Kickoff is scheduled for 7:30 PM ET Venue: Yankee Stadium, Bronx, New York Broadcast: Apple TV (national)
Weather Update
Mild spring conditions expected with daytime highs around 54-58°F (12-14°C) at kickoff, cooling into the upper 40s-50s°F by full time. Partly cloudy to mostly clear skies, light winds (5-8 mph from the southeast), and low precipitation chance (20-30%, isolated showers possible but not likely to impact play). Dry pitch and comfortable for fans and players—no major weather concerns anticipated.
Series Context: This is a midweek Eastern Conference clash in the early 2026 MLS season. NYCFC (7th in East, 11 points) hosts a struggling FC Cincinnati (bottom of the East, 7-10 points depending on exact tiebreakers) at Yankee Stadium. Both teams are searching for consistency after uneven starts, with NYCFC looking to capitalize on home advantage against a Cincy side yet to win on the road this season.
Team Records (2026 MLS Regular Season, through April 19)
New York City FC: 3-3-2 (11 points). Scored 15 goals, conceded 11. Solid home form but recent road struggles; defensive solidity has been a hallmark when at Yankee Stadium.
FC Cincinnati: 2-4-2 (7-10 points range). Scored 12-15 goals, conceded 15-16. Offensive flashes but leaky defense and poor road results (winless away) have plagued them early.
Recent Team Forms (last 5 games)
New York City FC:
L 1-2 vs. Charlotte FC (April 18, home) – Late collapse at home.
L 0-2 vs. Vancouver Whitecaps (April 11, away).
D 1-1 vs. St. Louis CITY SC (April 4, home).
Mixed bag with offensive output but defensive lapses costing points.
FC Cincinnati:
D 3-3 vs. Chicago Fire FC (April 18, home) – High-scoring draw after trailing.
D 1-1 vs. Toronto FC (April 11, away).
L 2-4 vs. New York Red Bulls (April 5, away).
Resilient in draws but unable to close out games; road form remains a major issue.
NYCFC enters with home momentum to rebuild after the Charlotte loss, while Cincinnati is fighting for their first road points of the year.
Injury Report
New York City FC:
OUT: Drew Baiera (D, leg), Alonso Martínez (F, leg), Max Murray (F, leg).
Additional notes: James Sands (M) and Andres Perea (M) listed as injured in recent reports; depth in attack and midfield tested. Core rotation otherwise available.
FC Cincinnati:
OUT: Matt Miazga (D, leg), Kristian Fletcher (F, knee), Obinna Nwobodo (M, leg).
QUESTIONABLE: Sam Rogers (D, lower body).
BACK: Kevin Denkey (F, from suspension). Cincinnati remains thin in defense and attack depth for the road trip.
Key Player Matchups
Hakim Ziyech / Maxi Moralez (NYCFC) vs. Cincinnati backline (including Miles Robinson if available): NYCFC’s creative midfield must exploit Cincy’s injury-hit defense and set-piece vulnerabilities.
Kevin Denkey / Evander (CIN) vs. NYCFC defense (Thiago Martins, etc.): Denkey returns hungry for goals; Evander’s playmaking is Cincy’s best chance to create chances on the counter. NYCFC needs to contain their transition threat.
Goaltending: NYCFC keeper vs. Roman Celentano (CIN) – Both have been tested; expect a battle for clean sheets in a potentially low-scoring affair.
Physicality and width: Yankee Stadium crowd energy vs. Cincy’s road grit; set pieces could prove decisive given defensive absences.
Series History
NYCFC holds a strong historical edge (10 wins, 3 draws, 6 losses in 19 meetings). At home, NYCFC is dominant (7-1-1 in recent Yankee Stadium clashes). Cincinnati’s last win in this fixture was years ago; games often trend toward moderate scoring with the home side prevailing in recent seasons.
Betting Trends
NYCFC strong as home favorites early in 2026 (covers frequently at Yankee Stadium).
Cincinnati poor ATS on the road (winless away, struggles as +300 dogs); road games often stay competitive but low-scoring due to travel and injuries.
Head-to-head favors NYCFC wins or unders; both teams average under 3 goals per game in recent form. Public betting on the favorite, with sharp money leaning toward the total trending slightly over due to Cincy’s high-scoring recent draws.
MATCH ODDS
FC Cincinnati + 305
New York City FC – 117
Draw + 280
Over 2.5 – 136 Under 2.5 + 116
Odds Courtesy of Sports Odds Direct as of Tuesday, April 21, 2026
Kickoff is scheduled for 7:30 PM ET Venue: ScottsMiracle-Gro Field (Lower.com Field), Columbus, Ohio Broadcast: Apple TV (national)
Weather Update
Mild spring evening conditions expected with temperatures in the mid-50s to low 60s°F (around 13-16°C) at kickoff, dropping slightly into the upper 40s-50s°F by full time. Clear to partly cloudy skies, light winds (5-10 mph from the southwest), and low precipitation chance (<20%). Ideal playing conditions with no major weather disruptions anticipated—dry pitch and comfortable for fans.
