The NFL Draft is coming to the National Mall in 2027
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A rendering of the 2027 NFL Draft on the National Mall. Image: Courtesy of the NFL
Football took over the Oval Office on Monday, when President Trump announced the National Mall would host the 2027 NFL Draft and expressed support for a new Commanders stadium.
Why it matters: The NFL is betting a record 1 million people will attend the three-day event in D.C.
The big picture: Trump made the announcement alongside NFL commissioner Roger Goodell, Commanders owner Josh Harris and Mayor Muriel Bowser.
- "I think this is the greatest site in the world," Trump said of the National Mall.
- D.C.'s plans include a concert and a free fan festival called the NFL Draft Experience, per the announcement.
By the numbers: Attendance estimates would blow out the current record: More than 700,000 fans attended the 2024 Draft in Detroit.
- This year, over 600,000 showed up in Green Bay, Wisconsin, Goodell said.
Zoom in: Trump also praised the $3.7 billion plan to build a 65,000-seat Commanders arena at the RFK Stadium site: "It's going to be beautiful."
- With sight lines of the U.S. Capitol, "it's going to be an architect's dream," Trump said.
- Harris gifted the president a Commanders jersey with "Trump" and the number 47 on it.
- "D.C. used to stop on Sundays, and everyone would be inside watching football or everyone would be at the stadium. We want to bring that back," Harris said.
Between the lines: Trump is embracing the NFL after past criticism of the league, stemming from his first term, when he balked at players protesting the national anthem.
What we're watching: The stadium deal is now pending at the D.C. Council. It includes a vision to build 6,000 homes, new retail and commercial development and an entertainment district on 170 acres of federal land at RFK.
- Bowser wants it approved by July 15. Tentative opening date: Fall 2030.
Go deeper: A 65,000-seat Commanders stadium — plus what's inside the RFK deal