The NFL Pro Bowl is getting another makeover, and this time it’s heading directly into the heart of Super Bowl week. According to reports from Sports Business Journal, the league plans to stage the 2025 Pro Bowl Games in the San Francisco Bay Area, home of this season’s Super Bowl, marking a major shift in how the NFL approaches its annual all-star event.
Pro Bowl Joins Super Bowl Festivities
Traditionally held on the Sunday between the conference championship games and the Super Bowl, the Pro Bowl has long struggled to capture fans’ attention as a standalone event. By moving the showcase to the Super Bowl’s host market, the NFL aims to make it part of the week-long celebration, effectively turning the Pro Bowl into the kickoff of Super Bowl festivities.
What We Know So Far
While the NFL has confirmed ongoing discussions with ESPN, the NFLPA, and other partners, key details remain uncertain.
- Location: Somewhere in the Bay Area (venue TBD).
- Format: Still under development, with a focus on experimentation in what the league calls a “sandbox environment.”
- Event Style: Expect more emphasis on flag football and skills competitions rather than a traditional full-contact all-star game.
The NFL has also made clear that flag football will be spotlighted, especially with the sport officially part of the LA28 Summer Olympics.
Why the Change?
The Pro Bowl has struggled in recent years to maintain its audience. The 2024 Pro Bowl Games drew just 4.7 million viewers across ABC, ESPN, and DisneyXD — one of the lowest figures in event history, outside of the COVID-impacted 2021 edition.
With declining ratings, the league wants to reinvent the Pro Bowl into a “made-for-TV” event that can attract mass audiences, deliver entertainment value, and keep fans engaged during the build-up to the Super Bowl.
Looking Ahead
While fans await more official announcements in the coming weeks, one thing is clear: the Pro Bowl is no longer positioned as a standalone attraction. By tying it directly into Super Bowl week, the NFL hopes to breathe new life into its all-star showcase and make it feel more like a must-see part of football’s biggest celebration.