Series Context: This is a rare inter-conference matchup early in the 2026 MLS season. Columbus sits near the bottom of the Eastern Conference with just 6 points from 8 games, while the Galaxy hold 9 points from 8 games in the West. Both sides are looking to stabilize form after inconsistent starts.
Team Records (2026 MLS Regular Season, through April 19)
Columbus Crew: 1-4-3 (6 points; 11th in Eastern Conference). Scored 10 goals, conceded 12. Strong home tradition but early-season home struggles (0 wins in recent home games).
Los Angeles Galaxy: 2-3-3 (9 points; 10th/11th in Western Conference). Scored 12 goals, conceded 13. Road record is mixed (1 win in away games), with defensive vulnerabilities exposed.
Recent Team Forms (last 5 games)
Columbus Crew:
L 2-1 vs. New England Revolution (April 19, away) – Snapped a brief unbeaten run.
D 1-1 vs. Orlando City (April 13, home).
W 3-1 vs. Atlanta United (April 5, away).
L 2-1 vs. Toronto FC (March 21, away).
D 0-0 vs. Chicago Fire (March 7? early). Mixed results with offensive flashes but defensive lapses late in games.
Los Angeles Galaxy:
D 2-2 vs. FC Dallas (April 19, away) – Gritty road point.
W 1-2 vs. Austin FC (April 11? recent road win).
L 1-2 vs. Minnesota United (April 4, home).
T 1-1 vs. Portland Timbers (March 21, away).
L 4-1 vs. Colorado Rapids (March 7, away). Resilient in draws but inconsistent scoring and road form remains a concern.
Columbus enters with home momentum to build on, while the Galaxy are in survival mode on the road after a tough Western slate.
Injury Report
Columbus Crew:
OUT: Wessam Abou Ali (F, knee – cruciate ligament).
OUT: Mohamed Farsi (M, sports hernia).
QUESTIONABLE: Taha Habroune (M, illness). Depth in attack and midfield tested, but core rotation (including goalkeeper Patrick Schulte) available.
Los Angeles Galaxy:
OUT: Matheus Nascimento (F, thigh).
OUT: Erik Thommy (M, thigh).
QUESTIONABLE: Jack McGlynn (M, lower body).
Additional long-term notes: Douglas Costa (MID, metatarsal fracture – out indefinitely), Ricard Puig (M, knee – long-term). Galaxy significantly shorthanded in attack and midfield depth for the trip east.
Key Player Matchups
Diego Rossi / Daniel Gazdag (CLB) vs. Galaxy backline (including recent signings): Rossi and Gazdag provide Columbus’ creative spark; Galaxy’s injury-hit defense must contain their movement and set-piece threat.
João Klauss / Max Arfsten (CLB) vs. LA’s central defenders: Klauss has been a focal point up top; Arfsten’s recent goal-scoring form adds width. Galaxy need to limit second-chance opportunities.
Gabriel Pec / Dejan Joveljić (if available for LA) vs. Columbus defense (Steven Moreira, Malte Amundsen): Pec leads Galaxy’s attack with assists; Columbus’ backline must stay compact on the road threat.
Goaltending: Patrick Schulte (CLB) vs. LA’s netminder – Schulte has been reliable at home; Galaxy keeper faces heavy pressure from Crew’s home crowd and attack.
Series History
Columbus holds a slight edge in recent head-to-heads (9 wins in last 23 meetings overall). At home, the Crew are particularly strong: recent results include 2-0 (2023) and 3-1 (2019) victories over the Galaxy. LA’s last win in Columbus was years ago. Overall, games trend toward low-to-moderate scoring with home advantage proving decisive.
Betting Trends
Columbus strong as home favorites in early-season MLS (covers frequently at ScottsMiracle-Gro Field).
Galaxy poor ATS on the road (struggle as +300+ dogs); road games often stay under 2.5-3 goals due to travel fatigue.
Head-to-head and Crew home games lean toward Columbus wins or low-scoring affairs. Both teams average under 3 goals per game early in 2026.
MATCH ODDS
Los Angeles Galaxy + 335
Columbus Crew SC – 128
Draw + 285
Over 3 – 106 Under 3 – 114
Odds Courtesy of Sports Odds Direct as of Tuesday, April 21, 2026
Faceoff is scheduled for 10:00 PM ET (7:00 PM PT) Venue: Pacific Coliseum, Vancouver, British Columbia Broadcast: Prime Video (U.S./international); Scripps Sports (select markets); TSN (Canada)
Context: Montréal has already clinched the top seed and home-ice advantage throughout the PWHL playoffs (60 points, 1st in the standings). Vancouver has been eliminated from postseason contention (32 points, 7th place) but remains dangerous at home after a recent offensive breakout. The teams last met on April 1 in Laval, where Montréal blanked Vancouver 3-0 behind Ann-Renée Desbiens’ shutout and two goals from Hayley Scamurra. Montréal enters riding a seven-game winning streak (including overtime wins), while Vancouver has shown life with back-to-back victories over Seattle.
Team Records (2025-26 Regular Season, through April 20 – 28 GP each)
Montréal Victoire: 16-5-2-5 (60 points; .714 win %). League-best 73 GF, 36 GA. Dominant defensively and on special teams; have secured the Presidents’ Trophy equivalent with two games left.
