First reported by Fan Morning Show hosts Adam Crowley and Dorin Dickerson, The Steelers confirmed Thursday they are bidding to bring the NFL Draft to Pittsburgh.
Steelers Spokesman Burt Lauten released the following statement:
We have submitted our indication to the NFL office of the Steelers’ and City’s desire to host either the 2026 or 2027 NFL Draft in Pittsburgh. 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. 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.
Lauten tells The Big K Morning Show it’s been a long time coming.
“I think it’s a no-brainer given the history of football in this area and not just the Steelers but just any of the great football players that have come out of this area, I think it’s a no-brainer that we’ll be able to get a draft at some point in time,” said Lauten.
There likely won't be answer until owner’s meetings in May.
The draft will be in Detroit next year and Green Bay in 2025.
The last time Pittsburgh hosted a draft in pro sports was in 2012. The NHL draft at the then-named Consol Energy Center, no PPG Paints Arena.