsburgh becomes the 10th NFL city to host the draft since 2015 — joining Chicago, Philadelphia, Dallas, Nashville, Cleveland, Las Vegas, Kansas City, Detroit (and soon-to-be Green Bay, Wisconsin).