Seattle Pride reportedly faces an uncertain future as corporations turn away from diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) policies.

In recent years, Pride parades have been funded by major corporations, but the shift against DEI and identity-politics across American business and culture is reportedly beginning to take its toll.

Seattle Pride, centered in one of the most famous left-leaning bastions on the West Coast, reportedly faces a shortfall of nearly $350,000, which, according to Seattle-based KOMO news is “attributed to recent rollbacks in initiatives and political challenges facing the LGBTQIA2S+ community.”

MAJOR COMPANIES STILL ENGAGING IN DEI POLICIES UNDER NEW NAMES, CONSUMER WATCHDOG CLAIMS

Seattle Pride Executive Director Patti Hearn spoke to the news outlet about how the changing cultural and economic landscape may shift the onus of supporting Pride events from businesses to grassroots organizations and the community.

SAN FRANCISCO PRIDE TAKES FINANCIAL HIT AFTER MAJOR COMPANIES PULL SPONSORSHIPS AMID DEI FALLOUT

“We have seen shifts in corporate sponsorship as companies assess their budgets and priorities, and some sponsors have not yet renewed their commitments this year,” Hearn said. “We are still in conversations with many of them — it’s important to us that we partner with organizations that demonstrate genuine and sustained support for the LGBTQIA2S+ community year-round. This is especially imperative as our community faces ongoing political attacks.”

Hearn added further that “We know that relying on corporate sponsorships is not the future of Pride. The future is community. That’s why we’re leaning into grassroots partnerships and radical mutual aid.”

The organization reportedly said that this financial gap threatens the very core of Seattle Pride celebrations, including the annual Seattle Pride Parade itself. 

According to The Seattle Times, “Hearn said the retreat in financial commitments by major corporate sponsors is a sign big-name companies may be following the lead of the Trump administration, which has launched a sweeping campaign against diversity, equity and inclusion efforts and the LGBTQ+ community, particularly transgender people.”  

“It’s a really rough world for queer people,” Hearn told The Seattle Times, “and this just feels like it’s part of that package.” 

Hearn declined to name which corporations have neglected to renew their donations to the annual event so far, claiming her team is “still in some conversation” with some of them.

DEATH OF DEI IS A MASSIVE REMINDER THERE ARE BETTER WAYS TO RUN A BUSINESS

SEATTLE, WASHINGTON – MARCH 13: The Space Needle stands over the Seattle skyline as Mt. Rainier is seen in the background on March 13, 2022 in Seattle, Washington. (Photo by John Moore/Getty Images)

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“Typically, we’d have a lot more companies who’d sign on the dotted line much earlier than the deadline,” Hearn told The Seattle Times. “What we’re seeing is a bit of uncertainty.”

Harn told the news outlet that while the shortfall will not impact this year’s festivities, the ones in 2026 could look very different unless the situation changes. She added further that the organization is soliciting individual donations and grants and will start regularly hosting events to raise funds.

Fox News Digital reached out to Seattle Pride and did not receive an immediate reply.

The NFC West recorded three picks in the first round of the NFL draft, with the Los Angeles Rams trading back completely out of Round 1.

A mixed bag for rivals San Francisco 49ers and Arizona Cardinals, with the Grey Zabel pick for the Seattle Seahawks being highly praised.

Here’s a quick round up of the expert draft grades following the conclusion of Round 1.

San Francisco 49ers – Mykel Williams, Edge

Bleacher Report: C
FOX Sports: B-
Sports Illustrated: B-
CBS Sports: B
The Athletic: A
USA Today: B
And finally, Danny Kelly at the Ringer : C+

Arizona Cardinals – Walter Nolan, DL

Bleacher Report: A
FOX Sports: C+
Sports Illustrated: B
CBS Sports: B
The Athletic: B-
USA Today: B+
The Ringer: C

Seattle Seahawks – Grey Zabel, OL

Bleacher Report: A
FOX Sports: A-
Sports Illustrated: B+
CBS Sports: B
The Athletic: A+ (!)
USA Today: B-
The Ringer: B
Pro Football Network: A

Let’s dig a little deeper into the Seahawks praise.

Here’s why The Athletic gave a glowing review:

One of the smartest players in this class, Zabel played every position along the offensive line in college — and did so at a high level. He turned down big-time NIL money to stay at North Dakota State, then ultimately dominated at the Senior Bowl as arguably the best offensive lineman there.

