Who Gained the Most from Shedeur Sanders’ Draft-Day Drama? TV networks—and savvy advertisers.
Day 3 of the 2025 NFL Draft delivered a record-breaking 4.3 million viewers across ESPN, NFL Network, ABC, ESPN Deportes, and digital platforms. That’s the highest Day 3 viewership ever, up more than 40% from last year.
The reason? Quarterback Shedeur Sanders. Once projected as a top-five pick, his unexpected slide to No. 144 kept viewers tuned in long past the early rounds—turning Day 3 into must-watch television. The suspense paid off in ratings, proving just how powerful a live storyline can be.
Round 1 didn’t disappoint either, pulling in 13.6 million viewers, the second-highest ever for an opening night. That’s an 11% increase over 2023, and only trails the historic 2020 NFL Draft, which averaged 15.6 million viewers on Night 1—boosted by its status as the first major live sporting event after the COVID-19 shutdown.
These numbers are a clear reminder: live TV still commands the spotlight. In a fragmented media world, events like the NFL Draft continue to unite massive, real-time audiences—offering brands rare opportunities to show up where attention is undivided.
At Diray Media, we help advertisers make the most of these cultural moments—getting in front of millions when it matters most.