MADISON, WI (WTAQ-WLUK) – The Wisconsin Joint Finance Committee is pledging its support for the 2025 NFL Draft coming to Green Bay.
The Republican-controlled committee voted along party lines to adopt a state budget amendment — authored by Northeast Wisconsin lawmakers David Steffen and Robert Cowles — that would provide Green Bay with $2 million for the event.
The draft is expected to cost the Green Bay Packers $7.5 million. The organization has pledged $1 million and has committed to raising $5.5 million.
“While the Packers will not see a direct economic benefit from the NFL Draft, they’ve agreed to play a major role in organizing the event,” said State Rep. Cowles, “because they’re looking to give back to their hometown of more than 100-years, including their thousands of local franchise part owners, in an effort to highlight the importance of professional football in our region and the traditions that make the Green Bay Packers a world-renowned and beloved team.”
The Packers have said hosting the draft would likely bring in roughly 250,000 people. Wisconsin could expect to see an economic impact of $90 million — roughly six times as much as a typical game-day weekend.
“Members of the finance committee recognized that hosting the draft is an enormous win for the state of Wisconsin,” said Steffen. “The immediate and long term financial benefits to Green Bay and the entire state truly make this a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity.”
The committee also voted to increase funding for tourism marketing by $20 million and create a new $10 million fund that can be used for bringing major events to Wisconsin. Lawmakers also approved $10 million to go to Milwaukee to help host the Republican National Convention next summer. All Republicans voted in favor of the package of funding for tourism, while all Democrats were against.
After Thursday’s executive meeting, committee Democrats said Republicans left out a key $750 million investment in the state broadband expansion grant program.
“Today, Republicans missed an opportunity to use our historic surplus to invest in our state’s infrastructure, create jobs, promote tourism, and expand broadband access. Unfortunately, these essential steps to stimulate economic development and ensure Wisconsin remains an attractive place to live, work, and visit were rejected by the Republicans on the committee. By opposing the governor’s forward-thinking investments, JFC Republicans voted against over 16,000 good-paying construction jobs and left Wisconsin’s rural communities behind by providing zero additional dollars to expand basic internet access. As the Democratic members of the Joint Committee on Finance, we stand committed to building a prosperous and vibrant Wisconsin. ”
The state budget still needs to be passed by both the Senate and the Assembly and signed into law by Gov. Tony Evers.
