Speaking from the Oval Office, Trump expressed excitement about the upcoming event: "I'm pleased to reveal that the 2027 NFL Draft will be held right here, in our nation's capital, Washington, DC, on the National Mall. I don't think there's ever been anything like that. It's going to be beautiful. It's going to be something that nobody else will ever duplicate."
President Trump was joined for the announcement by NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell, Washington Commanders controlling owner Josh Harris, and DC Mayor Muriel Bowser. Their presence emphasized the collaborative effort to bring the high-profile event to the city. Goodell and Harris projected that the event could attract as many as one million attendees, potentially setting a new record for draft attendance.
In recent years, the NFL Draft has grown into a major sporting spectacle. The 2024 event drew a record-breaking crowd of 775,000 over three days. Although slightly lower, the 2025 NFL Draft still saw a massive turnout, with approximately 600,000 fans attending in Green Bay, Wisconsin. These impressive numbers underscore the growing popularity and cultural significance of the Draft, which has evolved into more than just a selection of players — it's now a celebration of the sport itself.
"The NFL Draft has become a marquee event, uniting fans across the country and around the world," said Goodell. "We are excited to bring the 2027 Draft to Washington, DC, 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."
The 2026 NFL Draft is scheduled to take place in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, from April 23 to 25. As the league continues to rotate host cities, each event brings with it a unique flavor and atmosphere, and Washington is expected to deliver one of the most visually striking Drafts in history.
