2026 NFL Draft Start Time And Schedule Announced

The 2026 NFL Draft will begin Thursday, April 28 at 8 PM ET in Green Bay, Wisconsin, with first-round selections airing live on ESPN, ABC, and NFL Network. The event marks the league's return to Lambeau Field as host city for the first time since 2007, driving heightened interest in draft timing and logistics.

Searches for "what time is the draft" spiked this week as fans prepare for the three-day event. The NFL confirmed Round 1 starts at 8 PM ET Thursday, Rounds 2-3 begin at 7 PM ET Friday, and Rounds 4-7 commence at noon ET Saturday. All rounds will stream on NFL+ and team apps.

Green Bay organizers expect over 250,000 attendees after the city invested $7 million in infrastructure upgrades. The draft's location in a smaller market has drawn attention, with local businesses anticipating a $20 million economic boost. Ticketless fans can watch from the "Draft Experience" fan zone outside Lambeau.

This year's draft carries extra significance as the first under the NFL's expanded 18-game schedule format. Teams will prioritize depth-building with 224 total selections. Projected top picks include USC quarterback Jaden Rashada and Penn State edge rusher Abdul Carter.

Viewership is expected to surpass 2025's 34 million combined audience across platforms. The NFL moved the start time one hour later than recent years to accommodate West Coast viewers. Commissioner Roger Goodell will announce first-round picks from the iconic Lambeau Field atrium.

Fans searching for draft timing details reflect broader interest in one of the NFL's most-watched offseason events. The league plans to release team-specific selection windows later this week as final preparations continue in Green Bay.