NFL Draft news: Minnesota, Cincinnati favored as host cities for 2028, 2029 drafts

NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell hinted at an NFL Draft return to Cleveland. And the event still holds strong viewership numbers. Looking forward, Minnesota and Cincinnati emerged as favorites to become host cities for the 2028 and 2029 events, according to the Sports Business Journal.

“Numerous sources familiar with the NFL’s thinking consider Minneapolis-St. Paul a clear favorite to win hosting rights to the 2028 NFL Draft,” Ben Fischer wrote. “The NFL’s events committee is scheduled to meet next week to discuss the matter, with an ownership vote expected at their May 19-20 meeting in Orlando.”

NFL moving in a new direction with drafts

Previously, the NFL has announced just one site at a time. But that may be changing.

“Also, sources said, it’s possible the NFL looks to award two drafts at the same time, or in relatively short order,” Fischer wrote. “If that happens, some sources said Cincinnati has the inside track for 2029, but there is less clarity around whether the NFL is prepared to do that now.”

The draft has become a very popular event, as noted by attendance figures, according to a post on X by Front Office Sports.

“NFL Draft attendance since 2015:

• 2015, Chicago: 200,000
• 2016, Chicago: 225,000
• 2017, Philadelphia: 250,000
• 2018, Dallas: 200,000
• 2019, Nashville: 600,000
• 2020: Virtual
• 2021, Cleveland: 160,000
• 2022, Las Vegas: 300,000
• 2023, Kansas City: 312,000
• 2024, Detroit: 775,000
• 2025, Green Bay: 600,000
• 2026, Pittsburgh: 805,000″

Next year’s draft is scheduled for Washington, D.C. Goodell has already said he expects a record-setting attendance for that event, with possibly over a million fans, according to operations.nfl.com.

“We’re looking forward to delivering an unforgettable experience as we celebrate the next generation of NFL stars,” Goodell said.

Commanders owner Josh Harris added, “The NFL Draft is one of the biggest moments in sports—and we’re incredibly proud to help bring it to Washington, D.C. We look forward to welcoming the football world to Washington in 2027. Today is a great day for the DMV, and I can’t wait to see what the future brings.”

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