The 2025 NFL Draft will take over Green Bay, Wisconsin, from Thursday, April 24, to Saturday, April 26. All seven draft rounds will air live across ABC, ESPN, ESPN2, and NFL Network, with exclusive Spanish-language coverage on ESPN Deportes.
As exciting talent moves up from the college ranks, you won’t want to miss a single moment of the NFL Draft, especially when your favorite team is on the clock. This year, top prospects include Travis Hunter, Abdul Carter, and Ashton Jeanty. But with every pick, trade, and surprise twist, the drama goes far beyond the first few names called in Round 1.
Keep scrolling to view the 2025 NFL Draft TV schedule and explore which TV providers carry the necessary channels.
What channels show the NFL Draft?
You can watch the 2025 NFL Draft on ABC, ESPN, ESPN2, and NFL Network. Each channel will present a distinct broadcast, with the ABC and ESPN teams combining forces on Day 3. ESPN Deportes will also be on hand for complete Spanish-language coverage, while ESPN+ will feature nightly recaps throughout the event.
For a more casual viewing experience, The Pat McAfee Show Draft Spectacular will stream Round 1 on YouTube, TikTok, and ESPN+.
Want radio coverage? ESPN Radio will be on site in Green Bay to cover every pick of the draft. You can stream ESPN Radio in the ESPN app or through services like TuneIn, which also carries local NFL audio coverage.
2025 NFL Draft TV schedule
The 2025 NFL Draft begins Thursday, April 24, live from the iconic Lambeau Field and Titletown District in Green Bay. It’s only the second time Wisconsin has hosted the event—the first was back in 1939.
Over three days and seven rounds, the 32 NFL teams will make 257 selections from a hungry pool of prospects. The first 18 picks were set after the 2024 regular season, while the final 14 draft positions were locked in following Super Bowl LIX. Of course, trades can (and will) shake up the final order.
| Day | Date | Time (ET) | English channels | Spanish channels |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Day 1 (Round 1) | Thursday, April 24 | 8:00 p.m. | ABC, ESPN, NFL Network | ESPN Deportes |
| Day 2 (Rounds 2–3) | Friday, April 25 | 7:00 p.m. | ABC, ESPN2, NFL Network | ESPN Deportes |
| Day 3 (Rounds 4–7) | Saturday, April 26 | Noon | ABC, ESPN, NFL Network | ESPN Deportes |
Data effective as of post date.
Best TV plans for watching the NFL Draft
When it comes to watching the NFL Draft, YouTube TV is my go-to pick. It has every draft channel—ABC, ESPN, and NFL Network—plus a multiview feature and many other sports networks for year-round coverage. YouTube TV costs $82.99/mo., and the no-contract setup means you can cancel as soon as Mr. Irrelevant hears his name called.
If you don’t want to commit to a whole TV plan for a three-day event, I get it. NFL+ ($6.99–$14.99/mo.) is a solid low-cost option that gives you full 24/7 access to NFL Network. You could also purchase a digital antenna to access your local ABC network or check out a free trial from a live TV streaming service. I break down those freebie options further down in this guide.
Which TV providers offer NFL Draft channels?
Most major TV providers carry NFL Draft coverage. But if you’re looking for NFL Network or ESPN Deportes, you might need a higher-tier plan or an add-on package. I compiled 13 popular TV services in the table below, illustrating which ones include the key draft channels.
| Provider | Price | ABC | ESPN | NFL Network | ESPN Deportes | Details |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cox | $71.00–$162.00/mo. | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ |
Read Cox review |
| DIRECTV | $84.99–$164.99/mo. | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ |
View Plans for DIRECTV Read DIRECTV review |
| DIRECTV STREAM | $84.99–$154.99/mo. | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ |
View Plans for DIRECTV STREAM Read DIRECTV STREAM review |
| DISH | $91.99–$121.99/mo. | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ |
View Plans for DISH Read DISH review |
| Fubo | $14.99–$94.99/mo. | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ |
View Plans for FuboTV Read Fubo review |
| Hulu + Live TV | $81.99–$95.99/mo. | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ |
View Plans for Hulu Read Hulu + Live TV review |
| Optimum | $30.00–$160.00/mo. | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ |
View Plans for Optimum Read Optimum review |
| Philo | $28.00/mo. | — | — | — | — |
View Plans for Philo Read Philo review |
| Sling TV | $45.99–$60.99/mo. | ✔* | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ |
View Plans for Sling TV Read Sling TV review |
| Spectrum | $45.00–$105.00/mo. | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ |
Check Availability Read Spectrum review |
| Verizon Fios | $95.00–$139.00/mo. | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ |
View Plans for Verizon Read Verizon Fios review |
| Xfinity | $20.00–$80.00/mo. | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ |
Read Xfinity review |
| YouTube TV | $82.99/mo. | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ |
View Plans for YouTube TV Read YouTube TV review |
Data effective as of post date. Offers and availability may vary by location and are subject to change.
