President Trump Announces Washington, D.C. to Host 2027 NFL Draft

WASINGTON, D.C. — President Donald Trump announced Monday that Washington, D.C., will host the 2027 NFL Draft, with the event set to take place on the National Mall.

"I'm pleased to reveal that the 2027 NFL Draft, that's a big thing, will be held right here, in our nation's capital, Washington, D.C., on the National Mall," President Donald Trump said on Monday. "It's going to be beautiful. It's going to be something that nobody will ever be able to duplicate, I suspect. It's very exciting."

The three-day event will take place across some of the District’s most iconic landmarks, including the National Mall and Pennsylvania Avenue, placing the draft in the symbolic heart of the country.

"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."

The draft will feature a range of activities, including community events, the NFL Draft Concert Series, and the NFL Draft Experience — a free fan festival that includes interactive exhibits, autograph sessions, and games for fans of all ages.

Josh Harris, managing partner of the Washington Commanders, called the draft "a powerful reminder of how sports bring people together."

The announcement comes amid a broader effort to bring the Commanders back to Washington from Maryland. Harris and Washington Mayor Muriel Bowser recently announced plans to return the franchise to RFK Stadium.

The NFL Draft has grown into one of the league’s signature events. Since moving out of New York City in 2015, it has rotated to different cities, each drawing massive crowds. The 2024 draft in Detroit drew a record 775,000 fans, while the 2025 edition in Green Bay brought in over 600,000, tying Nashville’s 2019 total for second-highest attendance in history.