The college bowl game that once carried Jimmy Kimmel’s name—and became a recurring bit on his ABC late-night show—is reportedly wrapping up for good.
According to an uncomfirmed report from On3’s Brett McMurphy, the LA Bowl will hold its final contest this Saturday, December 13, capping a five-year agreement that began with Kimmel as its original title sponsor.
The bowl launched in 2020 with plans to match college football’s Mountain West champion against the Pac-12’s fifth selection at SoFi Stadium. Its debut never happened: COVID-19 forced the inaugural game to be called off three weeks before kickoff. When the event finally surfaced in 2021, it did so with a splash: it’d been christened the Jimmy Kimmel LA Bowl, introduced on Jimmy Kimmel Live! and promoted as the first college bowl named after a living person.
For two seasons, the game became fertile ground for Kimmel segments. He unveiled an official mascot, “Jimmy Camel” (a camel prone to throwing up), and introduced an official sandwich for the game.
The event also doubled as a fundraiser for some of Kimmel’s favorite Los Angeles-area charities, including One For All, Boys and Girls Club L.A. Harbor, and Boys and Girls Club L.A. Metro.
Once Kimmel’s naming-rights period ended after two years, the event transitioned to a series of new sponsors anchored by Rob Gronkowski’s role as host. Starco Brands headlined in 2023, followed by its Art of Sport line in 2024 and, this year, Bucked Up. The bowl also expanded its community partnerships during its run, working with One For All and multiple Boys & Girls Club chapters across Los Angeles.
On3 reports that conference realignment ultimately undercut the bowl’s long-term viability. The Pac-12’s collapse and the loss of 10 schools to other leagues eliminated the tie-in structure the game relied upon. With the five-year agreement expiring and no clear replacement in sight, this Saturday’s Washington–Boise State matchup is set to be its last.
Representatives for The LA Bowl have yet to comment on the bowl’s reported demise.
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