Saturday, October 10, 2026
  • -
    days
  • -
    hours
  • -
    minutes
  • -
    seconds

It’s Not the Super Bowl, but Hosting the NFL Draft Is the Next Best Thing

  • The draft heads to Green Bay in 2025, and Pittsburgh wants it in ’26.
  • Hosting duties continue to be sought after by cities with no hope of getting the Big Game.
Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports

Want more from Front Office Sports
in your search results?

Add Front Office Sports on Google

While Detroit is basking in the spotlight of hosting hundreds of thousands of fans over the next three days for the NFL draft, stakeholders in Green Bay are already gearing up for next year’s event at Lambeau Field and the adjacent Packers Titletown District.

The 2025 draft will mark the 10th time the NFL has taken its traveling road show outside of its longtime former home in New York City.

  • 2015–16: Chicago
  • 2017: Philadelphia
  • 2018: Dallas
  • 2019: Nashville
  • 2020: Virtual
  • 2021: Cleveland
  • 2022: Las Vegas
  • 2023: Kansas City (above)
  • 2024: Detroit
  • 2025: Green Bay

A Nice Consolation Prize

After experiencing early success going to huge media markets with longtime NFL fan bases, the draft this decade has turned into a mini version of a Super Bowl–like event for many cities that don’t have much hope of actually hosting the Big Game anytime soon—and all the media attention and fanfare that comes with it. With Las Vegas as the outlier (hosting the draft and Super Bowl LVIII within a span of 22 months), Cleveland, Kansas City, Detroit (which most recently hosted Super Bowl XL in 2006, a few years after Ford Field opened), and Green Bay aren’t getting their hopes up about the Lombardi Trophy coming to town (unless they win it).

The same can be said for other cities known to be on the prowl for future drafts. Earlier this year, Pittsburgh submitted an official bid to host either the 2026 or ’27 NFL draft. Last year, NFL officials visited Charlotte to hear the city’s pitch for hosting duties. Cincinnati and Denver have also been linked to potential future bids. Whether it’s colder-weather climates, stadiums that aren’t enclosed, or just a lack of hotels and restaurants, it’s safe to say neither of those four markets will be vying to host an upcoming Super Bowl.

Answers Coming Soon

Green Bay was awarded the 2025 draft at last year’s spring owners meeting. The league is scheduled to convene May 20–22 in Nashville, where an announcement on the host of the ’26 and even ’27 draft would not be a surprise.

Which city would you like to see host a future NFL draft? Let us know by replying to this newsletter.

Download the FOS App

The business of sports, in your pocket.

QR code to download the app

Scan the QR code to get the app now.

Linkedin
Whatsapp
Copy Link
Link Copied
Link Copied

What to Read

Georgia-Alabama Braces for Hurricane, Trump Won’t Attend

Alabama banned tailgating and all outdoor activities on campus before noon.
Oregon head coach Dan Lanning talks to Oregon quarterback Dylan Raiola on the sideline as the Oregon Ducks face the Oklahoma State Cowboys on Sept. 12, 2026, at Boone Pickens Stadium in Stillwater, Oklahoma.

How Oregon Beat College Football’s ‘Impossible’ Backup QB Market

Dylan Raiola will get the first start of his Oregon career on Saturday.
Jan 20, 2026; Miami, FL, USA; College Football Playoff executive director Rich Clark during the CFP host committee handoff press conference at Marriott Marquis Miami. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-Imagn Images
First at FOS

CFP Director Supportive of 24 Teams, Endorses College Sports Bill

Rich Clark said a potential 24-team Playoff would be “spectacular.”
Sep 27, 2026; Rio De Janeiro, BRA; (Editors Notes: Caption Correction) A view of the NFL logo and the Baltimore Ravens and Dallas Cowboys during the game at Maracana Stadium.

NFL Urges Supreme Court to Hear Prediction-Markets Case

“It is critical for the Court to act as soon as possible,” a league source says.
podcast thumbnail mobile
Front Office Sports Today

10/9/26 – MLB’s 154-Game Pitch, NFL Bets on SCOTUS, Shaq Says Barkley Isn’t Leaving

0:00

Featured Today

Action Images/Peter Cziborra

Is Leicester City’s $264 Million Price Tag Too Rich for Hungry Investors?

