In a significant move for both the NFL and the city of Washington, D.C., President Trump is set to announce on Monday that the capital will play host to the 2027 NFL Draft, with plans to hold the event right on the iconic National Mall. This announcement is expected in the presence of NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell and Washington Commanders owner Josh Harris at the White House.
This groundbreaking decision comes just days after the Commanders, alongside D.C. officials, unveiled a plan to reintegrate the team back into the city with a proposal for a new domed stadium at the historic RFK Stadium site. For nearly thirty years, the Commanders have played in suburban Prince George’s County, Maryland, in a facility constructed by former owner Jack Kent Cooke, but now, the excitement is building for their triumphant return.
The new stadium, tentatively scheduled to open in 2030, hinges on approval from the D.C. Council. This ambitious project is not just about a home for the Commanders; it is part of a grand $3.7 billion redevelopment plan that envisions a 65,000-seat stadium, 6,000 residential units, and an entertainment district that could energize the area.
D.C. Mayor Muriel Bowser has outlined that the Commanders will contribute $2.7 billion toward the stadium’s construction, while $1 billion from taxpayer dollars would go toward essential infrastructure updates for the site. Bowser is aiming for the D.C. Council’s approval by July 15, but the path isn’t guaranteed. Council Chair Phil Mendelson holds significant reservations regarding the use of public funds for such a project, which could complicate the timeline.
Adding a layer of intrigue, should the D.C. Council reject the project, there is the possibility that the Trump administration could take an interest in reviving the stadium plans. In recent months, Congress granted D.C. long-term authority over the federal land at RFK Stadium, which means if needed, the administration could reclaim ownership to push for a new stadium.
Trump has been vocal about his support for the NFL, seeing it as a way to energize his political base. He has praised the initiative to bring D.C.’s team back downtown, even declaring on social media that “the new Stadium Deal is a HUGE WIN for Washington, D.C.” This enthusiasm underscores the significance of the event on the national stage.
As the NFL continues to turn its player draft into a three-day spectacle, moving it from city to city to celebrate its franchises and fanbases, the prospect of bringing the 2027 draft to the National Mall is not only a potential win for Washington but also a chance to showcase the sport’s deep roots in American culture. The appointment of the NFL Draft here could serve as a unifying moment for fans, emphasizing the league’s commitment to its history and the passionate fanbase that has long awaited the return of the Commanders to their rightful home in the heart of the nation.
