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Local businesses owned by underrepresented groups could get a boost when the NFL draft comes to town.
If accepted into the NFL Draft Source Program, businesses will be included in a directory for potential contracts. The draft is scheduled in Pittsburgh for April 23-25, 2026.
“It is the goal of the NFL and Local Organizing Committee to increase access and preparedness for local businesses to compete for draft contracts in order to facilitate the strongest local economic impact possible,” said Emily Hatfield, senior director of communications for VisitPittsburgh.
VisitPittsburgh is leading the draft locally through a local organizing committee, composed of the governor, local elected officials, and community leaders. The tourism promotion agency and the Pittsburgh Steelers are hosting information sessions for businesses on March 3 and March 21. Applications open April 1.
Businesses that have certifications stating they are at least 51% owned and operated by a minority, woman, person with disabilities, LGBTQ+ individual, or veteran are encouraged to apply, although applications are also open to those without certification.
To be considered, businesses must also be headquartered in Allegheny, Armstrong, Beaver, Butler, Fayette, Greene, Indiana, Lawrence, Washington, or Westmoreland counties.
Those that offer services needed for the draft, such as event promotion, catering, construction, and security, are encouraged to apply.
The NFL does not exclusively use Source members for events, but it “provides increased exposure to opportunity,” according to the 2025 Draft Source Program guidelines.
Applications will be open until April 30. Businesses will be notified of decisions by June. Hatfield said those accepted into the program will be offered “networking and capacity building activities.”
After the draft, the directory will be given to the local organizing committee and added to the NFL’s supplier database for NFL staff, teams, sponsors, and partner organizations to use, Hatfield said.
The NFL Source Program was used for Detroit, the 2024 draft host, rolling out a year prior.
“Our region is so diverse,” said Marty Dobek, executive director of the Detroit Sports Commission. "We wanted to get everybody under the umbrella. We knew not all the businesses would get an opportunity with the NFL but also used it as an opportunity to educate them on the entire process.”
