National Football League in Partnership with VisitPITTSBURGH and Pittsburgh Steelers Invite Businesses in 10-County Region to Apply for the 2026 NFL Draft Source Program

Apr. 1, 2025

PITTSBURGH – As preparation begins for the 2026 NFL Draft, which will be held in Pittsburgh April 23-25, 2026, the NFL, in partnership with VisitPITTSBURGH and the Pittsburgh Steelers, are seeking a wide range of Pittsburgh area businesses to support various planning and execution needs for this marquee event.

The 2026 Draft Source Program is a procurement program run by the NFL in partnership with the local organizing committee that looks to engage event-ready local and diverse businesses within a 10-county Pittsburgh region to gain exposure to subcontracting opportunities related to the 2026 NFL Draft.

Local businesses are encouraged to apply to become a member of the 2026 NFL Draft Source procurement program. Businesses selected for the program will be profiled in a member directory, which NFL staff, primary contractors and event producers will use in helping to identify suppliers to fulfill their contracting and subcontracting needs.

Becoming a member of the procurement program is a competitive process, and acceptance within the program does not guarantee contracts and/or RFP invitations. Accepted businesses will also participate in networking and capacity building activities.

The application process is now open and will close on May 7, 2025. Selections for the program will be communicated at the end of June.

The 2026 NFL Draft in Pittsburgh will require a wide array of vendors, including but not limited to catering, food trucks, graphic design, large format printing/signage, promotional items, audio visual, carpet/flooring, décor, entertainment, event production, florals/plants/trees, golf carts, laundry services, photography/videography, port-o-lets, staging & lighting, talent trailers, temporary housing, temporary event staffing, tenting, traffic management, venues, white glove/concierge services, financial services, legal services, management & advisory (administrative), barricades/fencing, cable wire contractors, contract labor, electrical, equipment rentals (heavy), general contractors, janitorial services, management & advisory (construction/permitting/safety), scaffolding, shoring, temporary structures/containers, waste removal, management & advisory (broker), transportation (freight), transportation (high-capacity passenger vehicles), management & advisory (security), security staffing/augmentation.

Local businesses throughout the 10-county Pittsburgh region are encouraged to apply.

To be eligible for participation in the 2026 Draft Source program, a business must:

• Be the direct source of the goods and services offered.
• Be in good standing and eligible to do business within the state of Pennsylvania.
• Be headquartered in the 10-county greater Pittsburgh area (Counties: Allegheny, Armstrong, Beaver, Butler, Fayette, Greene, Indiana, Lawrence, Washington, Westmoreland).

The program encourages applications from businesses that are also:

• Certified diverse businesses per federal guidelines (51% owned and operated by a minority, woman, person with disabilities, LGBTQ+ or veteran individual).
• Providing a product or service requested by the 2026 Pittsburgh Draft Source program.
• In operation since April 2023.

To learn more about program eligibility requirements and to apply for the program, interested businesses can visit Home - 2026 NFL Draft Source Program.

For photos and b-roll from today’s event, click here.

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About 2026 NFL Draft Source
The 2026 Draft Source Program is a 10-month localized procurement program run by the NFL and done in partnership with VisitPITTSBURGH and the Pittsburgh Steelers. The program intends to engage local and diverse event-ready businesses within the Greater Pittsburgh region to compete for contracting and subcontracting opportunities related to the 2026 NFL Draft. Businesses who are selected for the program also get the opportunity to participate in business development events and networking opportunities with the NFL, The Steelers, VisitPITTSBURGH and their partners.

About VisitPITTSBURGH
VisitPITTSBURGH is the official tourism marketing and promotion agency of the Pittsburgh region. The organization is dedicated to generating business events, sports events, and leisure travel for Allegheny County. 

About the Pittsburgh Steelers
The fifth-oldest franchise in the NFL, the Pittsburgh Steelers were founded on July 8, 1933, by Arthur Joseph Rooney. Pittsburgh is among the most successful franchises in League history. The Steelers have won six Super Bowl titles, tied for the most in the NFL, and appeared in eight overall. Pittsburgh has also participated in 16 conference title games since the NFL/AFL merger in 1970 and hosted 11 – both of which rank among the top in the League. The Steelers have had 33 former players, coaches or contributors inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame.