2027 NFL Draft Set for Washington, D.C.

The NFL Draft will return to Washington, D.C. in 2027 for the first time since 1940, with the event set to be hosted on the National Mall, highlighting the city’s renewed role in American football culture. This announcement, reportedly to be made at the White House by President Donald Trump alongside NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell, reflects the growing popularity and scale of the draft since it began rotating locations. The event is expected to draw over one million visitors, far surpassing recent attendance figures and underscoring the draft’s transformation into a major spectacle. The news coincides with the Washington Commanders’ plans to move back to the District and redevelop the historic RFK Stadium site, signaling a period of significant change and optimism for the franchise under new ownership. While some fans express skepticism over the recent praise for the Commanders, the broader football community views the draft’s return as a milestone for both the city and the league. The new Commanders stadium is anticipated to open in 2030, further cementing Washington, D.C.'s status as a football hub.