The NFL Draft is set to make a historic return to the nation’s capital after more than 80 years, with Washington D.C. officially being selected to host the 2027 event on the iconic National Mall. Sources confirm an official announcement is expected today at the White House with President Trump hosting NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell and Commanders owner Josh Harris in a high profile endorsement of the city’s football revival.
The NFL draft is set to make a historic return to the nation’s capital after more than 80 years, with Washington, D.C., officially selected to host the 2027 event on the National Mall. Sources confirm an official announcement is expected today at the White House, with former President Donald Trump hosting NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell and Commanders owner Josh Harris in a high‑profile endorsement of the city’s football revival.
The selection comes amid a dramatic turnaround for the Washington Commanders franchise, which has transformed from a struggling team to a playoff contender under new ownership. This development, coupled with progress on a potential new stadium deal at the former RFK site, signals a new chapter for professional football in Washington.
2027 NFL Draft to Take Over National Mall in Historic Washington, D.C. Setting
Planning documents indicate the main draft stage will be positioned near Fourth Street between Madison and Jefferson drives, placing the event in the heart of D.C.’s monumental core. This location offers proximity to the National Gallery of Art and the National Air and Space Museum, with additional activities potentially extending onto Pennsylvania Avenue.
Source confirms that Washington will host the 2027 NFL draft. @axios first reported. An official announcement expected Monday
— John Keim (@john_keim) May 5, 2025
The draft’s return to Washington marks a significant milestone in the NFL’s strategy of rotating the event among major cities since leaving its longtime New York home in 2015.
Recent host cities have seen tremendous success, with Detroit drawing 775,000 fans in 2024 and Green Bay attracting more than 600,000 attendees in 2025.
Commanders’ Franchise Revival and Stadium Plans Drive D.C.’s Football Renaissance
Under the leadership of Josh Harris, who acquired the team in July 2023, the Commanders have experienced a remarkable turnaround. The franchise improved from a 4‑13 record to a 12‑5 season, advancing to the NFC Championship Game under the guidance of general manager Adam Peters and coach Dan Quinn.
This on‑field success parallels significant off‑field developments, most notably a preliminary agreement for a $3.7 billion to $4 billion redevelopment of the old RFK Stadium site.
The ambitious plan includes a 65,000‑seat domed stadium, 6,000 residential units and an entertainment district, with the Commanders contributing $2.7 billion of the total cost.
Mayor Muriel Bowser champions the stadium plan, but Council Chair Phil Mendelson has expressed skepticism about the proposed $1 billion in public infrastructure funding. The stadium is targeted to open in 2030 if approved.
The NFL’s decision to award the 2027 draft to Washington is widely interpreted as recognition of the city’s renewed status as a sports destination. Following Pittsburgh’s hosting duties in 2026, Washington will have the opportunity to showcase its rich football history and vibrant downtown to hundreds of thousands of visitors.
The selection of Washington, D.C., for the 2027 NFL draft reflects both the league’s commitment to celebrating football in historically significant markets and the remarkable revival of the Commanders organization under new leadership.
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Former President Trump has embraced the stadium plan as a “huge win,” directly tying the project to national politics. For a city with deep football roots, the draft’s return represents a fitting recognition of Washington’s enduring importance to America’s most popular sport.
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