Trump Announces NFL Draft 2027 Set for National Mall in Washington D.C.

WASHINGTON (AP) — In an announcement made on Monday, President Donald Trump stated that the 2027 NFL Draft will be held at the National Mall in Washington D.C., marking the return of this highly anticipated event to the city after over eighty years.

Following reports on Sunday evening that Washington would be hosting the draft in two years' time, Trump officially announced this development in the Oval Office alongside Commissioner Roger Goodell, Commanding Owner Josh Harris of the Commanders, and D.C. Mayor Muriel Bowser.

I don't believe there has ever been anything quite like this," Trump stated. "It's going to be magnificent. No one will be able to recreate what we're about to do, as far as I can tell. This is incredibly thrilling.

This represents the most recent triumph off the field for the Commanders, following last week’s accord with the D.C. government. build a new home on the old RFK Stadium site , pending council approval Trump similarly supported that proposal in his comments, stating, "I do not believe there is a more suitable location anywhere globally."

Under previous owner Dan Snyder, the team had several attempts to secure the draft but did not succeed. This time around, it will take place under the team’s ownership. new Harris-led ownership group , which bought the Commanders from Snyder in 2023.

What a fantastic day for Washington," Harris stated. "I think we'll have more than a million attendees, making it an incredible day that will truly represent what Washington stands for.

The last time Washington hosted the draft was in 1941, at the Willard Hotel.

We support investments in sports as they have assisted us in revitalizing communities," Bowser stated. "The NFL hosting this event in the national capital will aid in filling up hotels and local eateries." She added, "People from every one of the 50 states will visit their nation’s capital and revel in our stunning city and museums.

Green Bay, the NFL’s smallest market Hosted the latest draft just after late April at the historical Lambeau Field. The NFL reported an attendance of approximately 600,000 fans throughout the three-day event.

The draft has truly evolved into one of the premier sporting and entertainment spectacles," Goodell remarked, highlighting the increased popularity of the draft over recent years. "This won’t merely be an event; it will showcase to the global audience how much progress the national capital has made and what future lies ahead.

The NFL draft was previously held annually at Radio City Music Hall in New York, but it gained even more popularity after going on tour starting in 2015. In both 2015 and 2016, Chicago played host to the event. It then moved to Philadelphia for 2017 before landing in Dallas and Nashville thereafter.

In 2020 amid the pandemic, Goodell conducted the selections from his residence. The following year saw the event move to Cleveland, succeeded by Las Vegas, Kansas City, and Detroit. In 2024, Detroit witnessed an unprecedented turnout with 750,000 attendees at their draft. Next up, Pittsburgh has been slated as the host city for the upcoming year.

The draft in Washington in '27 will signify the three-year milestone since the team's game-changing choice of quarterback Jayden Daniels as the second overall pick. This move led the Commanders to make the playoffs. made it to the NFC championship game In Daniel's first season, they appear poised to contend for multiple Super Bowls in the future.

I must mention that Josh came up with an excellent draft not long ago," Trump stated. "You've got a top-notch quarterback — in my opinion, he’s a phenomenal one.

Victories on the field with former general manager Adam Peters, hired by Bruce Allen, and head coach Dan Quinn have rejuvenated Washington as a top destination in recent years, long after the team’s heyday which featured three Super Bowl titles.

Following last week’s news conference where plans for a 65,000-seat stadium were unveiled, Goodell stated that the shift from defeat to victory is "invaluable in countless aspects."

This market is clearly significant," Goodell stated. "Having a team that everyone in this area can take pride in, returning to the football field positively, and then having a stadium bring their team back to D.C., I believe that’s a substantial move which will also benefit the NFL greatly.

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AP Pro Football Writer Rob Maaddi provided input from Tampa, Florida.

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Stephen Whyno, The Canadian Press