Steelers Projected to Fall to 20th in NFL Revenue Rank
The Pittsburgh Steelers are near the bottom of the pack when it comes to NFL revenues, both in 2024 and in the projected near future, according to a study by Sportbet.one
Sportbet pegs the Steelers as having $595 million in revenue in 2024, which ranks them 18th among the 32 NFL team in present day. The study believes the Steelers will show below-average growth between now and 2030, increasing their revenues at 27.1% to $756 million by the end of the decade. That projection has them ranked 20th.
Sportbet used a linear progression from the change in revenue between 2012 and 2024 to calculate the projected future earnings. But more advanced metrics might not necessarily help the Steelers. The population growth rate of the Pittsburgh metro area has recently been positive after a long period of being in the red, but is still smaller than the national average.
As a team with a long tradition of success and already-high standards, the Steelers don’t have much of an opportunity to be lifted through strong current play in the way that a team like the Detroit Lions or Los Angeles Chargers.
The relative lack of revenue can’t do much to hurt the Steelers when it comes to putting a roster on the field. Every NFL club shares revenues nationally, and every team must spend 90% of the salary cap on a multi-year basis, so roster-based spending is closely regulated.
Where might a team like the Dallas Cowboys — who have projected current revenues of $1.2 billion and are projected to improve that to $1.6 billion in the near future — outclass teams like the Steelers?
The Cowboys have spent lavishly on their facilities, both at AT&T Stadium and at The Star in Frisco, the club’s headquarters and practice facility. They can also spend more freely on coaches, scouts and technology to help give the team an edge.
Of course, it doesn’t always play out that way. Of the NFL’s top five teams in revenue, only one — the Los Angeles Rams — are currently in playoff position.
The Steelers could see a revenue boost in 2026, when they will host the NFL Draft for the first time.
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