Vancouver Goldeneyes: 8-2-4-14 (32 points; .381 win %). 60 GF, 75 GA. Struggled with consistency and scoring depth but capable of high-event games at Pacific Coliseum.
Recent Team Forms (last 5 relevant games)
Victoire:
W vs. BOS (Apr 17: 3-2 OT) – Seventh straight win; Nicole Gosling OT winner.
W vs. BOS (Apr 11: 1-0) – Shutout road victory.
Strong form overall (7-0-0-0 in last 7); rolling with elite goaltending and depth scoring even without captain Marie-Philip Poulin.
Goldeneyes:
W vs. SEA (Apr 18: 6-5 OT) – High-scoring home shootout; offensive breakout.
W vs. SEA (Apr 14: 4-1) – Dominant regulation win.
Mixed results prior (including blowout losses); playing spoiler hockey with nothing to lose and fresh momentum at home.
Montréal is locked in and playing for rhythm, while Vancouver is riding a mini hot streak and will be motivated to end the season on a high note in front of the home crowd.
Injury Report
Montréal Victoire:
Marie-Philip Poulin (C, captain) – OUT (lower body; on LTIR since mid-March; eligible to return but has not been activated).
Core roster otherwise healthy; Erin Ambrose fully back after her own lower-body LTIR stint (returned April 1). Goaltenders Ann-Renée Desbiens and Sandra Abstreiter available.
Vancouver Goldeneyes:
Gabby Rosenthal (F) – OUT (upper body; placed on LTIR April 17).
Depth signings/activations (Darcie Lappan, Sini Karjalainen, Malia Schneider on 10-day contracts) provide roster flexibility. Emerance Maschmeyer expected in net; no other major absences reported.
Key Player Matchups
Hayley Scamurra / Laura Stacey (MTL) vs. Vancouver’s defensive corps: Scamurra has been a goal-scoring machine (multiple tallies vs. VAN this season); Stacey’s playmaking sets up the top line. Vancouver must contain Montréal’s speed and transition game.
Nicole Gosling / Montréal blue line vs. Vancouver top forwards (e.g., Jenn Gardiner, Tereza Vanišová): Gosling’s OT heroics show depth; Montréal’s structure has shut down VAN repeatedly.
Goaltending: Ann-Renée Desbiens / Sandra Abstreiter (MTL) vs. Emerance Maschmeyer (VAN): Desbiens owns multiple shutouts vs. Vancouver; Maschmeyer faces heavy pressure but has been solid in recent wins. Expect Montréal’s netminders to control the crease.
Special teams and physicality: Montréal’s league-leading PK and power play vs. Vancouver’s desperate home aggression; low-event hockey favored unless VAN forces odd-man rushes.
Head-to-Head History (2025-26 Season)
Montréal has dominated the season series (multiple wins including 3-0 and 4-2 results). Vancouver has struggled to score consistently against Montréal’s elite defense and goaltending. Games have been decided by special teams, shutouts, and third-period execution, with the Victoire winning the vast majority of matchups.
Betting Trends
Montréal has covered as road favorites and excels in low-scoring games against bottom-tier teams.
Vancouver has covered +1.5 in recent home wins but struggles vs. top teams (multiple shutouts suffered).
Totals trend Under in Montréal games (elite goaltending) and in head-to-heads; high-event VAN home games are the exception.
GAME ODDS
Montreal Victoire – 195
Vancouver Goldeneyes 4.5
Odds Courtesy of Sports Odds Direct as of Monday, April 20, 2026
Faceoff is scheduled for 7:00 PM ET Venue: Coca-Cola Coliseum, Toronto, Ontario Broadcast: MSG (New York market); PWHL YouTube Channel / thepwhl.com (national/international); TSN (Canada)
Context: Both teams remain in the thick of the PWHL playoff race, with Toronto sitting in 5th place (37 points) and New York in 6th (34 points) after 28 games each. Ottawa Charge holds the final playoff spot with a slight edge. A regulation win here is massive for either side as they chase the postseason with just a handful of games left. The teams met just six days ago on April 15 in Newark, where New York erased a 2-0 deficit with three third-period goals for a 3-2 victory.
Team Records (2025-26 Regular Season, through April 20)
Toronto Sceptres: 10-1-5-12 (37 points; .440 win percentage). 51 GF, 68 GA. Strong defensively at times but league-low scoring output (fewest goals in the PWHL). Solid home record contributes to their positioning.
New York Sirens: 9-2-3-14 (34 points; .405 win percentage). 62 GF, 79 GA. More offense than Toronto but leaky defense; they’ve shown resilience in comeback scenarios late in the season.
Recent Team Forms (last 5 relevant games)
Sceptres:
W vs. MIN (April 19: 2-0) – Shutout win with strong goaltending and timely scoring.
L vs. NY (April 15: 2-3) – Blew a two-goal lead in the third period.
Mixed results recently with inconsistency; only two instances of back-to-back wins all season. They’ve struggled to generate offense consistently but have tightened up defensively at home.
Sirens:
W vs. TOR (April 15: 3-2) – Dramatic third-period rally (three unanswered goals) to stay alive in the playoff hunt.
