The 2027 NFL draft is coming to Washington, D.C. Axios reported late Sunday night that President Donald Trump, Washington Commanders managing partner Josh Harris, and NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell would hold a Monday press conference to reveal the news.
They did, and here’s the official announcement:
From the Commanders:
The Commanders released the following information regarding where the draft will be held in D.C.:
“Hosted in partnership with Washington Commanders and the local organizing committee, Events DC, the 2027 NFL Draft will take place across the District’s most iconic landmarks, including the National Mall and Pennsylvania Avenue, placing the capital at the center of America’s most celebrated sport.”
Goodell released the following statement:
The NFL Draft has become a marquee event, uniting fans across the country and around the world. 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.
Harris also released a statement:
The NFL Draft is one of the biggest moments in sports—and we’re incredibly proud to help bring it to Washington, D.C. 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.
This is the first time since 1941 that the NFL draft will be in D.C. From 1965-2014, the draft was held in New York City and went back on the road in 2015, beginning with Chicago. Since 2015, Chicago, Philadelphia, Dallas, Nashville, Cleveland, Las Vegas, Kansas City, Detroit, and the 2025 NFL draft was in Green Bay last month. It will be in Pittsburgh in 2026.
This news comes one week after Washington, D.C. Mayor Muriel Bowser and Harris announced a deal to build a new stadium, inside the District at the RFK Stadium site where the Redskins played from 1961-1996. The D.C. Council must still approve the deal.