The NFL Draft, arguably the most anticipated event of the offseason for football fans, is set to be broadcast live and free across Germany on NITRO and RTL+ in 2026. From April 24th to 25th, all rounds of the league’s annual talent showcase will be available to a broad audience, transforming the event into an interactive community experience.
When the NFL selects the next generation of stars, NITRO and RTL+ will place the community front and center. Presenter Florian Ambrosius, alongside RTL NFL experts Patrick Esume, Björn Werner, Kasim Edebali, Jan Weinreich, and community host Christian Schulz, will welcome over 30 football fans to a live broadcast from the RTL broadcast center in Cologne. This unique setup allows fans to participate directly in the draft night excitement.
Exclusive Coverage from the USA
NITRO and RTL+ will provide the only German-language draft broadcast featuring exclusive expert analysis directly from the United States. RTL NFL expert Markus Kuhn will report live from Pittsburgh on the first two days of the draft – positioned on the main stage outside Acrisure Stadium, home of the Pittsburgh Steelers. Kuhn, a former NFL professional, will offer insights into each pick and capture reactions from the newly drafted players.
“Football is Family”: A Community-Driven Draft Night
Building on the success of last year’s inaugural event, NITRO and RTL+ are once again opening the doors of their Cologne Deutz broadcast center. Over 30 fan representatives will experience the first round of the draft alongside the on-air broadcast team. These fans will discuss the selections, share their perspectives, and become an integral part of the live coverage. Opportunities to participate in this community event are available here.
The draft will kick off with the first round on the night of Friday, April 24th, preceded by a one-hour pre-show at 01:00 CET live on NITRO and RTL+. The first day’s coverage will once again be broadcast on free TV without commercial interruption. The second day, featuring rounds two and three, will be shown on Saturday night starting at 00:30 CET on RTL+ with Florian Ambrosius, Jan Weinreich, and Christian Schulz hosting. The final day of the draft, rounds four through seven, can be followed on Saturday starting at 18:00 CET via the 24/7 livestream of “NFL Network” on RTL+, also available at no cost.
NFL Draft Coverage Schedule on NITRO & RTL+
Friday, April 24th, starting at 01:00 CET: Draft Day 1 (Round 1) on NITRO and RTL+ livestream:
- From Cologne: Florian Ambrosius, Patrick Esume, Björn Werner, Kasim Edebali, Jan Weinreich, and Christian Schulz
- From the USA: Markus Kuhn
Saturday, April 25th, starting at 00:30 CET: Draft Day 2 (Rounds 2-3) on the free RTL+ livestream:
- From Cologne: Jan Stecker, Jan Weinreich, and Christian Schulz
- From the USA: Markus Kuhn
Saturday, April 25th, starting at 18:00 CET: Draft Day 3 (Rounds 4-7) on the free “NFL Network” livestream on RTL+.
Fans also have the opportunity to submit their mock drafts here.
The NFL Draft represents a pivotal moment for aspiring players and a thrilling spectacle for fans. With comprehensive coverage on NITRO and RTL+, German audiences will have unparalleled access to all the action and insights from this cornerstone event in American football. The league’s commitment to providing free and accessible coverage underscores its growing popularity within Germany, a market increasingly captivated by the NFL’s dynamic competition and compelling storylines.
As the draft approaches, anticipation builds for the potential impact these new players will have on their respective teams. The selections made over those two days in Pittsburgh will shape the landscape of the NFL for years to arrive. Fans can expect in-depth analysis, expert commentary, and a unique community experience as NITRO and RTL+ deliver comprehensive coverage of the 2026 NFL Draft.
The next key date for NFL fans will be the start of the 2026 NFL season, with schedules expected to be released in the spring. Stay tuned to RTL and NITRO for further updates and comprehensive coverage of the league.
