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Pittsburgh will host the 2026 NFL Draft, the league announced during its Spring League Meeting in Nashville on Wednesday (May 22).
"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," said NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell. "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."
Pittsburgh's bid to host the 2026 NFL Draft was approved by the Fan Engagement & Major Events Advisory Committee and full NFL ownership prior to Wednesday's announcement.
"I have been proud to make the case for Pittsburgh to host the NFL Draft, from my direct conversations with NFL leadership at last year's Super Bowl, to our administration's consistent work alongside the Steelers and our local partners over the past year to showcase Pittsburgh's great strengths," said Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro. "Today, Pittsburgh has established itself as one of the most dynamic cities in the country – and as the birthplace of professional football, it is the best choice to host the Draft. With all eyes on Pennsylvania during the nation's 250th birthday, the Commonwealth is excited and ready to work together to host this historic Draft and show the country what Pennsylvania is all about."
The NFL, which previously held its annual draft in New York City for decades, began holding the event at rotating host cities in the 2010s, which includes Campus Martius Park in Detroit playing host to the 2024 NFL Draft last month and Lambeau Field, home of the Green Bay Packers, already set to host the 2025 NFL Draft.