Recent road form has been challenging, but they’ve shown fight in high-stakes games. Momentum from the comeback win over Toronto carries into this rematch.
Toronto enters with home-ice advantage and fresh off a shutout, while New York rides the emotional high of their recent comeback but faces a tough road test.
Injury Report
Toronto Sceptres: No major new injuries reported entering this matchup. The blue line has dealt with inconsistency and minor issues earlier in the season, but the core group (including captain Renata Fast and key contributors like Daryl Watts and Ella Shelton) is expected to be available. Goaltender Raygan Kirk has been a bright spot and is anticipated to start.
New York Sirens: No significant injuries flagged in recent reports. The team has managed depth challenges throughout the year, but forwards like Sarah Fillier, Casey O’Brien, and Denisa Křížová remain active and productive. Full roster expected barring last-minute updates.
Key Player Matchups
Daryl Watts / Ella Shelton / Claire Dalton (TOR) vs. New York’s defensive structure: Watts scored a shorthanded goal in the April 15 meeting; Shelton added another. Toronto’s top line must generate more than their season-long low output against a Sirens group that has been vulnerable defensively.
Casey O’Brien / Denisa Křížová / Maja Nylén Persson (NY) vs. Toronto’s defense and Raygan Kirk: O’Brien scored the game-winner in the comeback; Křížová and Nylén Persson fueled the rally. New York’s secondary scoring and power-play execution (1-for-5 in last meeting) will be pivotal.
Goaltending: Raygan Kirk (TOR) vs. Kaylee Osborne / Sirens netminders: Kirk has been stellar (top-tier save percentage in recent stretches); Osborne has shown flashes but faces pressure on the road. Expect a low-scoring, grind-it-out affair.
Special teams: Toronto’s penalty kill has been reliable; New York’s power play could be the difference in a tight game.
Series History (Head-to-Head 2025-26)
The teams have met multiple times this season with Toronto holding a slight historical edge earlier, but New York has flipped the script recently. The April 15 contest was a microcosm: Toronto led 2-0 but couldn’t close, allowing New York to climb back into the playoff picture. Overall, games between these clubs have been competitive and often decided by special teams or third-period execution. No formal “series” (regular season), but this rematch carries playoff-like intensity for both.
Betting Trends
Toronto is competitive at home but has shown vulnerability in closing out leads (as seen April 15).
New York has covered as road underdogs in recent high-stakes games and excels in comebacks.
Totals have stayed low in recent head-to-heads; Toronto games frequently trend under due to their league-low offense. Both teams are playoff-desperate, which often leads to tighter, lower-event hockey.
GAME ODDS
New York Sirens 4.5
Toronto Sceptres – 140
Odds Courtesy of Sports Odds Direct as of Monday, April 20, 2026
LOS ANGELES – Los Angeles Dodgers right-handed pitcher Edwin Díaz will have surgery at Kerlan-Jobe Orthopedic Clinic on Wednesday to remove loose bodies from his elbow. He is expected to return during the second half of the season.
Díaz, is 1-0 with a 10.50 ERA in seven games this season. The 10-year veteran is 29-36 in his career with a 2.91 ERA in 527 games. The three-time All-Star has 257 saves in 300 opportunities with 849 strikeouts. He was drafted in the third round of the 2012 First Year Player Draft by the Seattle Mariners out of Caguas Military Academy (PR).
NEW YORK – Utah Mammoth defenseman Sean Durzi has been fined $5,000, the maximum allowable under the Collective Bargaining Agreement, for head-butting Vegas Golden Knights defenseman Rasmus Andersson during Game 1 of the teams’ First Round series in Las Vegas on Sunday, April 19, the National Hockey League’s Department of Player Safety announced today.
The incident occurred at 16:32 of the first period. Durzi was assessed a minor penalty for roughing.
The money goes to the Players’ Emergency Assistance Fund.
Fans Can Register for Free Entry to NFL Draft Via NFL OnePass or NFL.com/DraftAccess
Pittsburgh Takes Center Stage on Day 3 with Makers Market, Topps Takeover in Acrisure Stadium and Steelers Country Activation in Point State Park
NEW YORK – The NFL will host an expansive lineup of activities for the 2026 NFL Draft presented by Bud Light, taking place April 23–25 in Pittsburgh. The Draft will transform the city’s North Shore and Point State Park into a free, three-day celebration of football, community and culture, bringing the next generation of NFL stars to one of the country’s most iconic football cities while celebrating Pittsburgh and the surrounding area.
“As we kick off an unforgettable week in Pittsburgh for the 2026 NFL Draft, we’re proud to be working alongside VisitPITTSBURGH, the Pittsburgh Steelers and all of our partners on the ground to create a truly memorable experience for both local and visiting fans,” said Peter O’Reilly, NFL EVP of club business, international, and league events. “The Draft is a three-day global festival of football and community, and we’re so excited to deliver a free, accessible experience that invites fans everywhere to be part of welcoming the next generation of stars into the NFL.”
Draft Theater and Main Stage
Located just outside Acrisure Stadium on Pittsburgh’s North Shore, the Draft Theater and Main Stage will be where all 32 club selections will come to life across three days. Fans will be steps away from the action, as prospects are drafted and welcomed to their new teams on the Draft Stage.