For a team like Seattle, which has been trying to fix the interior of its offensive line for a half-decade now, this feels like an elite pick. Zabel (who helped run his family farm in college and will continue to do so during NFL offseasons) is one of the draft’s hardest workers. He’s a high-floor player who fills multiple needs for the Seahawks — an awesome pick here and a great fit.

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Grade: A-plus

More insight from Pro Football Network:

There was talk that the Seahawks were eyeing a trade down at 18th overall, but in the end, they stood firm and selected Grey Zabel. Zabel was my 19th overall prospect, and he fills perhaps the Seahawks’ biggest need with Sam Darnold now in tow, reinforcing their interior offensive line.

There’s always a little bit of trepidation with FCS prospects making the jump to the NFL, but Zabel projects especially well on the interior. At 6’6”, 315 pounds, he’s quick, explosive, and malleable in recovery, with unnaturally easy flexibility and leverage acquisition. He can channel those athletic traits into impressive closing range and driving power.

Zabel will need to keep upping his play strength at the NFL level, but he has the athleticism, wicked hands, and tenacious road-grader mentality to prove he belongs, and he could feasibly grow into a quality starter at either guard or center.

This is the second year in a row the Seahawks have stuck with their mid-round pick and taken a player on the line of scrimmage. It unquestionably fills the biggest need on the team, and consensus at the moment was that Gray Zabel wasn’t an excessive reach, either. Hopefully John Schneider hit that beautiful space where need meets talent, as Zabel has been mocked to Seattle for nearly a month now.

SEATTLE – The 2025 NFL Draft begins Thursday, April 24, and runs through Saturday, April 26. For the first time in history, Lambeau Field in Green Bay will host the three-day event.

The Tennessee Titans hold the No. 1 overall pick and are widely expected to select Miami quarterback Cam Ward.

Following Ward, a host of college football’s top talent, including Colorado stars Travis Hunter and Shedeur Sanders, Michigan’s Mason Graham, Penn State’s Abdul Carter and LSU’s Will Campbell, are expected to go early in the first round.

Keep reading for everything you need to know about the 2025 NFL Draft, including top prospects, draft order, viewing options and special coverage for Seattle Seahawks fans.

Where, how to watch the 2025 NFL Draft

Round 1: Thursday at 8 p.m. ET / 5 p.m. PT

Rounds 2–3: Friday at 7 p.m. ET / 4 p.m. PT

Rounds 4–7: Saturday at noon ET / 9 a.m. PT

TV: ESPN, ABC, NFL Network and ESPN Deportes in Spanish

Streaming: ESPN or NFL Network Live

Seattle Seahawks live 2025 NFL Draft coverage

KJR’s ‘The Ian Furness Show’

Streaming on FOX LOCAL from1 p.m. to 3 p.m. PT on Thursday and Friday

Washington Sports Wrap with Aaron Levine and Alyssa Charlston, live from the Virginia Mason Athletic Center

Watch on FOX LOCAL and FOX 13 Seattle at 7:30 p.m. on Thursday and Friday

Seattle Seahawks 2025 draft picks, strategy

What draft pick are the Seahawks?

The Seattle Seahawks do not hold a top-10 pick in the first round, but will make multiple selections across the seven-round draft. 

Seattle’s exact draft position was determined by their 2024 regular season record and playoff outcome, positioning them in the latter half of Round 1. The full draft order is subject to change due to trades.

How many draft picks do the Seahawks have in 2025?

Seattle enters the 2025 draft with seven total selections. General Manager John Schneider and Head Coach Mike Macdonald are expected to focus on bolstering the offensive and defensive lines, as well as potentially adding depth at linebacker and running back.

Seattle’s 2025 NFL Draft picks

• Round 1, No. 18 overall
• Round 2, No. 50 overall
• Round 2, No. 52 overall (from Pittsburgh)
• Round 3, No. 82 overall
• Round 3, No. 92 overall (from Las Vegas)
• Round 4, No. 137 overall (compensatory pick)
• Round 5, No. 172 overall (compensatory pick)
• Round 5, No. 175 overall (compensatory pick)
• Round 7, No. 223 overall (from Pittsburgh)
• Round 7, No. 234 overall

What do the Seahawks need in the draft?

After finishing with a .500 record and narrowly missing the playoffs, the Seahawks’ key needs are:

• Offensive line reinforcements, particularly at guard and center.
• Defensive line pass-rushers.
• Inside linebacker depth.
• Running back support behind Kenneth Walker III.

What is the 2025 NFL Draft order?

