WASHINGTON — The much-celebrated NFL draft will make a return to the nation’s capital in 2027, gracing the iconic National Mall, an announcement made by President Donald Trump on Monday. This will mark the first time in over 80 years that Washington has had the privilege of hosting the event.
The news broke on Sunday, sparking excitement, and was officially confirmed in the Oval Office with NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell, Josh Harris, the controlling owner of the Commanders, and D.C. Mayor Muriel Bowser present. “There’s never been anything like this,” remarked Trump. “It’s going to be a stunning event, something unmatched,” he added.
This announcement is a significant off-the-field achievement for the Commanders, who have recently reached a preliminary agreement with the D.C. government to construct a new stadium at the former RFK Stadium location, awaiting council approval. President Trump voiced his support for this plan as well, asserting, “There’s no better venue in the world.”
Under previous owner Dan Snyder, the team made several failed attempts to host the draft. However, with the new Harris-led ownership group taking over from Snyder in 2023, this ambition has now become a reality.
“A monumental day for Washington,” announced Harris. “We expect over a million attendees, presenting an extraordinary opportunity to highlight all that Washington represents.” Washington has not hosted the draft since 1941, when it took place at the Willard Hotel.
Mayor Bowser emphasized the benefits of investing in sports, citing their role in neighborhood transformation. “The NFL holding this event in the capital will boost our hotels and restaurants,” she said, highlighting the expected influx of visitors from across the nation.
Earlier this year, Green Bay, the smallest market in the NFL, hosted the draft at Lambeau Field, drawing an impressive crowd of 600,000 over the three days.
Commissioner Goodell praised the draft as a major sports and entertainment event. “This will not only be an event but a showcase of the capital’s progress and future,” he stated, acknowledging the event’s growing popularity.
For years, the NFL draft was a staple at New York’s Radio City Music Hall. However, since 2015, the event has traveled to various cities. Chicago hosted it in 2015 and 2016, with Philadelphia, Dallas, Nashville, and more following suit. During the pandemic in 2020, the draft took place virtually from Goodell’s home. It later moved to Cleveland, Las Vegas, Kansas City, and Detroit, which set a record in 2024 with 750,000 attendees. Pittsburgh is slated to host the event next year.
The 2027 draft in Washington will also align with the third anniversary of the Commanders picking quarterback Jayden Daniels with their second pick. His selection marked a turning point, as the team reached the NFC championship in his rookie year and is poised to compete for the Super Bowl in the near future.
President Trump commended Josh Harris’s recent draft choices, noting the acquisition of a top-tier quarterback. “Jayden Daniels has the makings of a great quarterback,” Trump said.
Under the leadership of Harris-hired General Manager Adam Peters and Coach Dan Quinn, the Commanders have become a contender in the league, reminiscent of their past successes that included three Super Bowl titles.
Highlighting recent developments, Goodell spoke about the shift from past failures to current successes. “This market holds immense importance,” he observed. “With a formidable franchise here that fans can rally behind and the return of their stadium to D.C., this is a pivotal step for the team and the NFL.”