The NFL Draft is officially coming to the nation’s capital.
League officials announced Monday that Washington, D.C., will host the 2027 NFL Draft, transforming the city’s iconic landmarks, including the National Mall and Pennsylvania Avenue — into the center of pro football’s most anticipated offseason event.
The announcement was made from the Oval Office with President Donald Trump, NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell, Washington Commanders owner Josh Harris, and D.C. Mayor Muriel Bowser all in attendance.
“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, D.C., a city rich in history and national pride.”
The three-day celebration, presented by Bud Light, will feature a massive fan festival, concerts, the youth-focused Play 60 Zone, and the NFL Draft Experience—an interactive zone where fans can test their football skills, take photos with the Vince Lombardi Trophy, and get autographs from current and former NFL players.
Harris, the Commanders’ managing partner, called the announcement a major milestone.
“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,” Harris said. “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.”
That agreement Harris referenced involves a separate deal — months in the making — between the Commanders and the Bowser administration to build a new stadium at the derelict RFK Stadium site, where the team last played in 1996.
The franchise plans to invest $2.5 billion in a new facility and surrounding development, while the city has proposed contributing up to $850 million in public funds to support infrastructure and parking needs. The project still requires approval from the D.C. Council.
Bowser, who has long advocated for the RFK site’s redevelopment, said hosting the draft solidifies Washington’s status as a world-class destination for sports and tourism.
Angie M. Gates, president and CEO of Events DC, said the city is ready to deliver.
“The NFL Draft will provide football fans with an unforgettable experience while showcasing all that makes Washington, D.C. a world-class destination and the Sports Capital,” Gates said.
The draft continues to grow as one of the NFL’s most-watched events. More than 600,000 fans attended the 2025 event in Green Bay, while Detroit drew a record-breaking 775,000 in 2024.
In 2027, the eyes of the football world will be on the capital.
“We look forward to welcoming the football world to Washington,” Harris said. “Today is a great day for the DMV.”
