In a headline-making moment that stunned both the sports and tech worlds, Tesla CEO Elon Musk made a provocative announcement this week: unless the Pittsburgh Steelers agree to an official partnership with Tesla, their players will be prohibited from purchasing the company’s vehicles in the future.
The bold statement, made during a live interview at a global energy summit in San Francisco, quickly ignited controversy—drawing strong reactions from fans, industry experts, and, most notably, the Steelers players themselves.
A Shocking Ultimatum
While discussing Tesla’s role in sustainable technology and its cultural impact in America, Musk unexpectedly veered into sports.
“We want Tesla aligned with brands that embody innovation, resilience, and leadership,” he said. “The Pittsburgh Steelers are a legendary NFL team. But if they’re unwilling to embrace a future with Tesla, their players shouldn’t be behind the wheel of one.”
Pressed for details, Musk added, “If they don’t commit to a formal partnership, we’ll make sure no Steelers player can buy a Tesla. They’ll be flagged in our system.”