Airbnb Hosts in Pittsburgh Adjust Expectations for NFL Draft Rentals

Demand and rates lower than anticipated a year ago, but last-minute bookings expected to fill rentals

Apr. 17, 2026 at 3:56am

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A high-end, photorealistic studio still-life photograph featuring a set of modern, polished metal keys and a sleek, minimalist digital tablet device floating on a clean white background, conceptually representing the abstract concepts of short-term rental pricing and the evolving Airbnb market.As Airbnb hosts in Pittsburgh adjust their rental rates for the NFL draft, the city's short-term rental market navigates shifting supply and demand.Today in Pittsburgh

Airbnb hosts in Pittsburgh are coming to terms with making less money than expected for rentals during the upcoming NFL draft. While some hosts had hoped to charge $3,000 to $5,000 per night, the reality is that rates are more in the $500 per night range as demand has been lower than anticipated. However, hosts are still seeing a significant uptick in bookings in recent days, and they expect most reasonably priced rentals to be sold out by the time the draft arrives.

Why it matters

The NFL draft is a major event that draws large crowds to the host city, creating high demand for short-term rentals. How Airbnb hosts in Pittsburgh price and manage their properties can have a significant impact on the overall visitor experience and the city's ability to capitalize on the economic opportunity. This story provides insights into the dynamics of the short-term rental market for a high-profile event like the NFL draft.

The details

According to Chad Wise, who leads HostWise Stays and manages 150 Airbnb properties in Pittsburgh, many hosts had initially expected to charge $3,000 to $5,000 per night. However, the reality is that rates are now more in the $500 per night range as demand has been lower than anticipated. Wise cited data showing that only 55% of short-term rentals in the city have been booked for the draft so far. He attributes this to people waiting until the last minute to book, as well as some hosts setting their rates too high too early. Wise also noted that more people are expected to drive into the city for the day rather than stay overnight, which has impacted demand. Despite the lower-than-expected rates, Wise is confident that reasonably priced Airbnb rentals will still sell out, as they often do throughout the year in Pittsburgh.

  • The NFL draft is taking place in Pittsburgh next week.
  • A year ago, Airbnb hosts in Pittsburgh had expected to charge $3,000 to $5,000 per night for draft rentals.
  • As of this week, only 55% of short-term rentals in Pittsburgh have been booked for the draft.

The players

Chad Wise

Leads HostWise Stays, which manages 150 Airbnb properties in Pittsburgh.

Perry Ivery

Board chair of Visit Pittsburgh, the city's tourism organization.

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What they’re saying

“There were a lot of people that thought [a year ago] they were going to make $3,000 to $5,000 a night. Now people are being more realistic, of I'm going to make $500 a night, potentially.”

— Chad Wise, Airbnb property manager

“At this point, booking activity is progressing as expected based on comparable events, and we're optimistic by how things are shaping up heading into the Draft.”

— Perry Ivery, Board chair, Visit Pittsburgh

What’s next

Visit Pittsburgh plans to release more data on hotel and short-term rental bookings after the NFL draft is completed.

The takeaway

The NFL draft in Pittsburgh is proving to be a more challenging event for Airbnb hosts than they had anticipated a year ago. While some hosts had set unrealistic rate expectations, the reality is that demand and occupancy rates are lower than expected. However, hosts are still seeing a late surge in bookings, and they remain confident that reasonably priced rentals will sell out as the draft approaches.