Cincinnati Has 'Inside Track' To Host NFL Draft In 2029
The 2026 NFL Draft is now in the rearview mirror and people have been salivating over the 2027 draft for a while now. But what's the status of the 2028 and even the 2029 drafts?
Washington D.C. will be the host site for the 2027 NFL Draft. It will be held at the iconic National Mall.
As for 2028, which does not yet have a host venue, Ben Fischer of the Sports Business Journal reported this week that the city of Minnesota is considered the "clear favorite" to host the NFL Draft that year.
Minnesota has reportedly had a bid in for the 2028 NFL Draft since March, with the event itself occurring at U.S. Bank Stadium and other events happening in St. Paul, the Mall of America and the Minnesota Vikings team headquarters in Eagan. A decision on 2028 will reportedly occur in mid-May.
Already looking to 2029
Fischer reported that one city is already emerging with the "inside track" at hosting the 2029 NFL Draft. That city in Cincinnati, Ohio.
However, Fischer did not state whether the NFL would be ready to award the 2029 draft to any city as even a placeholder in the immediate future. The league doesn't have to commit to a 2029 draft location for another year.
However, NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell acknowledged this week that the league would consider scheduling NFL Draft venues farther out in advance amid growing difficulties.
"The Super Bowl has gotten to a point where, it's not the stadium size... but also it's hotel rooms and all the other facilities that are necessary. [Hosting the draft] is slightly easier, but it's getting more difficult," Goodell said on The Pat McAfee Show last week.
Obviously a lot can change between now and year from now. But 2028 seems like it's nearly a done deal. 2029 might take a little while longer to get a clear picture of what the plan is.
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This story was originally published May 1, 2026 at 7:59 AM.