Orlando, San Antonio, and 3 other non-NFL U.S. cities that could host the NFL Draft in 2028 or beyond

As reported on Monday, the 2027 NFL Draft will be hosted in Washington, D.C. on the National Mall. 2025's draft just concluded a little over one week ago from Green Bay, Wisconsin. Before going to Washington, the city of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania will host in 2026. Other cities that the draft has been featured in as of […]

Nick Roesch — NFL Trending News Writer
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As reported on Monday, the 2027 NFL Draft will be hosted in Washington, D.C. on the National Mall.

2025's draft just concluded a little over one week ago from Green Bay, Wisconsin. Before going to Washington, the city of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania will host in 2026. Other cities that the draft has been featured in as of late include Chicago, Philadelphia, Arlington, Nashville, Cleveland, Las Vegas, Kansas City, and Detroit.

Would the league ever consider holding the draft in a city where it doesn't have a team? The NFL is all about expanding its brand, and the draft would be a good way to gage if a new market could do well with a team. Even if it doesn't lead to that, there are plenty of cities across the U.S. that would make for a great setting for the draft. 

Here are our top five for 2028 or beyond:

Orlando, Florida

Orlando has already proven it can host NFL events, holding the Pro Bowl Games a total of six times, including last season's. Camping World Stadium has been the sight each time, which is also the home of the NCAA's Citrus Bowl.

That would make for a fine setting, but Walt Disney World could be even better. There are endless different settings in Disney World where the NFL could set up, and of course there is plenty room for fans. Perhaps even some iconic Disney characters could announce some picks or do interviews.

San Antonio, Texas

San Antonio is the largest city in the U.S. that doesn't have an NFL team. It may be a bit overshadowed by Dallas and Houston, but San Antonio is home to roughly 1.5 million people. It also has a very successful NBA franchise in the San Antonio Spurs.

The NFL should have no problem jam-packing fans in the draft if it were in San Antonio – which should be among the top of the list if the league decides to do more expansion teams. The Alamodome hosted the New Orleans Saints three times in 2005 following Hurricane Katrina.

Oklahoma City, Oklahoma

Whether it's the Oklahoma Sooners, Oklahoma State Cowboys, or Tulsa Golden Hurricanes, the entire state is passionate about college football. The NFL Draft is obviously based around college players, making for easy appeal.

Oklahoma City is by far the largest metropolitan area in Oklahoma, and host the the NBA's Thunder. Football fans from across the state would relish at the opportunity to attend the NFL Draft and show off their rabid sports passion.

Omaha, Nebraska

Omaha doesn't have a professional team among the four big U.S. sports (NFL, NBA, MLB, NHL), but does have a great sports fanbase. The NCAA's Nebraska Cornhuskers (located in Lincoln) have passionate fans throughout the state, and Omaha was the home to the Nighthawks of the United Football League from 2010-2012. 

Omaha is also the long-time home of the College Baseball World Series. Many NFL fans from not only Nebraska, but the entire Midwest would be willing to travel to Omaha and attend the draft. 

Honolulu, Hawaii

The Pro Bowl has been played in Honolulu 33 times, from 1980-2009, then again in 2011-2014, and 2016. With that type of foundation, the NFL should have no issues getting fans within the state of Hawaii to attend the draft.

Honolulu is a beautiful destination, and many fans throughout the world would be love to vacation there during the draft. It would also be an incredible experience for the players who attend the draft in person. 

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