You've got the snacks ready, the mock drafts are printed, and your phone is buzzing with trade rumors. But then life happens. Maybe you're stuck in the office during that frantic Thursday night opening round, or you’re hauling the family to a soccer game on Saturday while the late-round sleepers are being snatched up. It’s the classic fan dilemma. You want to stay in the loop, but you can't be glued to a TV for fifteen hours straight.
Honestly, sometimes the radio is just better anyway. There is something about the frantic energy of a live audio broadcast—the analysts shouting over each other when a "run" on offensive tackles starts—that a polished TV production sometimes misses. If you need to listen to NFL Draft coverage this year, you’ve actually got more options than ever, ranging from free terrestrial radio to high-end satellite streams.
The 2026 NFL Draft is heading to Pittsburgh from April 23 to April 25. Whether you're a Steelers fan wanting to hear the hometown crowd roar at Point State Park or a Panthers fan just hoping for a glimmer of hope, here is exactly how to tune in without a screen.
The Big Three: Where to Listen to NFL Draft Coverage
Most people default to the same few sources, and for good reason. They are reliable. But if you're looking for a specific vibe—like deep-dive scouting vs. casual banter—where you click (or tune) matters.
1. ESPN Radio: The National Standard
This is basically the default setting for most fans. ESPN Radio carries the draft every single year, and they do it with a level of polish that’s hard to beat. You'll usually hear the same big names you see on the "Mothership," but adapted for an audio-only audience. This means more descriptive language and fewer "look at this highlight" moments that leave radio listeners in the dark.
You can find this on your local ESPN affiliate (just scan the AM/FM dial), or through the ESPN app. It's also usually available on the iHeartRadio and TuneIn apps for free.
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2. SiriusXM NFL Radio (Channel 88)
If you are a hardcore draft geek, this is your holy grail. SiriusXM doesn't just "cover" the draft; they live it. Their coverage usually starts weeks in advance with mock drafts and prospect breakdowns. During the actual event, Channel 88 provides pick-by-pick analysis that goes much deeper than the national radio spots.
They often have former GMs and scouts like Pat Kirwan on the air. These guys don't just tell you who was picked; they tell you why the pick fits the scheme and which scout probably pounded the table for that player. It's a paid service, obviously, but if you already have it in your car, it’s the gold standard.
3. The NFL App and NFL+
The league has been pushing its own platform hard lately. Through the official NFL App, you can often find a dedicated audio stream. If you’re a subscriber to NFL+, you get access to live game audio all season, and that ecosystem usually carries over into the draft. It’s a clean, official way to listen without having to worry about a local station cutting to a commercial break right when your team is "on the clock."
Is There a Way to Listen for Free?
Yes, and it’s easier than you think. You don't need a fancy subscription to keep up with the first round.
Most local sports talk stations across the country will be "simulcasting" or at least providing live updates. If you're in a major market like Chicago, New York, or Dallas, your flagship sports station (think 670 The Score or 105.3 The Fan) will likely have a "Draft Party" on the air.
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Pro Tip: Use the TuneIn app or Audacy. Search for the sports radio station in the city of the team you follow. If you’re a Browns fan, tune into a Cleveland station. You’ll get much more specific "homer" coverage that focuses on your team’s needs rather than the national "Who did the Cowboys pick?" obsession.
Why Audio-Only is Actually Great for the Draft
I know, I know. We live in a visual world. We want to see the shiny suits and the awkward hugs with Commissioner Roger Goodell. But there are perks to the radio side of things:
- Zero Latency Issues: If you’re watching on a "legal" streaming site, you might be 30 seconds behind. Your Twitter/X feed will spoil the pick before you see it. Radio is almost always faster.
- Expert Descriptions: Radio announcers are trained to describe what’s happening. On TV, they might stop talking to show a graphic. On the radio, they keep the info flowing.
- Battery Life: Streaming video on your phone will kill your battery in two hours. Streaming audio? You can go all day.
- Multitasking: You can actually mow the lawn or finish those spreadsheets while hearing the future of your franchise.
2026 Draft Schedule: When to Tune In
The draft is a marathon, not a sprint. If you’re planning your listening schedule for Pittsburgh, here is the basic breakdown of the three days.
Thursday, April 23: Round 1
This is the big one. It starts at 8:00 PM ET. Expect a lot of pomp and circumstance. The first pick usually takes about 10-15 minutes to actually happen. If you’re listening, this is when the analysis is the most "high-level."
Friday, April 24: Rounds 2-3
Action starts at 7:00 PM ET. This is actually my favorite night to listen. The picks come faster, and the teams are taking "instant impact" players. The radio guys usually have to scramble because the pace picks up significantly.
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Saturday, April 25: Rounds 4-7
The marathon begins at 12:00 PM ET. This is for the die-hards. You’ll hear names of guys from schools you didn’t know existed. This is where the "Listen to NFL Draft" search really pays off, because Saturday TV coverage is often relegated to secondary channels or feels like a background show. The radio crews, however, stay locked in on the prospects.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Don't wait until 7:59 PM on Thursday to try and find a stream. A lot of apps have "regional lockouts" or require a quick login.
I've been burned before by the "local affiliate" rule. Sometimes, a local FM station will play the NFL Draft, but their online stream is blocked due to licensing. If that happens, jump over to the national ESPN Radio feed or the official NFL channel on SiriusXM.
Also, watch out for "fake" streams on YouTube. You'll see "LIVE DRAFT AUDIO" titles that are just some guy in his basement reacting to the TV. If you want the real broadcasters, stick to the official apps like Westwood One, ESPN, or SiriusXM.
What to Listen For
When you’re listening, pay attention to the "War Room" reports. The best radio insiders (think Adam Schefter or Ian Rapoport, who often guest on these streams) will give you the "vibes" of a trade before it happens. They’ll mention a team "working the phones." On TV, you're looking at a highlight reel of a college linebacker. On the radio, you're hearing the subtext of the deals being made.
Actionable Next Steps for Fans:
- Download your apps now: Get TuneIn, Audacy, and the NFL App on your phone.
- Test the stream: Open the ESPN Radio stream a day early to make sure it's not geo-blocked in your area.
- Check your data: If you aren't on Wi-Fi, remember that a three-hour audio stream is about 150-200MB. Not huge, but worth knowing if you're on a tight plan.
- Find your local station: Look up the "NFL Affiliate" for your city so you have a terrestrial backup if your data fails.
The 2026 draft in Pittsburgh is going to be loud. If you can't be there in the Steel City or in front of your 4K TV, the radio is the most authentic way to feel the tension of the clock ticking down. Pick your platform, grab your headphones, and get ready for the "With the first pick..." call.