NFL finally calls time on beleaguered Pro Bowl after years of format changes
The NFL is officially ending the Pro Bowl Games after years of struggling to maintain interest in the all-star format. Starting in 2026, the league will honor the top 88 players with a celebration during Super Bowl week rather than staging a competitive game.
Why it matters
This marks the end of a long-standing NFL tradition, reflecting broader shifts in how professional sports leagues manage exhibition events and player safety.
The Pro Bowl moved away from longtime host Hawaii after the 2016 edition. The Pro Bowl moved away from longtime host Hawaii after the 2016 edition. NFL NFL finally calls time on beleaguered Pro Bowl after years of format changes League ends flag football and skills competitions
Only original 88 selections will earn Pro Bowl status
Players to be honored at Super Bowl week in LA
Prefer the Guardian on Google The NFL is ending the Pro Bowl Games after repeated format changes to its annual all-star event.
Beginning with the 2026 season, 88 Pro Bowlers will be selected but the NFL no longer plans to stage an AFC-NFC game, a flag-football matchup or an accompanying series of competitions. The players chosen will instead be invited to next year’s Super Bowl site in Los Angeles for an in-person celebration in February.
Get smarter about the news
Sign up free for a feed built around what you actually care about, Dive Deeper research on any story, and the full text of every article.
Create free accountAlready have an account? Sign in