The CW Network announced that it has signed a multi-year broadcast agreement with the Professional Bowlers Association (PBA), bringing live professional bowling to its airwaves beginning next year.
Under the new agreement, The CW will televise 10 live PBA events annually in dedicated, two-hour windows on consecutive Sunday afternoons. With its nationwide reach and consistent programming slots, the network says it aims to boost the sport’s visibility among both longtime enthusiasts and casual viewers.
“We are thrilled to partner with the PBA and add live bowling to our CW Sports lineup,” said Mike Perman, senior vice president of sports at The CW Network. “Bowling is one of the leading participatory sports in the country, so we are eager to introduce the top players and exciting competitions its professional circuit brings to new audiences nationwide.”
Since the PBA was founded in 1958, it has maintained a strong presence on American television, helping shape the careers of bowling legends. Currently the PBA has a broadcast agreement with FOX Sports for the past seven years, which consists of 30 televised programs, with eight windows on FOX and twenty-two windows in FS1. Previously the PBA originally has a broadcast agreement with ABC television for 36 years.
Looking ahead, the PBA sees the partnership as a major step forward in expanding its audience. “We are excited to become a part of The CW’s growing commitment to sports broadcasting,” said Lev Ekster, president of Lucky Strike Entertainment.
Today’s PBA stars—including three-time Player of the Year EJ Tackett, seven-time Player of the Year Jason Belmonte, and major champions Kyle Troup and Anthony Simonsen—bring a dynamic blend of skill, flair and personality to the lanes.
“The CW’s commitment to consistent, high-visibility broadcasts offers a game-changing platform to grow our fanbase, celebrate the immense talent and big personalities of our athletes, and bring a fresh energy to one of America’s most beloved sports,” said Ekster.
The PBA joins a growing lineup of live sports on The CW, which already includes the NASCAR Xfinity Series—drawing over one million viewers per race during the first 10 events of the 2025 season—as well as ACC and Pac-12 college football, AVP professional beach volleyball, and the Grand Slam Track series.
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