The NFL draft is coming to the nation’s capital.
The league, along with President Donald Trump, announced from the Oval Office on Monday that the spectacle will come to Washington, D.C. in 2027.
Hosted in partnership with Washington Commanders and the local organizing committee, Events DC, the draft will be staged across DC’s most iconic landmarks, including the National Mall and Pennsylvania Avenue.
“The NFL Draft has become a marquee event, uniting fans across the country and around the world,” said NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell. “We are excited to bring the 2027 Draft to Washington, D.C., a city rich in history and national pride. With the support of President Trump, the Commanders, Events DC, and Mayor Bowser we’re looking forward to delivering an unforgettable experience as we celebrate the next generation of NFL stars.”
Goodell said he expects more than 1 million visitors to attend the 2027 draft. The 2024 NFL Draft in Detroit attracted a record-breaking 775,000 fans.
Most recently, more than 600,000 fans attended the 2025 NFL Draft in Green Bay, matching Nashville’s record in 2019 for the second-highest attendance in Draft history.
D.C. will host a slate of draft activities, including a variety of community events, the Draft Concert Series and the NFL Draft Experience fan festival that invites fans to participate in immersive exhibits, challenge their skills in interactive games, take photos with the Vince Lombardi Trophy and score autographs from current players and Legends.
“The NFL Draft is one of the biggest moments in sports—and we’re incredibly proud to help bring it to Washington, D.C.,” said Josh Harris, Commanders Managing Partner.
“It will bring hundreds of thousands of visitors, millions of viewers around the world, and generate jobs, tax revenue, and meaningful economic impact across the city. The Draft is a powerful reminder of how sports bring people together – and we’re honored to play a role in that. Since we started this journey less than two years ago, we’ve seen an NFC Championship Game, an agreement to return to RFK, and now the NFL draft in Washington.”
“Thank you to President Trump for your leadership, to Mayor Bowser for your partnership, and to Commissioner Roger Goodell for your support in bringing the Draft back to the nation’s capital. We look forward to welcoming the football world to Washington in 2027. Today is a great day for the DMV, and I can’t wait to see what the future brings.”
The 2026 NFL Draft will take place at Point State Park and Acrisure Stadium in Pittsburgh.
