In a bold move that could unite football fever with patriotic pride, the NFL announced that Washington, D.C., will host the 2027 NFL Draft — and the league, city officials, and President Donald Trump believe it will be the biggest one yet.
The announcement came during a joint press conference at the White House on Monday, May 5, where Trump, standing beside D.C. Mayor Muriel Bowser, NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell, and Washington Commanders owner Josh Harris, declared the National Mall as the iconic backdrop for one of America’s most beloved sports traditions.
“The draft is a celebration of one of our country’s most cherished cultural institutions,” said Trump. “Everyone in the world is going to be watching.”
Why Washington, D.C.?
Choosing the National Mall as the site for the 2027 draft isn’t just about location — it’s about symbolism. The Mall, lined with monuments to American democracy and history, is a fitting setting for the NFL’s modern-day coliseum event. It represents a unifying space that blends sport, culture, and civic pride.
Roger Goodell emphasized the significance of the site, especially considering his own D.C. roots.
“It’s consistent with what the president said — investing in our communities, investing specifically here in the nation’s capital,” Goodell said. “It will not just be an event; it will be something that will show the world how far the nation’s capital has come and where it’s going.”
Aiming for a Million
The NFL Draft has grown into more than a sports event — it’s now a massive tourism and entertainment draw. In 2025, Green Bay hosted 600,000 fans, and Detroit holds the attendance record with 750,000 in 2024. But Commanders owner Josh Harris believes Washington can top even that.
“I believe we’ll get over a million people,” Harris said. “It’ll showcase what Washington’s all about, but it’ll also showcase what our country is all about.”
With the draft stretching across multiple days and the Mall’s expansive space ready to accommodate fans from around the world, a million-strong crowd isn’t out of the question — especially with Trump hinting at a “million football fan march.”
A Surprising Alliance
What raised some eyebrows was the visibly cooperative tone between Trump and the NFL — considering their rocky history. During his first term, Trump harshly criticized players for kneeling during the national anthem and lambasted the Commanders' name change. More recently, he took jabs at teams for not drafting Colorado quarterback Shedeur Sanders.
Yet on Monday, past tensions were set aside. Trump was warmly thanked by Goodell for his role in brokering a trade agreement with Canada related to the league, greenlighting a new Commanders stadium deal, and endorsing the draft announcement.
It’s not often you see Trump and the NFL singing from the same playbook — but when big money, big media, and national pride are involved, strange alliances can happen.
The Stadium of the Future
Adding to the momentum, the NFL and local leaders recently revealed plans for a new $3.6 billion stadium to replace the aging RFK Stadium. The proposed 65,000-seat facility could open in time for the 2030 season — pending approval by the D.C. city council.
“It’s going to be an architect’s dream,” Trump said. “Whoever the architect has chosen and the owner, it’s going to be something special… they only know about top of the line.”
Drafting a New Era
Since 2015, the NFL Draft has become a traveling showcase for cities across the country, bringing with it economic boosts, media attention, and hordes of enthusiastic fans. Pittsburgh is next up in 2026. But in 2027, all eyes will turn to D.C.
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