• Loading stock data...
Monday, August 25, 2025
The biggest names in sports media. All in one room. Buy tickets now!

NFL Pro Bowl Ratings Drop Again Despite Flag Football Push

The NFL has struggled to create an engaging all-star competition, and the Pro Bowl Games continue to suffer viewership decreases.

Feb 2, 2025; Orlando, FL, USA; AFC wide receiver Brian Thomas Jr. of the Jacksonville Jaguars (7) carries the ball against NFC return specialist KaVontae Turpin of the Dallas Cowboys (9) during the 2025 Pro Bowl Games at Camping World Stadium.
Kirby Lee-Imagn Images

The NFL suffered another TV ratings decline over the weekend, even though it was the bye week for the Chiefs and Eagles preparing to play in Super Bowl LIX.

Viewership for the Pro Bowl Games decreased for the third consecutive year in the rebranded iteration of the league’s all-star contest. ABC, ESPN, and Disney XD drew 4.7 million viewers for Sunday’s simulcast, according to a source that viewed the Nielsen ratings, which was headlined by a flag football game, along with other competitions like a punting contest and tug-of-war match. The NFC beat the AFC 76–63.

Those ratings are down by more than 1 million viewers—roughly an 18% decrease—from the 5.75 million who tuned in to the Pro Bowl Games flag football finale last year. In 2023, the audience was 6.2 million during the first year using the new format. In 2022, the final year with a tackle football game, the Pro Bowl drew 6.7 million viewers.

On Sunday, there was an announced crowd of 54,313 in Orlando at Camping World Stadium, which has a capacity of more than 60,000. That’s down slightly from 55,709 last year.

On Thursday night, the Pro Bowl Skills Show averaged 1.13 million viewers on ESPN, just down from 1.14 million last year. It was the second-most-watched edition of the skills show since 2018.

Flag Football’s Rise

The NFL continues to use the Pro Bowl Games to promote flag football ahead of the sport’s Olympic debut at the 2028 Los Angeles Games.

In Orlando, veteran Buccaneers receiver Mike Evans, 31, became the latest player to throw his name in the ring for a spot on Team USA.

“This is good practice for me in the Olympics,” said Evans. “Most likely I’ll be retired by 2028. How many years is that? Three years? I don’t know. But if I am retired, I would definitely like to play in the Olympics.”

Last summer, NFL stars like Dolphins receiver Tyreek Hill and Cowboys defensive end Micah Parsons made their interest in competing in the Olympics known.

Linkedin
Whatsapp
Copy Link
Link Copied
Link Copied

What to Read

US Open Stretches Schedule to 15 Days, but Players Aren’t Happy

Wimbledon is the only Grand Slam left that starts on a Sunday.

Bill Belichick Tells UNC Football Team Hulu Series Is Happening

FOS reported last month that the Hulu series was nearing finalization.

The Honey Deuce Effect: How Tennis Perfected the Signature Cocktail

Sold every 1.5 seconds, they total more than $12 million in sales.
Dec 21, 2024; Austin, Texas, USA; Texas Longhorns quarterback Arch Manning (16) warms up as the Texas Longhorns prepare to play the Clemson Tigers in the first round of the College Football Playoffs at Darrell K Royal Texas Memorial Stadium.

Schools Are Hesitant to Allow PE Into Their Athletic Departments

Regardless of budget, schools don’t believe the risk is worth the reward.

Featured Today

Oct 2, 2024; Rosemont, IL, USA; Big Ten commissioner Tony Petitti speaks with the media during the 2024 Big Ten Women’s Basketball media day at Donald E. Stephens Convention Center.

‘Not Ready to Jump In’: Power 4 Commissioners Aren’t Sold on PE

Top leaders in college sports have yet to see a satisfactory proposal.
Nov 23, 2024; Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA; Penn State Nittany Lions head coach James Franklin looks at quarterback Drew Allar (15) during the first quarter against the Minnesota Golden Gophers at Huntington Bank Stadium.
August 22, 2025

Private Equity Enters College Sports—Without the Equity

As college football starts, lending agreements have become PE’s best way in.
Sep 8, 2024; East Rutherford, New Jersey, USA; New York Giants running back Eric Gray (20) returns a kickoff against the Minnesota Vikings during the first half at MetLife Stadium.
August 18, 2025

‘Fauxbacks’ Throw Back to a Retro Uniform That Never Existed

Many throwback jerseys are brand-new designs or “Franken-Unis.”
August 17, 2025

‘Labubu Gang’: The Creepy-Cute Dolls Sweeping Pro Sports

The creepy-cute doll is the hottest collectible—and fashion statement.

Fox Enters Streaming Wars With Leaner, Sports-Heavy Approach

A different strategy marks the arrival of the network’s streaming service.
August 20, 2025

Bundesliga Bets on YouTube Creators for Live U.K. Game Streams

Bundesliga is the top German soccer league.
HAPPY GILMORE 2. (L to R) Quin Stiller as Will Zalatoris Caddie, Will Zalatoris as Himself, Benito Antonio Martínez Ocasio as Oscar Mejias and Adam Sandler as Happy Gilmore in Happy Gilmore2.
August 21, 2025

‘Happy Gilmore 2’ Becomes Netflix’s Most-Watched U.S. Movie Debut

The Adam Sandler, golf-themed movie sets more streaming records.
Sponsored

Building A Pro League From Scratch

Front Office Sports and Gainbridge® spotlight what it takes to build a professional women’s soccer league.
Jey Uso and Pat McAfee look at each other after Uso’s win Saturday, Feb. 1, 2025, during the WWE Royal Rumble at Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis.
August 20, 2025

WWE Will Leave Peacock for ESPN 6 Months Early

Peacock’s final show will be “Clash in Paris” on Aug. 31.
August 20, 2025

NFL Preseason Games Are Popping Up on YouTube’s Sunday Ticket

The $2 billion out-of-market package covers only the regular season.
August 20, 2025

Inside ESPN’s ‘Industry Shaping’ DTC Plan, What’s at Stake

Many bundle offers and opaque metrics mark the high-profile launch.
Kyle Busch talks with Nexstar Media Group, Wednesday February 14, 2024 during Daytona 500 Media Day at Daytona International Speedway
August 19, 2025

$6.2B Nexstar-Tegna Deal Could Create Local Sports Juggernaut

CW parent company Nexstar looks to acquire its rival in a major deal.