The news: American Express will launch its first major fan experience at the NFL Draft as the league’s official payment partner, per a press release.

Inside the experience:

Amex Access. Cardholders can get exclusive statement credits for qualifying purchases at NFLShop.com. Platinum cardholders can enter the event through priority lanes, and all members can access the Draft theater on Days 2 & 3, Amex Travels deals and exclusive Resy tables in Pittsburgh, and convenient charging tables dotted around the Draft campus.

Lounge benefits. Members can customize their own Draft Day hats with limited edition draft patches and dine on cuisine prepared by Chef Dave Anoia of Pittsburgh.

NFL Draft Experience. Amex will have its own designated spot outside Acrisure Stadium. Members can design their own “Draft Fan Profiles” and get binoculars to get a better view of the arena’s stage.

Why this matters: Payment providers that position themselves close to popular sports franchises benefit from a halo effect as consumers transfer strong positive feelings about their favorite teams and sport stars into positive brand association. 

The Draft is a high-visibility event: In 2025, the NFL Draft in Green Bay drew 13.6 million viewers across television and digital platforms, an 11% increase YoY in captive eyeballs, per the league and Nielsen. 

Implications for payment providers: Increased viewership of league events guarantees exposure for financial services brands, and the NFL’s brand health, per YouGov’s Index, is also on the rise—the NFL’s Index score, which is measured across impression, quality, value, reputation, satisfaction, and recommendation, has more than quadrupled since the 2020 season.