In less than two years from now, the city of Pittsburgh will welcome hundreds of thousands of football fans to the city for the 2026 NFL draft. We applaud the mayor for making the financial commitment.

A Pittsburgh City Council proposal wants to give $1 million to VisitPittsburgh to organize the draft efforts. District 9 Councilman Khari Mosley feels the money is an investment. He hopes the NFL draft, with its hundreds of thousands of fans, give the city a return on its investment.

Members of the Pittsburgh NFL draft host committee say pulling off the massive event will require coordinated teamwork. A City Council member introduced a bill for the city to contribute $1 million to invest in draft preparations.

Some Pittsburgh leaders have raised concerns about a mayoral proposal to spend $1 million in taxpayer money to support the 2026 NFL Draft in the city, which is grappling with dwindling revenues and tough financial years ahead.

Pittsburgh leaders are already starting to prepare to host the 2026 NFL Draft. Pittsburgh City Council will introduce a bill Tuesday to create a new partnership with VisitPITTSBURGH. The group will lead the planning, coordinating and executing all arrangements necessary for the draft. The three-year deal will cost the city around $1 million.