Northeast Wisconsin lawmakers ask for state money to help host NFL Draft

(WLUK) -- Two lawmakers from the Green Bay area want state money to help pay for the costs of hosting the 2025 NFL Draft.

Sen. Robert Cowles, R-Allouez, and Rep. David Steffen, R-Green Bay, have submitted a formal motion asking that the 2023-25 budget allocate $2 million to cover expenses.

The lawmakers say hosting the draft will cost the Packers organization $7.5 million. The organization has pledged $1 million and has committed to raising $5.5 million.

Cowles and Steffen say the draft's economic impact is projected at $94 million, with about 240,000 people coming to town.

"A $2 million investment for a $94 million return is phenomenal. I am proud to have advocated for state support of this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity, given the significant positive financial impact this event will have on our state," Steffen said in a news release. "I'm excited for Green Bay to show off all it has to offer and give attendees and viewers a top-notch, Wisconsin-style experience."

"The history of the Packers and the history of Wisconsin go hand in hand. With the announcement of the 2025 draft taking place in Titletown, we're continuing to build on that history while producing new opportunities for people throughout the country to understand and appreciate all that Northeast Wisconsin has to offer," Cowles said in a news release. "With a reasonable request to ensure the event goes off without a hitch and that we put our best foot forward, Northeast Wisconsin and the entire state would be able to see a great return on our investment."

The Legislature's Joint Finance Committee has taken up discussions of the budget. It will need to be passed by both the Senate and the Assembly and signed into law by Gov. Tony Evers.