Bristol, CT — The NFL Draft is staying in the ESPN family for the rest of the decade. ESPN and the National Football League have agreed to a multi-year rights extension that will keep the Draft on ESPN’s platforms through 2030—marking half a century of coverage from the sports network that helped turn the event into must-see television.
The new agreement goes beyond TV. Starting with the 2026 NFL Draft in Pittsburgh, ESPN will make its Draft coverage available on Disney+ and Hulu in addition to its traditional broadcast outlets: ESPN, ABC, ESPN Deportes, and ESPN’s digital platforms. This move reflects Disney’s commitment to a broader, multi-platform sports strategy designed to reach both cable subscribers and the growing streaming audience.
A Historic Partnership
ESPN first broadcast the NFL Draft in 1980, when it was a modest, hotel-conference-room affair watched by a small but passionate audience. Over the decades, both the production and the spectacle have grown dramatically—complete with live fan events, massive outdoor stages, and primetime coverage.
By 2025, the Draft had become one of the most-watched offseason events in American sports, routinely drawing over 50 million total viewers across three days.
NFL Takes a Stake in ESPN
The deal is part of a larger media shakeup: the NFL recently acquired a 10% equity stake in ESPN. As part of that agreement, ESPN will take over several NFL-owned media assets, including:
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NFL Network
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NFL RedZone
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NFL.com Fantasy Football
The integration of these properties is expected to enhance ESPN’s year-round NFL coverage and solidify its position as the go-to source for pro football content.
Daily NFL Draft Show Coming
Under the new agreement, ESPN will launch a daily NFL Draft-focused program starting the day after the Super Bowl and running until Draft Day. Airing on ESPN2 and streaming on multiple platforms, the show will feature:
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Prospect breakdowns
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Mock drafts
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Live odds and betting props
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Analysis from former players and draft experts
This daily format aims to keep fans engaged for the entire offseason, not just the three days of the Draft itself.
Streaming Strategy and Fan Access
By bringing the Draft to Disney+ and Hulu, ESPN will dramatically expand access—especially for younger fans and cord-cutters. Viewers will be able to watch on-demand segments, interactive player analysis, and even follow customized Draft feeds that focus on specific teams or positions.
ESPN executives see this as a way to “bring the Draft to where the fans are,” whether that’s on a living room TV, a mobile phone, or a tablet.
Betting & Fantasy Implications
The move could also open the door for integrated live betting features in future broadcasts. As more states legalize sports betting, the Draft has become a popular wagering event, with props ranging from:
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Who will be the No. 1 overall pick
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Number of quarterbacks drafted in Round 1
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Over/under draft positions for specific prospects
Fantasy football players will benefit from more in-depth coverage, especially with ESPN owning NFL Fantasy Football. Expect mock drafts, dynasty league advice, and rookie rankings to become even more prominent in the coverage.
Looking Ahead
With the Draft locked in through 2030 and a new streaming model set to debut in 2026, ESPN is doubling down on making the NFL Draft a multi-platform, interactive experience. The combination of live broadcasts, on-demand content, fantasy tools, and betting insights will make it easier than ever for fans—and gamblers—to stay connected to one of the NFL’s marquee events.
