The NFL Pro Bowl Games have a new look and a new home for 2026. Now taking place during Super Bowl week in the Bay Area, the all-star showcase transforms into a primetime television event featuring the league’s top talent.
In a major shift, the main event moves to Tuesday, February 3, where AFC and NFC stars will compete in a high-octane flag football game at the Moscone Center. It’s fast-paced football with plenty of flair, minus the hard hits—all serving as a preview for the sport’s Olympic debut in 2028.
ESPN platforms will televise the Pro Bowl Games, so keep scrolling to learn more about the new schedule and channel listings.
What channel is the Pro Bowl on?
The 2026 Pro Bowl Games will air exclusively on ESPN, with Disney XD and ESPN Deportes simulcasting the flag football competition on Tuesday, February 3.
Unlike previous years, the main game will not air on ABC, though the network will host a special preview show on Sunday, February 1. Still, NFL+ will stream Tuesday’s action on mobile devices.
2025 NFL Pro Bowl Games TV schedule
The 2026 Pro Bowl schedule features a new format designed to build hype during the week leading up to Super Bowl LX. It kicks off Sunday, February 1, with roster previews and highlight shows on ESPN and ABC.
Then, the main event takes place Tuesday, February 3, live from the Moscone Center in San Francisco. The venue has been transformed into a custom flag football arena, where the AFC and NFC squads will compete in a 7-on-7 showdown on a 50-yard field. Coverage begins at 6:30 p.m. ET on ESPN, leading up to the official start at 8:00 p.m. ET.
| Event | Date | Time (ET) | Channels |
|---|---|---|---|
| NFL Live: Pro Bowl Roster Preview | Sunday, Feb. 1 | 11:00 a.m. | ESPN |
| Championship Chase: The Pro Bowl | Sunday, Feb. 1 | Noon | ABC |
| 2026 Pro Bowl Games | Tuesday, Feb. 3 | 8:00 p.m. | ESPN, Disney XD, ESPN Deportes |
Best TV plans for watching the Pro Bowl Games
ABC and ESPN are common TV channels, so there are many options for watching this season’s Pro Bowl Games coverage. But if you don’t already have access to either channel, I have a few provider recommendations that don’t require any long-term commitment.
- Free trials: Fubo and YouTube TV typically offer free trials that last at least five days. But you’ll want to plan your trial carefully if you want it to cover the Pro Bowl on February 3 and the Super Bowl on February 8.
- ESPN Unlimited: If you’ve already used up your free trial options, the next cheapest way to watch the Pro Bowl Games is with an ESPN Unlimited subscription. For $29.99/mo., you’ll get access to all ESPN linear channels, as well as ESPN+ and ESPN on ABC coverage.
- NFL+: The NFL’s streaming service provides live mobile access to all nationally televised games, including the Pro Bowl and Super Bowl. NFL+ plans cost $6.99–$14.99/mo.
Which TV providers offer Pro Bowl channels?
Because the Pro Bowl Games will air on Disney-owned channels, you’ll likely find the live broadcast on most TV providers. Below is a list of popular live TV options and whether they carry ABC and ESPN.
| Provider | Price | ABC | ESPN | Details |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cox | $20.00–$184.00/mo. | ✔ | ✔ |
View Plans for Cox Read Cox review |
| DIRECTV | $89.99–$169.99/mo. | ✔ | ✔ |
View Plans for DIRECTV Read DIRECTV review |
| DISH | $89.99–$119.99/mo. | ✔ | ✔ |
View Plans for DISH Read DISH review |
| Fubo | $14.99–$94.99/mo. | ✔ | ✔ |
View Plans for FuboTV Read Fubo review |
| Hulu + Live TV | $88.99–$99.99/mo. | ✔ | ✔ |
View Plans for Hulu Read Hulu + Live TV review |
| Optimum | $15.00–$140.00/mo. | ✔ | ✔ |
View Plans for Optimum Read Optimum review |
| Philo | $33.00/mo. | — | — |
View Plans for Philo Read Philo review |
| Sling TV | $19.99–$60.99/mo. | ✔* | ✔ |
View Plans for Sling TV Read Sling TV review |
| Spectrum | $40.00–$110.00/mo. | ✔ | ✔ |
Check Availability Read Spectrum review |
| Verizon Fios | $105.00–$149.00/mo. | ✔ | ✔ |
View Plans for Verizon Read Verizon Fios review |
| Xfinity | $55.00–$125.00/mo. | ✔ | ✔ |
View Plans for Xfinity Read Xfinity review |
| YouTube TV | $82.99/mo. | ✔ | ✔ |
View Plans for YouTube TV Read YouTube TV review |
Data effective as of post date. Offers and availability may vary by location and are subject to change.
*Available only in select markets. Without ABC, Sling TV subscribers can watch ESPN on ABC broadcasts via ESPN3.
How to watch the Pro Bowl Games for free
With the main Pro Bowl event airing on ESPN this year (and not ABC), the only way to watch the game for free is by signing up for a free streaming trial.
DIRECTV, Fubo, and YouTube TV are top-tier streaming services that carry ESPN and regularly offer free trials. This allows you to catch the Tuesday night action without paying a dime—just remember to cancel before the trial period ends.
What about an antenna? While a digital antenna won’t get you the Tuesday night game on ESPN, it will pick up the Championship Chase preview show airing on your local ABC station this Sunday. It’s a great way to catch player profiles and highlights, even if you can’t watch the flag-football game itself.
How to watch the NFL Pro Bowl Games FAQ
When is the Pro Bowl this year?
The 2026 Pro Bowl Games take place on Tuesday, February 3, at 8:00 p.m. ET. There's also a preview show airing Sunday, February 1.
Where is the Pro Bowl being played?
The 2026 Pro Bowl Games have moved from Orlando to the Moscone Center in San Francisco, CA. This relocation brings the all-star event to the Bay Area during Super Bowl week, placing the action right in the heart of the Super Bowl LX celebrations.
Can I watch the Pro Bowl on ABC?
No, the main Pro Bowl flag football game is exclusive to ESPN this year. But ABC will air a special preview show, Championship Chase: The Pro Bowl, on Sunday at noon ET.
Can I watch the Pro Bowl on the NFL app?
Yes, you can watch the Pro Bowl on the NFL app. But you must sign in with an NFL+ account or eligible TV provider.
Why you should trust us
Our CableTV.com Sports Editor, Taylor Kujawa, researched and hands-on tested the best ways to watch the Pro Bowl across several NFL seasons. While the NFL constantly updates the Pro Bowl format, Taylor’s viewing recommendations for this season remain mostly the same—emphasizing channel availability, pricing, and ease of use.
Check out our How We Rank page to learn more about our methods.

