PurposeDemonstrate proof-of-concept for conducting NFL Draft trades on a blockchain network using smart contracts.Design/methodology/approachUsing Ethereum smart contracts, the authors model several types of draft trades between teams. An example scenario is used to demonstrate contract interaction and draft results.FindingsThe authors show the feasibility of conducting draft-day trades using smart contracts. The entire negotiation process, including side deals, can be conducted digitally.Research limitations/implicationsFurther work is required to incorporate the full-scale depth required to integrate the draft trading process into a decentralized user platform and experience.Practical implicationsCutting time for the trade negotiation process buys decision time for team decision-makers. Gains are also made with accuracy and cost.Social implicationsFull-scale adoption may find resistance due to the level of fan involvement; the draft has evolved into an interactive experience for both fans and teams.Originality/valueThis research demonstrates the new application of smart contracts in the inter-section of sports management and blockchain technology.