Pro Bowl 2026: date, start time, Pro Bowl Games schedule, and how to watch
The Pro Bowl Games move into Super Bowl week this year, shifting the NFL’s all-star showcase to a prime-time slot in the Bay Area. Instead of a weekend-long destination event, Pro Bowl 2026 centers on a Tuesday night flag football showdown that’s designed to fit alongside the league’s Super Bowl festivities and fan events.
If you’re searching for when is the NFL Pro Bowl, what time is the Pro Bowl, or a simple pro bowl schedule, here’s what’s locked in now—plus what to expect on the broader NFL calendar this week.
Pro Bowl 2026 schedule and start time
The headline answer: Tuesday, February 3, 2026, with the main broadcast window beginning at 8:00 p.m. ET. Programming typically ramps up with pre-event coverage ahead of the game segment.
This year’s edition is staged at Moscone Center in San Francisco, a notable change from the outdoor stadium setting used in recent years. The league has positioned the format as a tighter, TV-friendly production around the same time fans are arriving for Super Bowl week activities.
Pro Bowl Games schedule (ET)
| Time (ET) | Event block | What it includes |
|---|---|---|
| 6:30 p.m. | Pre-event coverage | Studio build-up, player features, format rundown |
| 8:00 p.m. | Kickoff show window | Introductions, rules, mic’d-up moments |
| 8:15 p.m. | Flag football start (approx.) | AFC vs. NFC 7-on-7 style game |
| 9:30–10:00 p.m. | Wrap (approx.) | Highlights, MVP-type honors, postgame coverage |
Times beyond the top-of-hour start are approximate because the run-of-show can shift slightly on live TV.
What are the Pro Bowl Games?
The modern nfl pro bowl isn’t a full-contact exhibition anymore. The centerpiece is non-contact flag football, supported by short segments built around skills, competition, and personality-driven moments (the part players tend to enjoy because it’s lower risk and more fun on camera).
What that means for viewers:
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More snaps for stars who do play, fewer “going through the motions” sequences.
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Simpler stakes—it’s about entertainment, not a legacy-defining win.
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A faster pace than the old tackle format, with fewer stoppages for heavy contact.
When is the Pro Bowl, and is the Grammys-style “over” moment here too?
Yes: once Tuesday night concludes, the Pro Bowl portion of the week is effectively done.
For anyone also typing “nfl schedule this week,” the key point is that there are no standard NFL games this week in the usual sense. The competitive season is down to one remaining game on the calendar.
NFL schedule this week: what’s actually on
The week is essentially split between:
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Tuesday night: the all-star Pro Bowl Games event (flag football showcase).
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Sunday, February 8, 2026: Super Bowl LX at 6:30 p.m. ET.
Everything else around it—practices, media events, community appearances—is part of the Super Bowl week machine, not the weekly game schedule fans are used to during the regular season.
Where to watch NFL games and the Pro Bowl
Because you asked “where to watch nfl games,” here’s the practical way to approach it without guessing what TV package you have:
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On TV: Use your channel guide search for “Pro Bowl Games” and “Super Bowl.” Most providers make both searchable by event name.
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On streaming (authenticated): If you subscribe to a cable or live-TV streaming bundle, sign into the broadcaster’s app with your provider login.
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League streaming options: The league’s subscription streaming hub generally carries the Pro Bowl broadcast and can include mobile viewing options (availability depends on plan and location).
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Spanish-language viewing: A Spanish-language simulcast is scheduled for viewers who prefer that feed.
If you’re deciding between options, the biggest difference is whether you want a traditional big-screen broadcast (best for groups) or a mobile-friendly stream (best for watching on the go during Super Bowl week travel).
What to watch for on Tuesday night
Even for fans who usually skip the Pro Bowl, this year’s setup adds a couple of real hooks:
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Prime-time placement can bring in casual viewers who might not watch a Sunday afternoon all-star event.
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Shorter attention span format makes it easier to drop in for highlights without committing to a full three-hour block.
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Player participation remains fluid—late substitutions can happen for injuries, Super Bowl prep, or personal decisions, so rosters may shift close to game time.
The clearest expectation: treat it like a showcase, not a scoreboard that predicts anything about next season.
Sources consulted: National Football League; ESPN; NBC Sports; Associated Press
