Pittsburgh vies for '26 NFL Draft after Philly snags MLB, FIFA, NCAA events

Pittsburgh is running an all-out blitz to host a future NFL Draft, and now the effort is getting support from Pennsylvania’s top public official.

Gov. Josh Shapiro announced Tuesday that he sent a letter to NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell last week indicating support for Pittsburgh to host a draft in 2026 or 2027.

The Pittsburgh Steelers submitted their application to host a draft in one of those years and have already garnered support from local officials and boards.

Pittsburgh hosting an NFL draft in 2026 would be a perfect addition to the state’s celebration of America’s 250th birthday, Shapiro said.

“As the birthplace of America — and as we prepare to celebrate our country’s 250th birthday in 2026 — the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania will be a central hub of economic activity over the next several years, and we would be honored for the NFL Draft to be a centerpiece of these celebrations,” Shapiro said in a statement.

Pittsburgh is competing with about 10 cities to host a draft.

Shapiro touted Pittsburgh’s dynamism and rebound story as it rebuilt its economy from a nadir during the steel industry collapse.

The governor also boasted about Pittsburgh’s tourism industry and the concentration of attractions near Acrisure Stadium, such as Point State Park, which he said makes it a perfect location for hosting a large event like the draft.

“Pittsburgh excels in a multitude of sectors, has received numerous international accolades for its cultural district, well-known attractions and museums and outdoor activities, and is routinely ranked as one of the safest and most walkable cities in America,” wrote Shapiro in a Feb. 13 letter.

He also cited Western Pennsylvania’s legacy in professional football.

NFL legends like Dan Marino, Mike Ditka, Johnny Unitas, Joe Montana and Joe Namath were born and raised in the region, Shapiro said.

Shapiro, an avid Philadelphia Eagles fan, also praised the Steelers as one of the league’s most historic and successful franchises.

The NFL Draft has become a marquee event, attracting hundreds of thousands of fans. In 2019, Nashville, Tenn., brought in a record 600,000 people to the draft. Kansas City hosted the last NFL Draft, and city officials there have estimated the event resulted in an economic impact worth about $164 million.

Shapiro said he expects a Pittsburgh draft to exceed attendance totals in 2022, when it was in Las Vegas, and 2023.

The draft will take place next month in Detroit. Green Bay will host it in 2025.

Shapiro said hosting a draft in Pittsburgh would be just one facet of the state’s sports celebrations in 2026.

That year, Pennsylvania will host the MLB All-Star Game (in Philadelphia), the FIFA World Cup (also Philadelphia), NCAA March Madness (Philadelphia), and the PGA Championship (near Philadelphia) that year.

Shapiro noted his commitment to boosting Pittsburgh’s and the state’s tourism with his recent budget proposal, which includes an $18 million increase in funding for tourism and business marketing.

For decades, the NFL Draft was hosted in New York City. In 2015, the league started to move the draft around the country.

Pennsylvania last hosted the draft in 2017 in Philadelphia. Pittsburgh had the honors for the 1948 draft.

But the first draft, way back in 1936, was held in, you guessed it: Philadelphia.