2026 NFL Draft branding has been unveiled

The city of Pittsburgh will host the 2026 NFL Draft from April 23-26, 2026, as announced by the NFL, making it a focal point for football fans worldwide. The excitement has been building since the initial announcement, and recently, the NFL and Pittsburgh Organizing Committee revealed the official branding and visual style guide for the event.

The branding is inspired by Pittsburgh's pop art and industrial heritage, featuring bold lines, graphics, and designs that draw from the city's bridges, rivers, murals, and industrial architecture. It includes taglines such as "The Pick is In" and "Greatness is on the Clock," aiming to showcase the region's authenticity on a global stage. According to Chris Stackhouse, Vice President and Head of Global Brand Experience at the NFL, the creative direction celebrates both the NFL prospects and Pittsburgh's unique identity, reflecting the city's confidence and charm.

The event is expected to attract between 500,000 and 700,000 visitors to the Pittsburgh region and reach over 50 million viewers worldwide, highlighting its significant economic and cultural impact. Jerad Bachar, President & CEO of VisitPITTSBURGH, expressed enthusiasm for the branding, noting that it authentically represents Pittsburgh's culture and creativity, positioning the city as a premier sports and cultural destination.

A key element of the preparations is the unveiling of the 2026 NFL Draft Countdown Clock, located on the North Shore's Great Lawn near Acrisure Stadium, with a backdrop offering a view of the city. Ryan Huzjak, Senior Vice President of Business Operations for the Pittsburgh Steelers, emphasized that hosting the draft provides an opportunity to showcase Pittsburgh's social, cultural, and economic offerings, linking its industrial history to modern innovations like AI and pop art.

New merchandise featuring the official branding will be available through the Steelers Pro Shop, and fans can register to attend the event. The Steelers played a role in unveiling the countdown clock, and the draft aims to create an experience that best represents Pittsburgh in 2026, building on the legacy of previous host cities like Green Bay, which benefited from increased visitor spending at local businesses.