PITTSBURGH, Pa. (7News) — As National Football League fans descended on Pittsburgh for the 2026 NFL Draft, Commissioner Roger Goodell said planning is already ramping up for next year’s event in Washington, D.C.

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Speaking in an exclusive interview with Scott Abraham of 7News, Goodell said preparations for the 2027 Draft in the Nation’s Capital are already underway as organizers work through the logistics of hosting one of the league’s largest annual events.

“We have to plan, and we’re probably going to have to start planning a little further out on a lot of fronts,” Goodell said. “Each one of these is different. The location is different, determining the right location, but making sure we do it correctly.”

The commissioner also praised the Washington Commanders’ ownership group, led by owner Josh Harris, saying the relationship between the league and the franchise has strengthened in recent years.

“He and his entire ownership group, they have a tremendous amount of pride and passion in what they’re doing,” Goodell said. “They have a very strong vision. I think we see that in the stadium. It screams Washington, and I think we’re going to make everyone proud.”

While Pittsburgh served as the backdrop for this year’s draft festivities, anticipation is already building for next year’s event, which is expected to take place on the National Mall with landmarks including the U.S. Capitol and the Washington Monument surrounding the draft stage.

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Organizers expect massive crowds for the 2027 event, which could draw close to 1 million visitors to the Nation’s Capital.