Minnesota making big push for 2028 NFL Draft

Between the lines: The Vikings have been interested in hosting the draft since the construction of U.S. Bank Stadium, but this announcement marks the most serious effort yet.

Zoom in: While the exact location is still to be determined, bid director Matt Meunier of Minnesota Sports & Events (MSE) said U.S. Bank Stadium would be a "foundational piece of that footprint."

• He showed a rendering of fans packed into The Commons park outside the downtown stadium.

Follow the money: MSE CEO Wendy Blackshaw said the draft will be funded primarily through corporate support, though she declined to say how much is needed.

• Ecolab CEO Christophe Beck, U.S. Bank CEO Gunjan Kedia, Medtronic CEO Geoff Martha and Vikings owners Mark Wilf are honorary co-chairs of the bid.

What we're watching: A host city announcement from the NFL could be coming soon. It awarded Washington, D.C. the 2027 Draft on May 5 last year.

• This year's draft will take place in Pittsburgh, the latest in a pattern of the league picking colder weather cities. Detroit hosted in 2024 and Kansas City in 2023.