NFL ends Pro Bowl after decades of declining interest, will turn all-star game into an award for 88 players
The NFL has ended the AFC-versus-NFC Pro Bowl game, replacing it from the 2026 season with an annual honour recognising 88 selected players. The change reflects years of declining interest in the event, driven by injury concerns, player withdrawals and criticism of the game’s competitiveness.
The original 88 players will be chosen through equally weighted votes from players, coaches and fans, with replacement selections no longer included. The Pro Bowl peaked at 13.24 million television viewers in 2000, while the replacement Pro Bowl Games fell from 6.2 million viewers in 2023 to 2 million this year; the league plans an expanded late-December announcement to celebrate those selected.
- NFL replaces Pro Bowl game with an 88-player annual honour.
- Declining ratings and injury concerns prompted the change.
- Players will still be chosen by fans, coaches and peers.