Two iconic Pittsburgh landmarks will connect the expansive Draft campus. The Roberto Clemente Bridge will close to vehicle traffic and serve as a pedestrian-only fan corridor linking the North Shore and Downtown, while the Gateway Clipper riverboats will provide transportation between Draft locations on Friday & Saturday, offering fans a uniquely Pittsburgh way to experience the event.
Draft Day 1 – Thursday, April 23
To kick off the celebrations, 17 Draft prospects will walk the NFL Draft Red Carpet presented by Toyota. The Red Carpet begins at 5 p.m. ET, with portions televised as part of ESPN’s NFL Draft coverage.
Pittsburgh-raised and jazz-trained artist KELS will perform the National Anthem. Preceding the anthem, the James Weldon Johnson Foundation’s National Hymn Choir, featuring The Heritage Gospel Chorale of Pittsburgh, will perform the hymn “Lift Every Voice and Sing,” conducted by Grammy Award-winning Dr. Jeffery Redding.
Steelers Legends and current players will join Commissioner Roger Goodell on stage to help kick off the night’s festivities and welcome fans to Pittsburgh.
On Thursday, as each prospect walks to the stage after hearing his name called on stage, a special art installation created by Pittsburgh-based mixed-metal artist Kim Fox will line the Player Walkway. Fox spent months handcrafting mixed-metal interpretations of all 32 NFL team marks, layering reclaimed wood, vintage maps, collected tins and found materials into a quiltlike pattern unique to each club with Easter eggs hidden in the pieces tied to the city.
Additionally, Pittsburgh native and pop artist Burton Morris is building a 32-piece installation for the Prospect Green Room built by Lowe’s, with each 20-by-20-inch panel mounted on a steel frame nodding to the city’s roots and finished with his signature energy lines in team colors and an authentic helmet fixed to the front.
Draft Day 2 – Friday, April 24
On the second night of the NFL Draft, the celebration continues with even more fan-centric experiences and the same high energy from the night before.
Across all three days of the NFL Draft, fans will experience a lineup of in-venue moments built to keep the energy electric. These interactive activations will feature team roll calls, t-shirt tosses, live fan cams and trivia. Fans will also have opportunities to win autographed footballs and helmets, take part in on-stage contests and enter for a chance at Super Bowl LXI tickets. Surprise guest appearances and player interviews will electrify the atmosphere, ensuring there’s never a dull moment.
As part of the Day 2 festivities, Pittsburgh natives Wiz Khalifa and Bret Michaels will perform at 5:15 p.m. ET ahead of Rounds 2 and 3 as part of the NFL Draft Entertainment Concert Series presented by Bud Light. Multi-platinum, Grammy- and Golden Globe-nominated artist Wiz Khalifa broke through with his major-label debut “Rolling Papers”, while Bret Michaels, iconic frontman of Poison, brings a multi-platinum-selling career in music spanning decades.
Draft Day 3 – Saturday, April 25
Day 3 of the Draft will put a special spotlight on Pittsburgh’s culture and community, offering a fun-filled day for families and fans. With an action-packed lineup of entertainment and local flair, this day will highlight the best the city and region have to offer.
Highlights Include:
Makers Market (9 a.m. – 12 p.m.): The NFL Draft Makers Market will spotlight over 14 local Pittsburgh businesses at North Shore, open from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Fans can shop a curated mix of homegrown brands, artisans and makers, turning Draft weekend into a celebration of the city’s local community. Businesses include Brother Andre’s Cafe, Fancy Pants Popcorn, Good L’oven Cookie Shop, Kim Fox / Worker Bird, Love Pittsburgh Shop, Mi Empanada, Michael’s Table, Pittsburgh Pottery, Pittsburgh Worsh Company, Sandy Boo Delights, Sarris Candies, Slipfast Adornments, The Picked Chef and Uncle Jammys.
Topps Collector Celebration Day (10 a.m. – 1 p.m.): Topps is marking their return to the NFL in a big way at the NFL Draft Experience presented by American Express by taking over Acrisure Stadium with an immersive, interactive celebration of football card collecting. The event, taking place Saturday, April 25 will feature hands-on activations, live programming with athletes and NFL personalities, and plenty of opportunities to shop for cards of your favorite players and teams. Just like the NFL Draft Experience, the Topps Collector Celebration Day is a free, family-friendly event. An exclusive value box of the newly released 2025 Topps Chrome Football will be available for the first 1,000 fans through the gates.
After the Draft selections conclude on Saturday, global superstar Kane Brown will take the stage for a high-energy finale concert as part of the NFL Draft Entertainment Series presented by Bud Light. Following the success of his widely acclaimed 2025 record, “The High Road,” Kane Brown continues to build on his multi-platinum, award-winning career.
All performances will take place at the Draft Theater adjacent to Acrisure Stadium. General fan viewing is free, and fans are encouraged to arrive early, as standing room will be on a first-come, first-served basis.
