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By Mallory Mattingly
Mickey Mouse and his friends are making their way to the NFL.
On Monday, NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell called Mickey Mouse and asked him for advice on how to win people over.
Mickey told Goodell to “smile more,” to which Goodell replied, “OK, I’ll try it your way, thanks, Mickey.”
The pair also announced the 2026 Disney Fan Draft, which will be held on July 16 during the four-day Fanatics Fest sports fan festival at the Javits Center in New York City, according to Walt Disney News. The whole festival runs from July 16-19.
Goodell and sports journalist Taylor Rooks will host the event which reimagines “a beloved sports tradition through an unmistakably Disney lens,” reported GOOD MORNING AMERICA.
Related: 5 Powerful Moments of Faith at the 2026 NFL Draft
Tickets are on sale at Fanaticsfest.com and are currently over 50% sold for each day.
In addition to the fan draft, the “Disney Fan Zone will also be open throughout Fanatics Fest, offering exclusive merchandise, immersive experiences and ‘surprise-and-delight Disney moments,'” per Walt Disney News.
This year’s actual NFL Draft, which ran April 23-25, was held in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, where nearly 320,000 fans attended just on opening night.
According to VISITPittsburgh, there were a total of 805,000 fans in attendance over the three-day event.
“This is a monumental step forward in bringing the 2026 NFL Draft to life right here in the City of Champions,” said Jerad Bachar, President & CEO of VisitPITTSBURGH, when Pittsburgh was announced the 2026 Draft host. “With just 15 months to go, we look forward to continuing our strong partnership with the NFL and officials at the state, county, city and Pittsburgh Steelers to work collaboratively across the community to produce one of the best events Pittsburgh has ever hosted and one of the most memorable NFL Drafts the world has ever watched. Mark your calendars, because all eyes will be on Pittsburgh soon.”
Peter O’Reilly, NFL executive vice president of club business, league events and international, added, “As we move closer to the 2026 NFL Draft, we’re working closely with VisitPITTSBURGH, the Pittsburgh Steelers and all our partners on the ground to ensure local and visiting fans will enjoy an unforgettable event. We’re excited to spotlight the city throughout our Draft festivities and show the world the passion and vibrancy of the Pittsburgh community.”
The 2026 Disney Fan Draft will look a little different from the NFL’s, but it promises to leave sports and animation fans alike smiling from ear to ear.
Read Next: ASU WR Glorifies God as He Declares for 2026 NFL Draft
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