1. Tennessee Titans (3-14)
2. Cleveland Browns (3-14)
3. New York Giants (3-14)
4. New England Patriots (4-13)
5. Jacksonville Jaguars (4-13)
6. Las Vegas Raiders (4-13)
7. New York Jets (5-12)
8. Carolina Panthers (5-12)
9. New Orleans Saints (5-12)
10. Chicago Bears (5-12)
11. San Francisco 49ers (6-11)
12. Dallas Cowboys (7-10)
13. Miami Dolphins (8-9)
14. Indianapolis Colts (8-9)
15. Atlanta Falcons (8-9)
16. Arizona Cardinals (8-9)
17. Cincinnati Bengals (9-8)
18. Seattle Seahawks (10-7)
19. Tampa Bay Buccaneers (10-7)
20. Denver Broncos (10-7)
21. Pittsburgh Steelers (10-7)
22. Los Angeles Chargers (11-6)
23. Green Bay Packers (11-6)
24. Minnesota Vikings (14-3)
25. Houston Texans (10-7)
26. Los Angeles Rams (10-7)
27. Baltimore Ravens (12-5)
28. Detroit Lions (15-2)
29. Washington Commanders (12-5)
30. Buffalo Bills (13-4)
31. Kansas City Chiefs (15-2)
32. Philadelphia Eagles (14-3)

The order for Rounds 2-7 can be found on FOX Sports.

National storylines, players to watch

Top quarterback prospects

Cam Ward remains the frontrunner to go No. 1 overall to the Titans. The former Miami signal-caller impressed scouts during workouts and individual pro days.

“They finally got to see me throw in person. That should be all they need to see,” Ward said. “At the end of the day, if they want to give me the pick or not, I’m going to be happy with whatever team I go to. I just want to play football.”

Other quarterback prospects include Colorado’s Shedeur Sanders, whose father is Pro Football Hall of Famer Deion Sanders, and players such as Jaxson Dart (Ole Miss) and Riley Leonard (Notre Dame).

Other potential top picks

Travis Hunter (CB/WR, Colorado): One of the few true two-way players in college football.

Abdul Carter (LB, Penn State): Known for his sideline-to-sideline range.

Mason Graham (DL, Michigan): A disruptive interior lineman with All-American potential.

Will Campbell (OL, LSU): Projected to anchor an NFL offensive line for a decade.

Frequently asked questions about the 2025 NFL Draft

Who has the 1st pick in the NFL Draft 2025?

The Tennessee Titans hold the first overall pick after a 2024 season that ended with a league-worst record.

What NFL team has the most draft picks in 2025?

As of Draft week, the Baltimore Ravens and San Francisco 49ers each have eleven picks. Seven teams have ten picks, including the Seattle Seahawks, Miami Dolphins, Jacksonville Jaguars, Cleveland Browns, Los Angeles Chargers, Buffalo Bills and Dallas Cowboys.

Where is the 2026 NFL Draft?

The 2026 NFL Draft will be held April 23-25, 2026, in Pittsburgh.

Where is the 2027 NFL Draft?

The NFL has not officially announced the host city for the 2027 NFL Draft. Washington, D.C. and Denver are among cities who have submitted bids to host the 2027 draft.

How much does a 4th-round NFL draft pick make?

A fourth-round selection in the NFL typically signs a four-year rookie contract valued at around $4 to $5 million total, depending on the exact pick number.

Are NFL Draft tickets free?

The NFL Draft experience is free and open to the public, but fans must register through the NFL’s OnePass app to access the viewing areas and fan activations.

There are limited ticket options available for fans who want a more premium experience which can cost upwards of $650.

What is the minimum age for the NFL Draft?

Players must be at least three years removed from high school to be eligible for the NFL Draft, generally making the minimum age around 20 to 21 years old.

Can you play in the NFL without going to college?

NFL eligibility rules require players to be three years removed from high school. While nearly all draftees play college football, the league does not require college graduation or even attendance.

Who is the youngest player to ever play in the NFL?

The youngest known player to play in an NFL game was Amobi Okoye, who debuted at age 19 after being drafted by the Houston Texans in 2007.

What’s next for Seahawks fans?

With a full slate of picks and several positions in need of depth, the Seahawks’ 2025 draft strategy will be key in shaping the team’s future. Fans can follow every selection live on local radio, television and digital platforms throughout the weekend.

Stay with FOX 13 Seattle and FOX LOCAL for complete local coverage of the Seahawks’ draft picks, analysis from experts, and interviews with newly selected players.

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