Sports and Exhibition Authority to consider study on possibility of bringing NBA or WNBA team to Pittsburgh

Pittsburgh (KDKA) – The Sports & Exhibition Authority is considering investing a significant amount of money to conduct a study on the feasibility of bringing an NBA or WNBA team to Pittsburgh. Despite being known for its love of football, hockey, and baseball, the idea of introducing professional basketball to the Steel City may not be an immediate success.

“Pittsburghers take pride in not being NBA fans. They have never had a team and constantly find reasons to criticize the NBA without even watching it,” said Andrew Fillipponi, host of 93.7 The Fan.

Despite this sentiment, the Sports and Exhibition Authority plans to issue a request for proposals for a firm to analyze whether Pittsburgh has a suitable fanbase and interest in professional basketball.

“This study will determine whether Pittsburgh stands a chance of attracting an NBA or WNBA team,” said Wayne Fontana, Chairman of the Sports and Exhibition Authority.

Fontana acknowledges that the odds of getting an NBA team are slim, evident from the lackluster attendance of the Pittsburgh Pipers and Pittsburgh Condors of the American Basketball Association in the 1970s. Pittsburgh was not included when the American Basketball Association merged with the NBA.

“However, a women’s basketball team could have a better chance of establishing itself in Pittsburgh. It would bring something different to the city,” Fontana explained.

Despite Fillipponi’s belief that a WNBA team may have a better shot, the odds are still stacked against its long-term success. Fillipponi suggests that the Sports and Exhibition Authority should invest the $50,000 earmarked for the feasibility study in upgrading Acrisure Stadium and improving the fan experience at existing games.