The Denver Gazette Sports Business Insider is a readers’ guide to understanding the influence of money, politics and power behind their favorite leagues, teams and players.

Sports Business Insider: The city of Denver is likely a contender to host a future NFL draft.

Short version: The NFL draft hit the road in 2015 and toured the country after previously being held annually in New York City. Denver has not been selected as a host city — yet.

The Broncos have identified Burnham Yard as their “preferred site” for a new stadium and mixed-use entertainment district. The proposed 150-acre space could accommodate large-scale events like an NFL draft. The city has already expressed interest in hosting a future Super Bowl and IndyCar Series race.

The Broncos have a self-described “ambitious timeline” to open the stadium in 2031.

Long version: Here is the list of NFL cities to host the NFL draft from 2015 to 2026: Chicago (twice), Philadelphia, Arlington, Nashville, Cleveland, Las Vegas, Kansas City, Detroit, Green Bay and Pittsburgh. It was held remotely in 2020 due to the pandemic.

The NFL requires teams to submit bids for hosting the draft years in advance. The league awarded Pittsburgh the upcoming NFL draft in May 2024. The Commanders are scheduled to host the 2027 draft in D.C. A host city for 2028 has not been determined yet.

Denver won’t be considered until at least 2031 when the new stadium is expected to open. But expect a strong push from the Penner Sports Group to eventually make it happen. Controlling owner Greg Penner and Carrie Walton Penner have a growing influence in league circles. They combine to serve on eight different NFL committees — including labor, finance, and health and safety.

Preliminary designs for Burnham Yard include public transportation upgrades and dedicated open spaces surrounding the stadium. It could provide the perfect backdrop for a future NFL draft.

The Denver Sports Commission, an affiliate of Visit Denver to attract high-profile sporting events, told The Denver Gazette recently: “Alongside the city and our venues, we regularly review opportunities to host large events and sporting competitions in Denver that boost the local economy and strengthen the city’s reputation.”

Key context: The NFL draft is the league’s second-most lucrative event behind only the Super Bowl.

The estimated three-day attendance in Detroit for the 2024 NFL draft set a record of 775,000. The 2025 NFL draft in Green Bay brought 600,000 fans from across the league. Now, imagine the potential economic impact if Denver is a future host city.

What’s ahead: The NFL draft is April 23-25 outside Acrisure Stadium (Steelers) in Pittsburgh. It will be carried on TV/streaming by NFL Network, NFL+, ESPN, ESPN2 and ESPN Deportes.

Round 1 — 6 p.m. Thursday

Rounds 2-3 — 5 p.m. Friday

Rounds 4-7 — 10 a.m. Saturday

The Broncos traded their first-round pick to acquire wide receiver Jaylen Waddle. Denver currently has seven picks in the draft: second round (62nd overall), fourth (108th), fourth (111th), fifth (170th), seventh (246th), seventh (256th) and seventh (257th).