The NFL has revealed that its 2026 draft will be hosted by the city of Pittsburgh, incorporating elements of iconic Point State Park as well as Acrisure Stadium, base of the hometown Steelers.

The announcement was made at the NFL Spring League Meeting in Nashville, following a review of Pittsburgh’s bid proposal by the Fan Engagement & Major Events Advisory Committee and full ownership.

The NFL Draft has become the league’s biggest offseason event. Since 2015, more than three million fans across the country have attended draft festivities in person. Most recently, the 2024 NFL Draft in Detroit attracted a record-breaking 775,000 fans in person and garnered more than 53.6 million total viewers over its three days.

“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,” NFL commissioner Roger Goodell commented. “We have a unique opportunity to spotlight this wonderful community on a global stage, benefitting Pittsburgh’s economy and entertaining football fans from all markets. We know this pride of Pennsylvania will shine bright in 2026.”

Throughout the three-day event, Pittsburgh will host a slate of Draft activities including a variety of community events, a concert series and the NFL Draft Experience, the latter continuing to be free for fans.

“We are excited that the City of Pittsburgh has been selected to host the 2026 NFL Draft,” Art Rooney II, Pittsburgh Steelers president, added. “This will be an amazing event that will highlight everything the region has to offer on a national and international level. I truly appreciate the work that has been done by VisitPITTSBURGH, the NFL, local and state officials, and internally within our organisation to accomplish our goal of being selected to host the NFL Draft. We look forward to football fans from all across the country coming to enjoy our city’s culture while also showcasing our rich football history and tradition in the region.”

The three-day event is expected to draw representatives from all 32 NFL teams, top player prospects from the most iconic college conferences in the country and hundreds of thousands of devoted fans.

“Pittsburgh is honoured to have been named the host city for the 2026 NFL Draft,” said Mayor Ed Gainey. “This once in a lifetime opportunity will allow us to showcase our city to an international audience, and it will give us a chance to say to our global fanbase, come on home to Pittsburgh. We are excited for everyone to see the transformation that has taken place, and to see Pittsburgh as more than the City of Champions, but a place where everyone is safe and welcome. A city where everyone has a chance to thrive, and where football erases the boundaries of our 90 neighbourhoods, and we become one city, united, to cheer on our beloved Steelers.”

The NFL Draft marks a full circle moment for the city and its team, as the beginnings of what would become the first NFL Draft took place in 1936 at the first Player Selections Meeting at the Fort Pitt Hotel in downtown Pittsburgh.

“Being awarded the 2026 NFL Draft is a testament to Pittsburgh’s rich football legacy and a renowned recognition of our city’s vibrant culture and welcoming spirit,” said Jerad Bachar, president & CEO of VisitPITTSBURGH. “Momentum for Pittsburgh as the 2026 host city is only just beginning, and we look forward to working alongside our regional partners to plan and execute a world-class event that rolls out the black and gold carpet for football fans from across the country and around the world.”

The 2025 NFL Draft presented by Bud Light will take place in Green Bay on April 24-26, 2025.