NFL Draft 2026: Pittsburgh Prepares for Star-Studded Entertainment Series
The National Football League is shifting its focus to the Steel City as the 2026 NFL Draft prepares to take over Pittsburgh. While the football world anticipates the arrival of the next generation of talent, the league has unveiled a high-profile musical lineup designed to turn the event into a three-day cultural celebration.
The 2026 NFL Draft, presented by Bud Light, is scheduled to air live from April 23–25. To complement the selection of new players, the NFL announced the headlining acts for the free NFL Draft Entertainment Series, blending global superstardom with deep local roots.
A Homecoming for Pittsburgh Talent
The entertainment strategy for this year’s draft emphasizes the connection between the host city and the music industry. The NFL has tapped Pittsburgh native and Grammy-nominated artist Wiz Khalifa and Pittsburgh-area native Bret Michaels to headline the festivities. Joining them is global superstar Kane Brown, rounding out a trio intended to draw diverse crowds to the free event.
Tim Tubito, the NFL senior director of global event presentation and entertainment, noted that bringing the draft to Pittsburgh allows the league to leverage the city’s profound connection to both football and music. According to Tubito, the goal is to combine artists with renowned global reputations and strong regional ties to create memorable moments on stage.
Fans looking to attend the festivities can register for free entry via the official NFL Draft access portal.
Opening Ceremonies and Cultural Tributes
The celebration begins on Thursday, April 23, with a focus on musical excellence and heritage. KELS, a Pittsburgh-raised and jazz-trained artist, will perform the National Anthem. KELS enters the spotlight following a successful period of independent touring and the success of her 2025 breakout single, “Gone.”
Preceding the anthem, the event will feature a performance of the hymn “Lift Every Voice and Sing.” This will be delivered by the James Weldon Johnson Foundation’s National Hymn Choir, which includes The Heritage Gospel Chorale of Pittsburgh, under the direction of Grammy Award-winning Dr. Jeffery Redding.
The momentum continues into the second day of the event. On Friday, April 24, Wiz Khalifa and Bret Michaels are scheduled to perform at 5:15 p.m. ET. This performance serves as the lead-in to the evening’s draft rounds 2 and 3.
How to Follow the 2026 NFL Draft
For those unable to make it to Pittsburgh, the league has ensured comprehensive coverage across multiple platforms. The event will be broadcast across a wide array of networks to accommodate a global audience.
The draft will air on:
- NFL Network
- NFL+
- NFL Channel
- ABC
- ESPN
- ESPN2
- ESPN Deportes
As reported by Billboard, the integration of these headliners is part of a broader effort to turn the draft into a destination event that transcends the sport itself.
| Event Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Dates | April 23–25, 2026 |
| Location | Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania |
| Headliners | Kane Brown, Wiz Khalifa, Bret Michaels |
| National Anthem | KELS (April 23) |
| Day 2 Performance | 5:15 p.m. ET, April 24 |
The league’s focus remains on the seamless integration of these performances with the high-stakes drama of the player selections. With the draft just over a week away, the city of Pittsburgh is poised to become the epicenter of the football world.
The next major checkpoint for the league is the start of live coverage on Thursday, April 23. Stay tuned for further updates on draft order and prospect news.
Do you think the NFL’s choice of local headliners will elevate the atmosphere in Pittsburgh? Share your thoughts in the comments below.
