The Athletic has live coverage of the 2026 NFL Draft.
It’s time for pro football journeys to begin in earnest. Some teams will mine franchise cornerstones from the 2026 NFL Draft, while others will plant fateful decision trees that will torment fans for years to come.
This year’s draft goes down in Pittsburgh, where Terrible Towels and bright yellow grandstands welcome a deep rookie class. The ceremony is broadcast across several different networks. Here’s what to know, when to tune in and how to follow along.
All times listed are ET.
How to watch the 2026 NFL Draft, Round 1
- Venues: Point State Park and Acrisure Stadium — Pittsburgh
- Time: 8 p.m., Thursday
- TV: ABC, ESPN, ESPN Deportes and NFL Network
- Streaming: Fubo (Stream Free Now)
ABC is free over the air. All ESPN programs are also available with an ESPN Unlimited subscription. NFL Network is also available on NFL+.
NFL Draft broadcast options
There will be no shortage of telecast choices for this year’s viewership, including here at The Athletic. At 7:30 p.m., there will be a special live edition of “The Athletic Football Show” with Robert Mays, Derrik Klassen and Dave Helman. Draft guru Dane Brugler and college football insider Bruce Feldman will be on hand to offer their expertise as the night unfolds.
Four different networks will air the proceedings, too.
On ABC, coverage will emphasize who the draftees are and how they made their way to the NFL. Rece Davis will be the anchor, flanked by Kirk Herbstreit, Nick Saban and Desmond Howard on the studio desk. They’ll put on a draft-centric version of “College GameDay” on ESPN starting at 5 p.m., then break down the picks on ABC once the main event begins at 8 p.m.
Draft analyst Field Yates and sideline reporter Molly McGrath will dispatch from the green room. They’ll talk to prospects and their families throughout the night. Beforehand on ESPN, McGrath will interview players as they walk the red carpet. Reporter Pete Thamel will also bring updates…