*Available only in select markets with Sling Blue. Without ABC, Sling TV subscribers can watch ESPN on ABC broadcasts via ESPN3.
How to watch the NFL Draft for free
†CableTV.com utilizes paid Amazon links. Amazon.com Price; $47.00 (as of 4/1/25 5:00 p.m. CT). Read full disclaimer.
With ABC airing complete live coverage of the NFL Draft, you can watch the entire event for free by tuning in to your local ABC network. But the only way you can do this without signing up for a TV service is by making a one-time purchase of a digital TV antenna.
A high-quality antenna usually costs between $20 and $60, but it’ll last several years and give you access to every local channel within range. In addition to ABC, you’ll also get channels like CBS, FOX, and NBC—all of which televise major league sports throughout the year.
I recommend the Mohu Leaf 50 antenna because of its 4K capabilities and 60-mile range. Depending on your location, that should get you many local channels. But you can verify precisely how many you’ll get by running your zip code through the FCC’s Reception Map Tool or Antenna Direct’s TV Transmitter Locator.
What is the NFL Draft?
The NFL Draft is an annual recruitment event where teams can select players and make trades. Created to maintain competitive balance and financial stability, the NFL sets the initial draft order based on each team’s record from the previous season.
Seven rounds make up the NFL Draft. During each round, teams go “on the clock” one by one to select a player before time runs out. Teams can also trade their picks with other teams, which can lead to some rounds featuring a team multiple times.
In the end, some draft picks can be predicted months in advance through mock drafts. But the most entertaining aspect of the NFL Draft is when selections or trades come out of left field, surprising even the most seasoned football analysts. In a way, the draft is basically a sport in and of itself.
Still confused about how the NFL Draft works? Here’s a nifty video published by the NFL to walk you through the whole shebang.
Prior to the draft, several events take place where NFL personnel can scout potential draftees. The NFL Scouting Combine and the Senior Bowl are two of the more prolific pre-draft events—both of which air live on NFL Network.
How to watch the NFL Draft FAQ
What time does the NFL Draft start?
Round One of the 2025 NFL Draft starts on Thursday, April 24, at 8:00 p.m. ET. The remaining six rounds will take place across Friday, April 25, and Saturday, April 26, as detailed in our complete NFL Draft schedule.
How can I watch the NFL Draft without cable?
You can watch the NFL Draft without cable on NFL+ or through any live TV streaming service that offers ESPN channels or NFL Network.
Will the NFL Draft be on Disney+?
No, the 2025 NFL Draft won’t stream live on Disney+. While Disney+ occasionally carries live ESPN events, the draft isn’t one of them. You can watch it live on NFL+, ESPN, ABC, and NFL Network.
Who will host the next NFL Draft?
The Green Bay Packers will host the 2025 NFL Draft at Lambeau Field and Titletown, while the Pittsburgh Steelers will welcome the event to Steel City in 2026.
Why you should trust us
Our experts researched the best ways to watch the NFL Draft by comparing the prices and channel offerings of the most popular TV services. Because the NFL Draft is simultaneously televised on several channels, we based our recommendations on provider availability and ease of use.
To learn more about our methods, check out our How We Rank page.
Disclaimer
Data effective as of post date. Offers and availability may vary by location and are subject to change.
†Amazon.com price as of 4/1/25 5:00 p.m. CT. Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon.com at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product. CableTV.com utilizes paid Amazon links.
Certain content that appears on this site comes from Amazon. This content is provided “as is” and is subject to change or removal at any time.
