The 2025 NFL draft is just around the corner, and fans are eager to watch their favorite team pick up their new talent. While many will be watching on traditional cable TV, cord-cutters may be wondering how to watch the draft live without breaking the bank. The good news is that there are several options available, and we’ll break them down for you below.
Free Options
ABC will air all three days of the draft, making it a great option for those without cable. To watch for free, simply hook up your over-the-air antenna to your TV and tune into your local ABC station. The Pat McAfee Show will also be available to watch on YouTube, TikTok, the ESPN App, and ESPN Plus.
- ABC
- YouTube
- TikTok
- ESPN App
- ESPN Plus
Subscription Options
For those who want to watch the draft live with all the bells and whistles, there are several subscription options available. These include:
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WatchESPN or NFL Mobile apps
To watch live, you’ll need to prove you have a TV subscription (from a cable or satellite provider or live TV streaming service) that includes ESPN or the NFL Network. You can sign up for a free trial or subscription on either app.
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Hulu with Live TV
This service offers access to all four major networks (ABC, ESPN, ESPN2, and NFL Network) for $83 per month.
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YouTube TV
YouTube TV also offers access to all four major networks for $83 per month.
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FuboTV
FuboTV offers access to ABC, ESPN, and NFL Network for $85 per month.
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DirecTV Stream
DirecTV Stream offers access to ABC, ESPN, and NFL Network for $90 per month.
TV Schedule
The NFL draft gets underway with the first round on Thursday, April 24, at 8 p.m. ET. Here’s the TV schedule for all three days:
| Date | Time (ET) | Networks |
|---|---|---|
| Thursday, April 24 | 8 p.m. – 11:30 p.m. | ABC, ESPN, and NFL Network |
| Friday, April 25 | 7 p.m. – 11:30 p.m. | ABC, ESPN2, and NFL Network |
| Saturday, April 26 | Noon – 7 p.m. | ABC, ESPN, and NFL Network |
Hosts and Analysts
ESPN will have Mike Greenberg serving as host for the first two nights of the draft, alongside Mel Kiper Jr., Louis Riddick, Booger McFarland, Adam Schefter, and Molly McGrath. ABC will have Rece Davis hosting with Kirk Herbstreit, Desmond Howard, Nick Saban, and Field Yates. The NFL Network will have Rich Eisen leading coverage, featuring Daniel Jeremiah, Charles Davis, Kurt Warner, Joel Klatt, and Ian Rapoport.
Order of the Draft Picks
The draft order is determined by the teams’ performance from the previous season. For the 2024 season, Tennessee tied with the New York Giants and Cleveland Browns for the league’s worst record at 3-14. Here’s the draft order for the first 10 picks:
- Tennessee Titans
- Cleveland Browns
- New York Giants
- New England Patriots
- Jacksonville Jaguars
- Las Vegas Raiders
- New York Jets
- Carolina Panthers
- New Orleans Saints
- Chicago Bears
Tracking the Picks
To keep up with all the action, ESPN’s DraftCast is the perfect resource. You can track all of the picks in real-time and get expert analysis from Mel Kiper Jr. and other NFL experts.
Conclusion
The 2025 NFL draft is just around the corner, and fans are eager to watch their favorite team pick up their new talent. With several options available, cord-cutters can watch the draft live without breaking the bank. Whether you choose to watch for free or subscribe to one of the many options, you’ll be able to catch all the action without cable. So, grab your favorite snacks, gather around the TV, and get ready for the start of the draft!
news is a contributor at NonCable. We are committed to providing well-researched, accurate, and valuable content to our readers.