NFL Draft Experience Presented by American Express
Taking place all three days of the NFL Draft from April 23–25, the NFL Draft Experience presented by American Express will be located at both the North Shore Draft campus, including on the field at Acrisure Stadium, and Point State Park, transforming one of Pittsburgh’s most historic and scenic public spaces into a vibrant hub of football, community and culture.
The NFL Draft Experience offers an exciting, immersive festival featuring interactive activations, such as the 40-yard dash, field goal kicks, catching skills challenges and more, alongside NFL Hall of Fame exhibits. Fans can meet NFL stars and Legends, including Steelers players, and capture unforgettable moments with the Vince Lombardi Trophy and all 59 Super Bowl rings. The Play 60 Zone will host NFL FLAG drills, skills challenges and football clinics for younger fans. With activities for all ages, the NFL Draft Experience is the ultimate celebration of football, culture and community.
In addition to watching from the Draft Theater footprint, Acrisure Stadium will be open to fans looking to watch the NFL Draft onscreen and experience exclusive activations inside the stadium and on the field itself.
Steelers Country: Steelers Country at the NFL Draft Experience presented by American Express will be a 12,000-square-foot interactive space located in the heart of Pittsburgh’s Point State Park. The destination will celebrate the traditions of Steelers Nation while creating a centralized gathering place for fans to connect, engage and experience Draft weekend together.
American Express Fan Experience: At the NFL Draft in Pittsburgh, American Express will pop up with an open-to-all fan experience (capacity limitations apply). Platinum® Card Members can also make a reservation daily for a wristband to access select NFL-operated experiences and an on-site reservation to enjoy a session in the Card Member Lounge (reservations are limited). Eligible Card Members can enroll their Card in an offer valid for qualifying purchases at NFL Shop locations on-site at the NFL Draft. Terms apply.
NFL Shop presented by American Express: As the official special event retail partner of the NFL, Fanatics is curating a robust merchandise assortment available at more than 10 locations throughout Pittsburgh’s North Shore and Point State Park. The flagship 13,000-square-foot NFL Shop tent will offer 250+ products featuring exclusive Pittsburgh-inspired collections and collabs, and Draft specific products from top brands including Nike, New Era, Mitchell & Ness and more. Fanatics is also tapping into Pittsburgh’s creative community at the 2026 NFL Draft, hosting a live art activation with local artist Jeremy Raymer, who will create one-of-one pieces from the brand’s Bridge to Greatness collection on-site for fans while supplies last. The NFL Shop is open all three days of NFL Draft Experience.
Fans can enjoy a variety of food options throughout the NFL Draft Experience, including local vendors in the Taste of Pittsburgh Presented by Heinz on the North Shore, with food vendors onsite to provide guests with a taste of Pittsburgh’s vibrant culinary scene and iconic local fare. A full list of vendors will be available in the NFL OnePass App.\
Throughout the weekend, from April 23–25, a large-scale light projection on the Wyndham Grand Pittsburgh will celebrate Pittsburgh’s football legacy and spotlight real-time draft picks nightly from 8:00 p.m. to 11:00 p.m., viewable from the public viewing area at Point State Park.
Fans are encouraged to register for free entry to the NFL Draft through the NFL OnePass app or at NFL.com/DraftAccess. NFL OnePass provides up-to-date information, exclusive content and access to giveaways, including a grand prize trip for two to Super Bowl LXI in Los Angeles. Admission is on a first-come, first-served basis, and all adults must register, with the option to include up to five children.
The NFL Draft will be fully accessible to all fans. Details on mobility assistance, parking, transportation and road closures are available via the Know Before You Go information on NFL OnePass.
NFL DRAFT EXPERIENCE – HOURS OF OPERATION
DATE
HOURS OF OPERATION
Thursday, April 23
12:00 p.m. – 10:00 p.m.
Friday, April 24
12:00 p.m. – 10:00 p.m.
Saturday, April 25
9:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m.
All times are local and may be subject to change.
Located in the heart of downtown Pittsburgh, right next to Acrisure Stadium, the NFL Draft Theater will serve as the central hub where all 32 teams make their selections live over the three days of the Draft. The free, general admission theater viewing area spans over 250,000 square feet on the stadium’s east and northeast sides, and during the television broadcast on ABC, ESPN, ESPN Deportes, and NFL Network, crowd shots from the stage will feature the renowned Pittsburgh bridges and waterways. Attending fans can enjoy the action live, in person, on multiple screens displayed throughout general admission, or within Acrisure Stadium for a Draft watch party.
NFL DRAFT SCHEDULE
DATE
TIMING
Thursday, April 23
8:00 p.m. – 12:00 a.m.
Friday, April 24
7:00 p.m. – 12:00 a.m.
Saturday, April 25
12:00 p.m. – 7:00 p.m.
All times are local and may be subject to change.
The NFL Draft presented by Bud Light will be broadcast live on NFL Network, ABC, ESPN, ESPN Deportes and streamed on NFL+.
Limited VIP Ticket Packages for the NFL Draft are available through On Location, the Official Hospitality Provider of the NFL. Fans looking to further immerse themselves in the Draft can secure packages that combine seating in the Draft Theater with world-class service, official gifting and one-of-a-kind experiences. Visit www.OnLocationExp.com/NFLDraft to explore remaining packages.
