Trump announces 2027 NFL Draft to be held on National Mall

President Donald Trump announced Monday that the 2027 NFL Draft will take place on the National Mall in Washington, DC, marking the first time the city will host the event since 1941.
 

The announcement was made in the Oval Office alongside NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell, DC Mayor Muriel Bowser, and Washington Commanders owner Josh Harris.

Trump said, "hundreds of thousands of football fans will travel all across our country to cheer them on in person." He said that the event would be jobs in local tourism and help local businesses. 

"The NFL Draft has become a marquee event, uniting fans across the country and around the world," said Goodell in a statement. "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 three-day event will be hosted in partnership with the Washington Commanders and Events DC. A number of Draft-related activities will take place, including the Draft Concert Series and the NFL Draft Experience, a free fan festival where fans can participate in numerous games and exhibits. 

"The NFL Draft is one of the biggest moments in sports—and we're incredibly proud to help bring it to Washington, D.C.," Harris said in a statement. "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.”

Mayor Bowser highlighted how the draft will bring business into DC, saying, “We believe in investing in sports because they have helped us transform neighborhoods, and the NFL bringing this event to the nation's capital will help us fill hotel rooms, our restaurants, and Americans from all 50 states will come to their nation's capital and enjoy our beautiful city and museums.”