If you're frantically checking your remote and wondering what channel is the nfl draft on today, I have a bit of a reality check for you. It’s January 14, 2026. We are currently smack in the middle of the NFL playoffs. While everyone is buzzing about the draft order—especially with the Las Vegas Raiders officially locked into that No. 1 overall pick—the actual event hasn't started yet.
You haven't missed the boat. You’re just early.
The 2026 NFL Draft is scheduled to kick off on Thursday, April 23, 2026. It’s heading to Pittsburgh this year, with the stage set right near the North Shore and Point State Park. So, while you won't find the live draft on any channel today, the "draft season" is officially in high gear because today is a massive deadline day for the league.
Where will you watch the NFL Draft in April?
When April finally rolls around, the broadcast situation is going to look very familiar, yet slightly more "digital" than previous years. The NFL hasn't messed with the winning formula of multi-network coverage. You’ll be able to find the 2026 NFL Draft on ABC, ESPN, and NFL Network.
Basically, if you have a TV and a pulse, you’ll find it.
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There's a huge shift happening behind the scenes, though. Industry insiders like Andrew Marchand have been tracking the "ESPN takeover" of NFL Media. While the deal is still moving through regulatory hoops under the current administration, ESPN is expected to have an even bigger footprint this year. We’re talking about massive integration with Disney+ and Hulu. For the first time, the draft is expected to stream natively across those platforms, making it easier for cord-cutters who don't want to mess with a digital antenna or a pricey cable bundle.
The 2026 Broadcast Schedule (Mark Your Calendars)
- Round 1: Thursday, April 23 at 8:00 PM ET (ABC, ESPN, NFL Network)
- Rounds 2-3: Friday, April 24 at 7:00 PM ET (ABC, ESPN2, NFL Network)
- Rounds 4-7: Saturday, April 25 at 12:00 PM ET (ABC, ESPN, NFL Network)
Honestly, Friday is usually the sweet spot for the die-hards. You get the value picks and the chaotic trades that define the weekend. If you’re watching today, you’re probably seeing "Good Morning Football" on NFL Network or "NFL Live" on ESPN, both of which are currently obsessing over which underclassmen just declared.
Why today, January 14, actually matters for the draft
You might be asking why everyone is talking about the draft right now if the first pick isn't for another three months. Well, today is the official deadline for college underclassmen to apply for Special Eligibility.
It’s the "in or out" day.
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By the time the clock strikes midnight tonight, the scouting departments for all 32 teams will finally know exactly who is in the pool. No more guessing if that star sophomore quarterback is going back to school or taking the leap. This is the pivot point where mock drafts actually start to mean something.
Also, don't forget we're just days away from the East-West Shrine Bowl (Jan 27) and the Senior Bowl (Jan 31). If you’re looking for football on your TV today, you’re looking for playoff prep. The Chicago Bears and Los Angeles Rams are gearing up for their Divisional Round clash this Sunday, and that game will be on NBC.
What channel is the nfl draft on today for cord-cutters?
If you've ditched the cable box, watching the draft in April is actually getting cheaper. You don't need a $100 monthly bill. Since the event airs on ABC, a simple $20 over-the-air antenna gets you the whole thing in HD for free.
If you prefer streaming, here’s the 2026 landscape:
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- YouTube TV: Still the heavy hitter, though the price has hovered around $73 lately. It carries all three draft channels.
- Fubo: Great if you want the 4K feeds, which the NFL has been experimenting with more lately.
- Hulu + Live TV: This is the big winner this year because of the Disney/ESPN merger. You’ll likely get exclusive "ManningCast" style alternate feeds here.
- Sling TV: The "Orange" package gets you ESPN, which is the cheapest way to get the cable-specific coverage.
Common misconceptions about the draft broadcast
I see a lot of people get confused about the difference between the ABC and ESPN feeds. They aren't the same. Usually, ESPN focuses on the "X's and O's"—the stats, the highlights, and the draft gurus like Mel Kiper Jr. (who is still going strong, by the way).
ABC usually goes for the "human interest" angle. They tell the stories of the players’ families, their hometowns, and the emotional journey. If you want to see a guy cry when his name is called, watch ABC. If you want to know his 40-yard dash time and his hand measurement, stick to ESPN or NFL Network.
Your next steps for draft season
Since the live draft isn't on the air today, you should focus on the lead-up events that will define the April broadcast.
Check the NFL Network schedule for the Senior Bowl practices starting the last week of January; that’s where the "draft stock" actually rises and falls. If you are planning to travel to Pittsburgh for the actual event, book your hotel now near Acrisure Stadium, because the city is already reporting record-high occupancy for that April weekend.
Keep an eye on the playoff games this weekend on NBC, FOX, and CBS. The losers of these games will start filling out those mid-to-late first-round slots, finally giving us a clear picture of the what channel is the nfl draft on today search results when the real action starts in April.