For more information on the 2026 NFL Draft, including programming, special events and registration, fans should visit NFL.com/DraftAccess.
WAIVER SYSTEM TRANSACTIONS TERMINATIONS VIA WAIVER SYSTEM GREEN BAY Castles, McCallan TE Tennessee (0)* Herring, Tyron DB Delaware (0)* Johnson, Jamon LB Kentucky (0)* JACKSONVILLE Hodges, Cooper G Appalachian State (3)* *Indicates player’s accrued seasons at end of 2025 season.
TRADE No. 23 NEW YORK GIANTS TRADE: Lawrence, Dexter NT Clemson CINCINATTI TRADES: Selection Choice–Round 1, 2026; Overall #10
ACTIVE LIST ADDITION FREE AGENT SIGNING BALTIMORE Guillory, Xavier WR Arizona State
FREE AGENCY SYSTEM TRANSACTIONS SIGNINGS: PLAYERS WHOSE CLUBS RETAINED EXCLUSIVE RIGHTS CAROLINA Coker, Jalen WR Holy Cross Tremayne, Brycen WR Stanford DENVER Tillman, Dondrea LB Indiana, Pa. GREEN BAY Jennings, Donovan G South Florida Melton, Bo DB Rutgers KANSAS CITY Araiza, Matt P San Diego State Remigio, Nikko WR Fresno State LOS ANGELES RAMS Dedich, Justin G Southern California Smith, Xavier WR Florida A&M SAN FRANCISCO Pleasants, Austen T Ohio SEATTLE Okada, Ty DB Montana State
SIGNINGS: RESTRICTED FREE AGENTS DALLAS Aubrey, Brandon K Notre Dame – Asked to Re-Sign MINNESOTA Pace, Ivan LB Cincinnati – Asked to Re-Sign TAMPA BAY Tucker, Sean RB Syracuse – Asked to Re-Sign
OTHER TRANSACTIONS/COMMENTS ROSTER EXEMPTIONS GREEN BAY Barnett, Dante DT Dickinson, Pa. – Exempt/International Player INDIANAPOLIS Matos, Bayron T South Florida – Exempt/International Player WASHINGTON Maguranyanga, T.J. DE No College – Exempt/International Player
Faceoff is scheduled for 10:00 PM ET Venue: Ball Arena, Denver, Colorado Broadcast: ESPN / SN360 / TVAS / FDSNSC / ALT (national/regional)
Series Context: Colorado leads the best-of-seven series 1-0 after a tightly contested 2-1 victory in Game 1 on April 19 at Ball Arena. Artturi Lehkonen opened the scoring on a rebound off a Nathan MacKinnon shot in the first period, and Logan O’Connor (playing in his first game since hip surgery last year) added a breakaway goal early in the third to make it 2-0. Scott Wedgewood was stellar in his first Stanley Cup Playoffs start, stopping 24 of 25 shots. Artemi Panarin scored the Kings’ lone goal late in the third with assists from Alex Laferriere and Brandt Clarke, but Los Angeles couldn’t mount a full comeback.
Team Records (2025-26 Regular Season)
Colorado Avalanche: 55-16-11 (121 points; Presidents’ Trophy winners, 1st in Central Division). Elite offense and depth carried them to the top seed in the Western Conference with home-ice advantage.
Los Angeles Kings: 35-27-20 (90 points; 2nd wild card). Gritty late-season push secured their fifth straight playoff appearance despite an underachieving regular season.
Recent Team Forms
Avalanche (last 5 relevant games, including playoffs):
W vs. LAK (Game 1: 2-1) – Defensive masterclass and timely scoring at home.
Closed the regular season as the league’s top team; Presidents’ Trophy winners with strong momentum and health entering the postseason.
Kings (last 5 relevant games, including playoffs):
L vs. COL (Game 1: 1-2) – Competitive road effort but couldn’t solve Wedgewood.
Earned the wild-card spot with resilience; road playoff experience will be tested again in Denver.
Colorado enters Game 2 with home dominance and playoff momentum after a low-event Game 1 win. Los Angeles is in must-adjust mode on the road.
Injury Report
Colorado Avalanche:
Josh Manson (D) – Day-to-Day (upper body).
Core roster otherwise fully healthy, including Nazem Kadri (returned from finger injury prior to Game 1) and Nathan MacKinnon. Goaltender Scott Wedgewood expected to start again after his strong Game 1.
Los Angeles Kings:
Kevin Fiala (LW) – OUT (leg; season-ending).
Other depth pieces (e.g., earlier DTD notes on Turcotte or Kuzmenko) appear resolved or not impacting the active roster for Game 2. Core group including Panarin, Laferriere, and goaltending available.
Key Player Matchups
Nathan MacKinnon / Artturi Lehkonen (COL) vs. Los Angeles defense (Doughty, Clarke, etc.): MacKinnon created the Game 1 opener; Colorado’s speed and skill will test the Kings’ structure again.
Logan O’Connor / Avalanche depth vs. Kings goaltending: O’Connor’s breakaway goal was a momentum shifter; wedgewood’s netminding gives Colorado an edge in low-scoring games.
