2020 NFL Draft sets all-time mark with 55M viewers

The 2020 NFL Draft was the most-watched edition of the event in league history.

The draft, which was held in a virtual format and took place during a global pandemic, drew more than 55 million viewers across three days, the NFL announced. Viewership was up 16% from the 2019 event.

An average of 8.4 million viewers watched all three days of the broadcast.

"I couldn't be more proud of the efforts and collaboration of our clubs, league personnel, and our partners to conduct an efficient draft and share an unforgettable experience with millions of fans during these uncertain times," NFL commissioner Roger Goodell said in a statement.

The unique format featured Goodell announcing picks in the first, second, and third rounds from the basement of his home. It also included live look-ins at draft prospects celebrating with their families, and at general managers and coaches making picks from rooms in their homes.

Additionally, the league's Draft-A-Thon livestream raised $6.6 million for COVID-19 relief efforts.

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