After falling from grace, how much is a former top club worth?
Oct 3, 2026; Starkville, Mississippi, USA; Alabama Crimson Tide head coach Kalen DeBoer waits to run onto the field prior to the game against the Mississippi State Bulldogs at Davis Wade Stadium at Scott Field. Mandatory Credit: Petre Thomas-Imagn Images
October 7, 2026

Who Is Alabama Football in Year 3 Under Kalen DeBoer?

The No. 6 Crimson Tide host No. 2 Georgia on Saturday.
Cubs behind the scenes
October 6, 2026

Hollywood and TikTok: Sports Media’s New ‘Blueprint’

Teams and leagues are pouring money into the quest for fans.
October 2, 2026

How the Baseball Cap Became a ‘Behemoth’

The hat has become essential for athletes, fans, and the sports-agnostic.
Morishita-Sato-homerun-celebration-at-Meiji-Jingu-Baseball-Staidum-2025
September 28, 2026

Japanese Baseball Is Fighting Back Against MLB Talent Drain

Nippon Professional Baseball is reimagining how to be a global juggernaut.
Rose Zhang, left, Linn Grant, Yana Wilson and Danielle Kang, of New York Golf Club are introduced during WTGL Media Day at SoFi Center in Palm Beach Gardens, Florida on September 20, 2026.

Rose Zhang Hopes Nelly Korda Joins WTGL In Season 2

There are five WTGL teams with five players each.
October 9, 2026

MLB’s Next 5 Years: Realignment, Expansion, and 154 Games?

The latest schedule proposal adds to major changes on the way.
Soccer Football - Premier League - Everton v Manchester United - Hill Dickinson Stadium, Liverpool, Britain - September 6, 2026 Everton's Ainsley Maitland-Niles celebrates scoring their second goal with Jack Grealish Action Images via Reuters/Jason Cairnduff EDITORIAL USE ONLY. NO USE WITH UNAUTHORIZED AUDIO, VIDEO, DATA, FIXTURE LISTS, CLUB/LEAGUE LOGOS OR 'LIVE' SERVICES. ONLINE IN-MATCH USE LIMITED TO 120 IMAGES, NO VIDEO EMULATION. NO USE IN BETTING, GAMES OR SINGLE CLUB/LEAGUE/PLAYER PUBLICATIONS. PLEASE CONTACT YOUR ACCOUNT REPRESENTATIVE FOR FURTHER DETAILS..
October 9, 2026

Everton Weighs Sale Less Than Two Years After Friedkin Group Takeover

Everton is currently seventh in the Premier League.
Sponsored

Beyond the Scorecard: How Dow Is Putting Purpose at the Center of Women’s Golf

Discover how Dow and the LPGA are building a partnership with lasting impact.
Jul 24, 2026; Boston, Massachusetts, USA; An official MLB baseball with a Toronto Blue Jays logo sits on the grass before a game against the Boston Red Sox at Fenway Park. Mandatory Credit: Eric Canha-Imagn Images
October 8, 2026

MLB Owners Propose 154-Game Season, Expanded Playoffs

The proposal also includes a weekly off day.
Sep 25, 2026; Bronx, New York, USA; New York Yankees manager Aaron Boone (17) walks back to the dugout after making a pitching change during the third inning against the Baltimore Orioles at Yankee Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Brad Penner-Imagn Images
October 8, 2026

Yankees Exit Leaves Questions Heading Into Likely Lockout

Aaron Judge calls for the club to be “all in” for 2027.
October 7, 2026

Why Are NFL Penalty Flags Flying? It’s Complicated

Dead-ball penalties are a major factor.
Oct 4, 2026; Los Angeles, California, USA; Atlanta Braves pitcher Didier Fuentes (72) throws during the sixth inning against the Los Angeles Dodgers in game two of the NLDS for the 2026 MLB Playoffs at Uniqlo Field at Dodger Stadium.
October 7, 2026

MLB Division Series Extends Postseason Ratings Streak

Fox Sports and TNT Sports saw initial viewership lifts in the Division Series.