Artemi Panarin / Alex Laferriere (LAK) vs. Colorado’s defensive corps (Makar, Toews, etc.): Panarin’s late goal showed life; Kings need secondary scoring and physical play to disrupt the Avs’ transition game.
Special teams and physicality: Avalanche power play vs. Kings penalty kill; expect heightened intensity after Game 1’s rebound battles.
Series History
The Avalanche and Kings have met multiple times in the playoffs in recent decades, with Colorado holding a strong historical edge in most series (including deep runs). Regular-season 2025-26 meetings favored the Avalanche 3-0-0. Playoff experience and home dominance at Ball Arena tilt heavily toward Colorado in this first-round matchup.
Betting Trends (2025-26 Season + Early Playoffs)
Avalanche excel as home favorites in low-scoring playoff games and after Game 1 wins; Kings are competitive as road underdogs but have struggled to score against elite goaltending. Totals have leaned under in recent Avs home playoff openers.
Game Odds
Los Angeles Kings 5.5
Colorado Avalanche – 278
Odds Courtesy of Sports Odds Direct as of Monday, April 20, 2026
Faceoff is scheduled for 9:30 PM ET (6:30 PM PT) Venue: T-Mobile Arena, Las Vegas, Nevada Broadcast: ESPN2 (national)
Series Context: Vegas leads the best-of-seven series 1-0 after a comeback 4-2 victory in Game 1 on April 19 at T-Mobile Arena. Logan Cooley scored the first playoff goal in Utah franchise history (and the series opener), while Kevin Stenlund added another for the Mammoth. Vegas rallied in the third with goals from Mark Stone and Nic Dowd (1:47 apart) before Ivan Barbashev’s empty-netter sealed it. Both teams combined for a playoff-high 64-65 shots in a physical, high-event opener.
Team Records (2025-26 Regular Season)
Vegas Golden Knights: 39-26-17 (95 points; y – 1st in Pacific Division), 20-12-9 at home. Surged late under interim coach John Tortorella (7-0-1 finish after replacing Bruce Cassidy on March 29) to lock in the division title and home advantage.
Utah Mammoth: 43-33-6 (92 points; 4th in Central Division / Western Conference wild card), 21-17-3 on the road. Earned their first playoff berth in franchise history (as the relocated Utah Hockey Club) with a solid campaign and strong special teams.
Recent Team Forms
Golden Knights (last 5 relevant games, including playoffs):
W vs. UTA (Game 1: 4-2) – Third-period rally at home showcased resilience and depth.
Closed regular season on a heater (7-0-1 under Tortorella); strong home playoff history and momentum from the Game 1 comeback.
Mammoth (last 5 relevant games, including playoffs):
L vs. VGK (Game 1: 2-4) – Competitive franchise playoff debut but couldn’t hold the early lead.
Solid late-season push to clinch the wild card; first postseason experience for most of the young core.
Vegas enters Game 2 with home-ice energy and playoff momentum after the Game 1 statement. Utah faces a must-even scenario on the road in just their second-ever playoff game.
Injury Report
Vegas Golden Knights:
William Karlsson (C) – OUT (lower body; not expected to return for the series unless it extends deep).
No other major injuries reported; core group (Stone, Dowd, Hanifin, etc.) and goaltender Carter Hart fully available after strong Game 1.
Utah Mammoth:
Barrett Hayton (C) – OUT (upper body).
Jack McBain (C) – OUT (lower body).
Sean Durzi (D) – Day-to-Day (upper body; missed final regular-season game). Utah is shorthanded up the middle and on the blue line but had Cooley, Keller, and Guenther available and productive in Game 1.
Key Player Matchups
Logan Cooley / Clayton Keller (UTA) vs. Vegas defensive corps (Hanifin, Theodore, etc.): Cooley’s Game 1 goal and speed will test Vegas’ structure; Utah needs Keller’s playmaking to create chances against a veteran D-group.
Mark Stone / Nic Dowd (VGK) vs. Utah’s top line and penalty kill: Stone and Dowd’s third-period heroics set the tone; they’ll look to exploit any gaps created by Utah’s injury absences.
Goaltending: Carter Hart (VGK) vs. Karel Vejmelka (UTA): Hart was sharp in Game 1; Vejmelka faced heavy volume (playoff-high shots) and will need to steal time on the road.
Physicality and special teams: Vegas’ home power play vs. Utah’s road penalty kill; expect continued physical battles after Game 1’s intensity.
Series History
This is the first-ever playoff series between the Vegas Golden Knights and Utah Mammoth (0-0 all-time in postseason). In the regular season, the teams split their six meetings 3-3, with Vegas holding a slight edge in recent head-to-heads. Playoff inexperience gives Vegas the historical nod in a first-round matchup, especially at T-Mobile Arena.
Betting Trends (2025-26 Season + Early Playoffs)
Vegas excels as home favorites after third-period comebacks and has strong playoff home records. Utah is competitive as road underdogs but 0-1 SU/ATS in their lone playoff game. Totals lean over in high-event series openers involving these clubs.
Game Odds
Utah Mammoth 6.5
Vegas Golden Knights – 155
Odds Courtesy of Sports Odds Direct as of Monday, April 20, 2026
