When Is the NFL Draft 2026? Dates, TV Schedule & Must-Know Details for Football Fans

Football fans can start the countdown now: the 2026 NFL Draft lands in Pittsburgh from Thursday, April 23 through Saturday, April 25, transforming Point State Park and Acrisure Stadium into the epicenter of pro-football’s next generation. Round 1 kicks off in prime time at 8 p.m. ET on April 23, with Rounds 2–3 following Friday evening and the marathon Rounds 4–7 wrapping up all day Saturday. Every pick will stream on NFL Network, ESPN, ABC and NFL+, making it easier than ever to watch wherever you are. Why the 2026 draft matters now • Shorter first-round clock: Teams now get eight minutes per selection instead of ten, the first timing tweak since 2008—expect faster trades and less downtime. • 257 total picks: With 33 compensatory selections already assigned, roster-building opportunities stretch deep into Saturday. • Historic host city: Pittsburgh hasn’t staged the draft since 1948; the league expects more than 300,000 visitors along the city’s three rivers. Key 2026 NFL Draft dates and times (all Eastern) • Thursday, April 23 – Round 1, 8 p.m. (red-carpet arrivals begin 6:30 p.m.) • Friday, April 24 – Rounds 2–3, 7 p.m. • Saturday, April 25 – Rounds 4–7, noon How to attend in person Admission to the NFL Draft Experience fan festival and main stage is free, but you must download the NFL OnePass app to register. The league will release capacity guidelines and entry windows early in 2026, so plan hotel and parking reservations well ahead—Pittsburgh hotel searches for draft week are already trending upward. Streaming and TV guide • Cable/Satellite: NFL Network (all rounds), ESPN (all rounds), ABC (Rounds 1–3 simulcast with college-focused commentary). • Cord-cutters: NFL+ (mobile & tablet), ESPN Plus, YouTube TV, Hulu + Live TV, Fubo, Sling Blue with Sports Extra. • International viewers: Check local rightsholders; DAZN carries full coverage in Canada and select European markets. Teams holding multiple first-round picks • New York Jets (Nos. 2 and 16) • Cleveland Browns (Nos. 6 and 24) • Dallas Cowboys (Nos. 12 and 20) Franchises with extra capital often control the trade market, so keep an eye on these clubs if your team is shopping for a quarterback. Early prospect spotlight While the scouting combine (Feb. 23–Mar. 2) and pro-days will shake up rankings, Ohio State defensive back Caleb Downs headlines a star-studded underclassman list, joined by LSU speedster Aaron Anderson and Texas linebacker Anthony Hill. Travel tips for Pittsburgh draft week • Fly into Pittsburgh International Airport (PIT); downtown is a 25-minute drive. • Use light rail (the “T”)—it’s free within downtown and North Shore stations adjacent to the draft site. • Book riverfront hotels early; North Shore rooms with stadium views are selling fastest. • Sample local staples: Primanti Bros. sandwiches, pierogies and craft brews from the Strip District. Bottom line Mark April 23–25, 2026 on your calendar now. Whether you’re cheering on the North Shore, streaming on your phone or dissecting mock drafts at home, knowing the exact NFL Draft schedule—and how to watch—ensures you never miss the pick that changes your franchise’s future.