The 2026 NFL Draft will take place in Pittsburgh from April 23 to April 25, featuring Indiana quarterback Fernando Mendoza as the likely No. 1 pick. The event includes three rounds over three days, starting with Round 1 at 8 p.m. ET on April 23.
Key points
2026 NFL Draft takes place in Pittsburgh
Starts on April 23 and ends on April 25
Round 1 begins at 8 p.m. ET on April 23
Fernando Mendoza expected as No. 1 pick
Mentioned in this story
Pittsburgh
Las Vegas RaidersFernando MendozaNFL Draft 2026
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The National Football League goes to Pittsburgh for the 2026 NFL Draft. With the Las Vegas Raiders expected to take Indiana Hoosiers quarterback and NCAA CFP National Champion Fernando Mendoza with the No. 1 pick, the three-day player selection event kicks off beginning on Thursday, Apr. 23.
The NFL Draft starts with Round 1 on Thursday, Apr. 23, with a start time of 8 p.m. ET/5 p.m. PT, while Round 2 and Round 3 takes place on Friday, Apr. 24, at 7 p.m. ET/4 p.m. PT. To close out the event, Round 4 through Round 7 happens on Saturday, Apr. 25, at 12 p.m. ET/9 a.m. PT.
For 2026, the NFL Draft broadcasts across ABC, ESPN and NFL Network.
The NFL Draft takes place at Acrisure Stadium in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. Meanwhile, Wiz Khalifa, Kane Brown and Bret Michaels perform during the 2026 NFL Draft Entertainment Series throughout the three-day event.
Sports lovers who donât have cable or access to live television can watch the draft on platforms, such as DirecTV, which offers ABC, ESPN and NFL Network, as well hundreds of other live and on-demand channels; plus DVR, multiple device streams and much more with a five-day free trial.
Where to Watch NFL Draft 2026 Online
The NFL Draft airs on ESPN, ABC and NFL Network. If you donât have cable, cord-cutters can also take advantage of free trials and promos from live TV streamers like DirecTV, Sling TV, Hulu + Live TV and others to stream without cable.
NFL Draft 2026 Live Stream: Schedule, How to Watch for Free Online
NFL Draft 2026 Live Stream: Schedule, How to Watch for Free Online
DirecTV is offering a five-day free trial, which will let you watch ESPN, ABC and NFL Network for free. The Entertainment and Sports Programming Network is included in all of the streaming packages. In addition to unlimited DVR storage, youâll get access to local channels and the ability to stream on as many devices as you want.
Right now, you can sign up starting at $59.99 for the first month of service ($94.99 per month afterwards) DirecTVâs âChoiceâ Signature Package.
How to get ESPN Unlimited online (ESPN Unlimited logo)
How to get ESPN Unlimited online (ESPN Unlimited logo)
ESPN Unlimited is the official streaming platform for the 2026 NFL Draft. A subscription includes instant access for $29.99 per month. You can save almost 17% off by purchasing an annual subscription for $299.99 per year. It features every ESPN network, including ESPN, ESPN2, ESPNU, ESPNEWS, ESPN Deportes, SEC Network, ACC Network, as well as ESPN on ABC, ESPN+, ESPN3, SEC Network+ and ACC Network Extra â all in one app.
In addition to live sports, ESPN Unlimited has original shows to stream on-demand, plus game recaps and analysis, a shorter version of NFL Primetime and full replays of historic NFL matchups.
NFL Draft 2026 Live Stream: Schedule, How to Watch for Free Online
NFL Draft 2026 Live Stream: Schedule, How to Watch for Free Online
With prices starting at just $4.99 for a day pass, Sling TV includes ESPN and ESPN 3 (for ABC simucast) with it Sling Orange and Sling Orange + Blue packages â which features dozens of channels that can be streamed on up to three devices at the same time. Sling Orange + Blue features FS1 and the NFL Network too for even more sports content.
Please note: Sling TVâs pricing and channel availability depends on your local TV market.
NFL Draft 2026 Live Stream: Schedule, How to Watch for Free Online
NFL Draft 2026 Live Stream: Schedule, How to Watch for Free Online
Fubo offers a five-day free trial for new users who sign up, and the streaming service includes a live feeds for ESPN, ABC and NFL Network to watch the 2026 NFL Draft online. The service offers a promo thatâll get you up to $30 off the first month, which can get you access to ESPN and more for as low as $45.99 (reg. $55.99 per month). Once set up, customers get access to ESPN and more than 240 live TV channels.
NFL Draft 2026 Live Stream: Schedule, How to Watch for Free Online
NFL Draft 2026 Live Stream: Schedule, How to Watch for Free Online
For ESPN, ABC and NFL Network, Hulu + Live TV gives you access to the entire Hulu library in addition to more than 95 live TV channels for $89.99 per month.
And, unlike the rest of the options, you can also expand your content library by bundling Hulu + Live TV with Disney+ and ESPN Unlimited. Youâll not only have all of the Hulu library to watch, but also exclusive and original programming available exclusively on ESPN Unlimited.
You can watch and stream the 2026 NFL Draft on your TV, smart phone, tablet and other streaming devices via the ESPN app, ABC app and NFL+. Streaming from outside of the U.S.? Watch the draft with a free trial from ExpressVPN.
What Is 2026 NFL Draft Order?
The NFL draft includes a total of seven rounds. Throughout the three-day event, more than 250 players are eligible for selection. Currently, the Las Vegas Raiders had the first pick for Round 1, followed by the New York Jets and Arizona Cardinals.
