​WASHINGTON (DC News Now) — The National Football League (NFL) is bringing its draft to the District next spring, with the league and the Washington Commanders working to ensure local businesses are prepared for what is expected to be a record-setting crowd of about one million people gathering on the National Mall for the event.
“I’ve done events for the Commanders before, but this is a totally different ballgame,” says Alexis Street, owner of Dessert Junkie, highlighting the scale and impact of the draft on the city’s hospitality and service industries. Street isn’t alone in eyeing the financial upside. “Just to be a part of such a historic moment in D.C. with the draft coming in 2027, I mean, why would you not want to be a part of something as incredible as that?” notes Taylor Hartley of Capital Turnaround, signaling confidence among local businesses about participating in this landmark event.
NPR’s Tiny Desk Contest is also planning a return to Washington, D.C., with a show at the Howard Theatre, underscoring the broader cultural ripple effects of the draft beyond football. Both Street and Hartley are among more than 100 local businesses that took part in Thursday night’s NFL Draft Source program, which serves as a matchmaking platform between the league, the Commanders, and area vendors. “That program covers a wide range—from linens to photography to janitorial services to food and beverage. It really spans the gamut. Anything that needs to be seen at an event—that’s what we’re looking for here,” explains Myisha Boyce, who leads the program.
The Commanders have teamed with Events DC to stage the event in the Navy Yard, aiming to anchor the draft’s economic and logistical pulse in a way that benefits small businesses across the DMV. “The local small business is the backbone of the DMV community. We were so excited to extend our platform to give them access and visibility for this economic opportunity,” says Dr. Chanelle Reynolds, the Commanders’ director of Culture and Engagement, outlining the strategic collaboration that aligns sports spectacle with local entrepreneurship.
Businesses across the region are eager to secure a piece of the action. “It’s just about getting in the room, getting on the list. And if someone is sick, calls in, or can’t do it, I’m ready to step in,” says Natasha Kelly, owner of She B Cookin Food Trucks, illustrating the entrepreneurial hustle that the draft is triggering among vendors, caterers, and service providers.
The NFL Draft is scheduled to run from April 29 to May 1, bringing a multi-day influx of fans, media, and professionals to the nation’s capital and presenting a substantial opportunity for local commerce, tourism, and media exposure. Copyright 2026 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to DC News Now for DC, Virginia, and Maryland coverage on News, Weather, Traffic, and Sports.