As the District gears up to host the 2027 NFL Draft, local business leaders gathered at Capital Turnaround in Navy Yard on July 9 to connect with the National Football League ahead of the programming hitting the nation’s capital next spring.
Hosted by the NFL, Events DC and the Washington Commanders, the event furthers the league’s Source program, launched in 2024 to bridge the gap with businesses in cities where drafts are being held. Rather than solely relying on national vendors, the NFL actively contracts local businesses to provide a range of essential event operations.
“That would be from linens to photography, to janitorial, to food and beverage. It really spans the gamut,” said Myisha Boyce, who leads the NFL Source program. “Anything that needs to be seen at an event – that’s what we’re looking for here in this program.”
This approach turns the NFL Draft into more than just an event but an economic catalyst, keeping the financial boost for local communities going even long after the draft itself.
“Beyond the direct economic impact, [local businesses are] also making partnerships and they’re networking with local representatives that allow them to grow their business post-event,” said Boyce.
During the 2024 NFL Draft in Detroit, $161.3 million in new spending was brought to the Motor City’s region across draft day festivities, with two-thirds of it being retained long-term, according to a report from Visit Detroit and the Detroit Sports Commission.
April’s NFL Draft in Pittsburgh brought 164 local businesses through the Draft Source Program, with $17.7 million being spent with businesses based in the Pennsylvania city, according to Visit Pittsburgh.
For next year’s draft in D.C., scheduled for April 29-May 1, the NFL is working with more than 100 local businesses to assist the draft-day festivities that are estimated to host more than a million fans.
“The local small business is the backbone of the DMV community. So we were so excited to be able to extend our platform to give them the access and the visibility for this economic opportunity,” said Dr. Chanelle Reynolds, director of culture and engagement for the Washington Commanders.
This will be the first time D.C. is hosting a major NFL event since the 1940 NFL Draft.
For many local entrepreneurs, the NFL’s Source Program and the draft in general offer a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to showcase their businesses to NFL fans from around the world
“It just feels different because normally we’re the little guy,” said Natasha Kelly, owner of She B Cookin Food Trucks. “It’s just getting in the room, being able to get on the list. And you know, if somebody calls in sick and can’t do it, I’m there.”
