Is Pittsburgh Ready for a Women’s NBA Team? A Closer Look at the Feasibility Study

The Sports & Exhibition Authority of Pittsburgh and Allegheny County has recently brought in a consulting firm to evaluate the feasibility of attracting an NBA or WNBA team to the city. State Senator Wayne Fontana, a board member of the authority, mentioned to KDKA-TV that CAA ICON has been hired to assess the city’s potential as a host for professional basketball.

This move comes after reports from October 2023 indicated that the authority was exploring the idea of bringing an NBA or WNBA team to Pittsburgh. The study being conducted aims to determine the level of interest and support the region may have for a professional 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.