Cincinnati is making a strong play to host the NFL Draft in 2029, according to recent reports that have the Queen City positioned as a frontrunner for the prestigious event. Sports Business Journal's Ben Fischer revealed that Cincinnati has the "inside track" to land the draft, potentially bringing the NFL's biggest offseason spectacle back to Ohio for the first time since Cleveland hosted in 2021.

The buzz comes as the NFL looks to expand its draft planning timeline. Commissioner Roger Goodell recently told The Pat McAfee Show that the league will "probably have to start allocating drafts a little further in advance" due to the event's massive scale. That shift could work in Cincinnati's favor, with sources indicating the league may award two drafts simultaneously during an ownership vote later this month.

Cincinnati's potential 2029 bid follows a record-breaking 2024 draft in Pittsburgh, which drew an astonishing 805,000 fans. The NFL events committee is scheduled to meet next week to discuss future sites, with Minneapolis-St. Paul reportedly the "clear favorite" to host in 2028. For now, the only confirmed location is the 2025 draft at the National Mall in Washington, D.C.

Ben Huffman, executive director of the Cincinnati Regional Sports Commission, expressed confidence in the city's ability to handle the event. "I think we have the backdrop and the footprint, you know, and the ability to do an event of that size," Huffman told news partners at WCPO. "But again, that's kind of the research we're looking at now, like, what did those cities do to put themselves in a position to host it?"

For fans and sports enthusiasts, a Cincinnati draft would showcase the city's vibrant riverfront and growing sports culture. As the league evaluates its options, the Queen City's proven track record with major events could make it a prime destination for football's biggest offseason party.