The NFL killed the Pro Bowl, marking first league to abolish its All-Star Game
The Pro Bowl is no more. The NFL is abolishing its annual All-Star Game this season, according to Jonathan Jones of The Athletic. The NFL stopped doing NFC vs. AFC for the Pro Bowl in 2013, and since then it has undergone some radical changes. The league shifted to the “Pro Bowl Games” the four […]
Orlando, Florida - January 27, 2019 - The NFL has decided to discontinue the Pro Bowl, marking the league's first-ever abolition of an All-Star Game, according to Jonathan Jones of The Athletic. This decision comes after the Pro Bowl underwent significant changes over the past few years, including the discontinuation of the NFC vs. AFC format in 2013. The league then transitioned to the "Pro Bowl Games," which included various skills competitions and a flag football game.
Despite these modifications, the Pro Bowl's popularity has been steadily declining. The 2026 Pro Bowl event attracted a record low of 1.6 million viewers, while the 2025 edition drew 4.7 million viewers, a decrease from 5.8 million viewers in 2024. The NFL will continue to recognize 88 players as "Pro Bowlers" for the 2026 season, but the Pro Bowl itself will no longer take place.
Fans will still have the opportunity to vote for Pro Bowl selections, with their votes carrying equal weight alongside those of players and coaches. The chosen players will be flown to Los Angeles for a celebratory event. The NFL's decision to eliminate the Pro Bowl, at a time when the NBA All-Star Game is facing significant criticism, suggests that the league believes this is the best course of action for its own growth and success.
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