Donald Trump at the press conference in the White House. © ANSA / JIM LO SCALZO / POOL

Trump announces: Washington gets NFL Draft

The NFL will return to the US capital in 2027 with one of its most important events. Washington will host the National Football League Draft for the first time in 86 years, as US President Donald Trump announced on Monday at a White House event.

06 May 2025

From: apa/dpa

At the now extremely well-attended event, which extends over several days, the teams select young athletes for their professional squad.

The competition for the best talent captivates fans: According to NFL figures, 600.000 people traveled to Wisconsin this year to watch the draft live in Green Bay. Next year, Pittsburgh will host the event.

One million visitors expected

Trump announced that the draft would take place on the National Mall and that he expected more than a million visitors. "It's a good idea. It's going to be beautiful. It's going to be something no one else can ever replicate," said the US President, "very exciting!" The host of the 2027 draft will be the Washington Commanders, who recently took a big step closer to their new stadium project.

The NFL Draft attracts crowds of fans. © APA / STACY REVERE

The team from the capital city is set to get a new 3,7-seat home on the eastern edge of Washington for $3,24 billion (€65.000 billion), replacing the dilapidated RFK Stadium. The new construction will also spruce up the neighborhood with new shopping opportunities, apartments, and parks. The entire project still requires approval by the City Council.