Tuesday December 5, 2023

NFL Draft Could Be Another TV Ratings Smash

  • ABC, ESPN, and the NFL Network are planning wall-to-wall TV coverage of the 2021 NFL Draft.
  • The 2020 draft reached 55 million viewers over three days.
NFL/Design: Alex Brooks
Linkedin
Copy Link
Link Copied
Link Copied

Coming off the most-watched NFL Draft ever, ABC, ESPN, and the NFL Network are planning wall-to-wall TV coverage of the 2021 NFL Draft, which runs from April 29 to May 1.

There will be two nights of prime-time coverage of Rounds 1-3 on Thursday and Friday nights, followed by daytime coverage of Rounds 4-7 on Saturday. 

The 2020 draft reached 55 million viewers over three days and saw average audiences across ABC, ESPN, ESPN Deportes, NFLN, and digital channels grow 35% to 8.4 million viewers. Last year’s first round had an average audience of over 15.6 million viewers, breaking the previous high of 12.4 million viewers in 2014.

Kirk Herbstreit will headline ABC’s draft coverage this year, sources tell Front Office Sports. ABC’s broadcast focuses more on the personal journeys of draft prospects.

Herbstreit’s “College GameDay” castmates Rece Davis, Desmond Howard, David Pollack, Maria Taylor, and Jesse Palmer have joined him for all or part of ABC’s coverage the past two years. They’re each expected to return. 

While draft guru Todd McShay is expected to play a big part in ABC’s coverage, Mike Greenberg will make his debut as host of ESPN’s more X’s and O’s-oriented coverage. Greenberg succeeds Trey Wingo, who anchored ESPN’s coverage the past four years.

This year’s draft will be held in Cleveland and select fans from all 32 teams will be on hand, but must be vaccinated. As in years before the pandemic, there will be a live “Draft Experience” featuring entertainment, musical performances, and other attractions.

Linkedin
Copy Link
Link Copied
Link Copied

What to Read

Dallas Cowboys quarterback Dak Prescott throws a pass during the first half against the Seattle Seahawks at AT&T Stadium.

Amazon Bounces Back With Record Viewership

The Dallas Cowboys’ win over the Seattle Seahawks averaged 15.26 million viewers.

Commanders Spend Big On Current Home While Planning New Stadium

The Washington Commanders will keep upgrading FedEx Field.

Pittsburgh Seeks the Spoils of NFL Draft Traveling Road Show

NFL team looks to host key league event on Pittsburgh's North Shore.
Philadelphia Eagles quarterback Jalen Hurts tosses the ball to fans after scoring a touchdown against the Buffalo Bills during the first quarter at Lincoln Financial Field.

The Philadelphia Eagles Continue To Be NFL’s Biggest Draw

Philadelphia was once again in one of the NFL's most-watched games.
podcast thumbnail mobile
Front Office Sports Today

Premier League Sets New Bar with Media Deals

0:00
0:00

Featured Today

The College Football Playoff is considering rotating TV networks for the national championship game.

CFP Considers Super Bowl-Like Rotation For National Championship Game

Multiple networks could share rights to the championship game, sources told FOS.
Brett Favre
November 27, 2023

Favre Welfare Case Hold-Up? "AG’s Office Has Not Expressed Interest In Pursuing"

The DOJ interviewed Brett Favre in early 2020.
The future of the Pac-12 rests on a court decision.
November 24, 2023

The Pac-12 Plays Its Final Regular-Season Game. Then A Court Decides Its Fate.

The conference's future rests with a court decision.
Lane Kiffin
November 9, 2023

Ole Miss, Lane Kiffin Lawyers Argue for Dismissal of Player Lawsuit

FOS obtained audio of Lane Kiffin's interaction with the player behind lawsuit.

Careers

Powered By

Careers in Sports

Looking for a new job? Check out these featured listings and search for openings all over the world.
Wasserman
Multiple - USA Careers
Live Nation
Multiple - USA Careers
Saco Bay PT
Multiple - USA Careers
Florida Disney by The Enquirer/Leigh Taylor, Alicia Devine/Tallahassee Democrat, Jonah Hinebaugh-USA TODAY, Andrea Melendez/The News-Press/USA Today.

Seminoles’ CFP Snub Opens New Front in Disney vs. Florida War

Florida lawmakers are already considering legislation to protest the College Football Playoff's exclusion of Florida State.
English Premier League teams Leeds United and Brighton Hove & Albion in action during a match.
December 4, 2023

Premier League Reasserts Dominance With $8.5B Domestic Rights Deals

Deals achieve small rights fee increase for top European league.
The Australia men's cricket team celebrating winning the 2023 ICC Men's Cricket World Cup.
December 4, 2023

Amazon Secures ICC Cricket Broadcast Media Rights in Australia

Prime Video will be Australia's exclusive home for ICC events through 2027.
Sponsored

NHL’s Chris Foster on Amplifying Content Distribution With Automation

Learn how the NHL is using WSC Sports to increase fan engagement.
Peyton Manning on the ManningCast
exclusive
December 4, 2023

ESPN’s ManningCast Goes Double: Two MNF Games, Two Brothers, One Epic Show

Peyton and Eli Manning will call two “Monday Night Football” games at the same time on Dec. 11 as ManningCast expands across ESPN.
December 1, 2023

Formula 1's Growth Hits A Speed Bump With U.S. Viewers

Races on ESPN were down 8% from 2022.
LeBron-James
December 1, 2023

Would Disney's ESPN Walk Away From The NBA?

Will financial pressures impact the company's decision with a longtime partner?
Detailed view of the new In-Season Tournament court before the game between the New Orleans Pelicans and the Dallas Mavericks at the Smoothie King Center.
November 30, 2023

New Orleans Pelicans Reportedly Headed For Local Television

The Pelicans could air games on over-the-air channel Fox 8.