New NFL Draft Rumors on Favorite in League Circles to Host 2028 Event

The NFL might already have their eyes on a host city for the 2028 draft.

ESPN's Kevin Seifert reported Thursday that Minneapolis is "considered the favorite" to succeed in their bid to host the event.

The draft would take place "in and around" the Minnesota Vikings' U.S. Bank Stadium, Seifert noted.

Sports Business Journal's Ben Fischer similarly reported Minnesota is considered "a clear favorite to win hosting rights" by "numerous sources familiar with the NFL's thinking."

"Nothing is final, sources cautioned, and the Minnesota selection could still change in the weeks before a vote," Fischer reported.

The 2026 NFL draft took place last weekend in Pittsburgh, while the 2027 draft is set to take place in Washington, D.C.

Multiple members of Minnesota Sports and Events, the organization that submitted a bid alongside U.S. Bank Stadium to host the draft, attended the event in Pittsburgh last week as part of the NFL's future host city program.

Bid director Matt Meunier said in a video shared by the Vikings there were multiple cities "competing aggressively for the right to host a future NFL draft."

Representatives from Washington were present at the 2026 draft alongside those from Minneapolis, Cincinnati, Washington, Baltimore, Buffalo, Charlotte, Houston, Jacksonville, Indianapolis and Seattle, according to Fischer.

NFL commissioner Roger Goodell said during a Thursday groundbreaking ceremony at the Browns' new stadium that the league is looking "forward to coming back here with the draft here soon," although Cleveland would likely have to wait until the venue is ready to open ahead of the 2029 NFL season.

According to Fischer, "some sources said Cincinnati has the inside track" to host the 2029 draft.

The Jacksonville Jaguars and Carolina Panthers are also likely eyeing future drafts amid renovations to their stadiums that are expected to be completed by the 2028 and 2030 seasons, respectively.

The NFL could be making a decision about the 2028 event soon. The announcement that the 2027 event would be taking place in the nation's capital took place last May.

The NFL's spring league meeting is set to take place May 19-20 in Orlando.