The Sports & Exhibition Authority of Pittsburgh and Allegheny County has recently announced that it has hired a consulting firm to evaluate the city’s feasibility as a potential location for an NBA or WNBA team. This decision comes after reports from October 2023 indicated that the authority was exploring the idea of attracting a professional basketball franchise to the city.
The study being conducted aims to determine the level of interest and support the region may have for a basketball franchise. Past attempts in the 1970s with the Pittsburgh Pipers and Pittsburgh Condors of the ABA did not yield significant attendance numbers, leading to the city missing out on entry into the NBA. However, Senator Fontana expressed in 2023 that while Pittsburgh might be a long shot for an NBA team, there could be potential for a women’s basketball team to thrive in the area. With former teams drawing limited crowds, Fontana believes the addition of a women’s team could bring a fresh and welcomed dynamic to the city’s sports scene.
The Sports & Exhibition Authority currently owns and operates several major venues in Pittsburgh, including Acrisure Stadium, PNC Park, PPG Paints Arena, and the David L. Lawrence Convention Center. These venues provide ample space for hosting professional sports events and can accommodate large crowds if needed. If successful, an NBA or WNBA team could bring significant economic benefits to the city and its residents.
The hiring of CAA ICON marks an exciting development in this process, as they will conduct an in-depth analysis of Pittsburgh’s suitability as a host for professional basketball. This includes assessing factors such as market demand, fan base support, competition from other teams in neighboring cities like Cleveland and Philadelphia, as well as evaluating any existing infrastructure that may need upgrades or improvements before hosting games at these venues.
Overall, while there are still many uncertainties about whether an NBA or WNBA team will ultimately choose to set up shop in Pittsburgh, this recent announcement signifies that there is growing interest in bringing professional basketball back to our beloved city. As we continue to follow this story closely, we hope that it leads to positive outcomes for both our community members and local businesses alike.
