NFL Draft Hits Historic Viewership Highs Thanks to Sanders Saga

Big drama in the 2025 NFL Draft equals big viewership. 

The league said Tuesday that it averaged 7.5 million viewers across all networks and digital channels for the three-day draft, up 27% from a year ago, and the second-best total in league history behind only the 2020 event fundamentally altered by the COVID-19 pandemic. 

The draft got off to a banner start on Thursday, as Round 1 averaged 13.6 million viewers, an 11% boost from last year, and also the second-best Round 1 on record. As Colorado quarterback Shedeur Sanders, projected as a top-five pick, fell into the fifth round, where he was selected by the Browns, viewers stuck around in robust numbers. 

Friday’s coverage of Rounds 2 and 3 averaged 7.5 million viewers, again the second-best mark ever and up a whopping 48% from a year ago. Saturday’s coverage of Rounds 4-7, meanwhile, averaged 4.3 million viewers, setting a record for the top third-day draft audience and up 43% from a year ago. The situation around Sanders, not chosen until the 144th pick, as well as the intense debate around his falling stock, undoubtedly contributed to that new broadcast milestone.

The viewership numbers add to a historic turnout of 600,000 on-site in Green Bay, the league’s smallest market, tied for the second-best draft attendance in league history. While essentially a reading of names, the NFL Draft has soared to become the league’s biggest event outside of the season itself and serves as a critical bridge to the next season. 

The league’s ability to turn seemingly mundane events into must-see attractions will soon resurface with the May 14 unveiling of the 2025 regular-season schedule.