Where to Watch the NFL Draft: TV, Streaming & Free Viewing
The NFL Draft is the biggest event of the football offseason, where the stars of tomorrow find their professional homes. Whether you are a die-hard fan tracking every pick or a casual viewer wanting to see who your team selects in the first round, knowing how to stream the NFL Draft online or watch it on TV is essential.
This guide covers everything you need to know about the NFL Draft TV schedule, available streaming services, and how to catch the action for free.
Key details for the 2026 NFL Draft, including dates, coverage, and viewing options.
| Location | Pittsburgh, PA |
|---|---|
| Dates | April 23-25 |
| TV Channels | NFL Network, ABC, ESPN, ESPN Deportes (Spanish) |
| Streaming Options | ESPN Select, ESPN Unlimited |
| Free Viewing Option | OTA Antenna, Free Trial (Fubo Sports) |
What channel is the NFL Draft on?
NFL Draft fans are spoiled for choice when it comes to draft coverage. Depending on your preferred analysts or big boards, you can rotate between ABC, ESPN, or NFL Network over the first two days of the draft:
- ESPN: ESPN’s main draft coverage, presenting their "big board" analysis with expert draft gurus and former players and coaches.
- NFL Network: Despite recently being acquired by ESPN, NFL Network will still have its own separate draft coverage.
- ABC: Showcases a separate ‘College GameDay’ version of draft coverage, offering a slightly different, more college-focused approach to the draft. The third day of the draft (Saturday), will be a simulcast of ESPN’s coverage.
- ESPN Deportes: Provides full Spanish-language coverage of the entire event.
Will the NFL Draft be on any streaming services?
Yes, if you have cut the cord, there are several reliable ways to stream the NFL Draft live. Because the 2026 NFL Draft will air across ESPN networks, viewers will be able to stream all three days of the event through ESPN Select or ESPN Unlimited, ESPN’s direct-to-consumer streaming service.
Most major live TV streaming services also carry the main broadcast networks for the draft, including ABC, ESPN, and NFL Network. Services such as YouTube TV, Hulu + Live TV, and Fubo TV include all three channels, giving you full access to every day of the NFL Draft in one package. These services start at $82.99 per month, but they also include a much broader mix of sports, news, and entertainment channels beyond draft coverage.
If you are looking for a cheaper option, Sling TV is worth considering. Plans start at $45.99 per month, but the right package depends on which coverage matters most to you:
- Sling Orange includes ESPN
- Sling Blue includes NFL Network
Neither package includes both, so you will need to choose based on your preferred coverage
For viewers who want the most affordable NFL-focused option, NFL+ is another route. At $6.99 per month, it includes NFL Network, which gives you access to the channel’s 24/7 NFL programming, including live draft coverage.
If you want a quick breakdown, your main streaming options are:
- ESPN Select / ESPN Unlimited for streaming across ESPN networks
- YouTube TV, Hulu + Live TV, and Fubo TV for full channel coverage in one package
- Sling TV for a lower-cost option with more limited channel access
- NFL+ for a budget-friendly way to watch NFL Network coverage
Where can I watch the NFL Draft for free?
If you want to watch the NFL Draft for free, your best bet is to go old-school with an over-the-air (OTA) antenna. Because ABC broadcasts all three days of the draft, anyone within range of a local ABC affiliate can watch the entire event for free in high definition. Simply plug in your antenna, scan for channels, and tune in.
However, if you don’t have an antenna, or don’t live within the range of an ABC station, you still have options. Many streaming services, like FuboTV or YouTube TV, offer free trials for new subscribers. These can be of varying lengths, but due to the NFL Draft just being a three day event, you will likely find one that covers the entire draft. Just remember to cancel your free trial before the billing cycle begins.
2026 NFL Draft Schedule
The NFL Draft is split into three days. For the 2026 NFL Draft in Pittsburgh, here is the official schedule:
- Round 1: Thursday, April 23 at 8:00 PM ET
- Rounds 2-3: Friday, April 24 at 7:00 PM ET
- Rounds 4-7: Saturday, April 25 at 12:00 PM ET
For real-time updates and to view the full broadcast information for the 2026 NFL schedule when the time comes, make sure to bookmark our NFL TV schedule page.
NFL Draft FAQ
Can I watch the NFL Draft on my phone?
Yes. You can stream the draft via the NFL App, if you are an NFL+ subscriber. Or, if you have login credentials for a streaming service that features the correct channels for the NFL Draft, you can use that app on your phone as well.
Is the NFL Draft on Amazon Prime or Netflix?
No. Currently, the NFL Draft is not broadcast on Amazon Prime or Netflix. It remains exclusive to NFL Network, ABC, ESPN, and their respective streaming partners.
Do all channels show the same thing?
Not exactly. While they all show the picks as they happen, ESPN usually focuses on professional scouting and highlights, while ABC often features more human-interest stories and a collegiate atmosphere. The NFL Network broadcast will also feature all the picks alongside a panel of NFL draft experts and analysts.
How long does the First Round last?
The first round on Thursday night typically lasts about three to four hours. A new change for the 2026 draft is that teams are given 8 minutes to make their selection in the first round, rather than the 10 minutes they had last year. However, many picks do happen much faster.