Editorials, Michael Cousins Bowling Blog, PBA Tour
PBA’s New Ownership Is A Step In The Right Direction
By Michael Cousins
A Fresh Start For The Professional Bowling Association
The PBA’s recent change of ownership is just one more step in the right direction for the re-vitalization of Professional Bowling.
So far this season, we have had the opportunity to see the tour take off with the help and support of the partnership with Fox Sports. There has been more fan interest in the sport than I can remember in quite some time now.Â
People In The Bowling Centers Are Excited About The PBA Shows Again
It has been years since I have had customers come into the shop talking about the balls they seen such and such throwing on the show, or sitting at league hearing fellow bowlers talk about you know who winning you know what. And, as a bowler and as a fan of bowling, it has been awesome to see.Â
Then, of course, you had the PBA Playoffs and the Elias Cup which were — to no one’s surprise — both colossal successes. Both of these events were especially intriguing to follow, and we got to see so many different players with different styles competing on the same conditions, which I think was a huge part of the allure for both events.
Following the “Fox Swing,” we then got a chance to watch the Summer Swing via PBA.com and FloBowling. As I have recently written, this has been without a doubt my favorite portion of the tour this year. I won’t get into it too much here, but if you view my previous article on the event, you’ll see exactly what I loved so much about it. But, in case you don’t want to, I will just say it: IT WAS FANTASTIC!
All of these events have certainly led to the re-emergence and success of the “new” PBA, as I am henceforth calling it. And the acquisition by Bowlero is just one more step in that direction.
Despite what some of you have heard or read, Bowlero is not the Devil (yes, that is a Bobby Boucher/Water Boy reference — deal with it). You have heard that they’re buying up all of the locally owned centers and turning them into fun centers, etc. You have heard about the difficulties of working with them for events and, possibly, some other things as well.
Personally, I have no negative first hand experience to speak of. But here is what I can tell you: Bowlero is a big, big contributor for bowling. They do a lot. From their centers, to their Bowlero Elite Series, and now their acquisition of the PBA, Bowlero is trying to help grow the sport and help better it for all of us.
The biggest contribution the company can make for the PBA is in regards to sponsorship. You have to understand that Bowlero owns a lot of centers. And I mean A LOT! Between AMF, Bowlero, Bowl More, and Brunswick Zone, they have their hands in a ton of markets — and that is only going to grow.Â
So think about what that means for potential sponsorships and partnerships. With that many locations and that much pull, Bowlero can offer big time brands a chance to get into their centers — be it food, drinks, alcoholic beverages, etc. That could, in turn, help potential sponsors immensely.
Remember back when Pepsi was an actual sponsor? Or Budweiser? Michelob? The list could go on and on.Â
And I am not saying these particular brands will definitely come back or are even interested, but what I am saying is that it is now a possibility. And that was likely not the case before the acquisition. And that alone is huge for professional bowling and fans of professional bowling.
With bigger sponsorships comes more money, comes more shoes, and with more shows and more money comes larger prize funds, which — in the end — means a bigger, brighter future for the sport.Â
PBA Tour’s Summer Swing Was Exactly What Professional Bowling Needed
Some Of The Best Professional Bowling I have Seen In Years By Michael Cousins The [...]
Oct
PBA’s New Ownership Is A Step In The Right Direction
By Michael Cousins A Fresh Start For The Professional Bowling Association The PBA’s recent change [...]
1 Comments
Oct
Bowling Is Alive And Well
Bowling Is Coming Back Stronger Than Ever! Bowling is alive! This much I’m sure of. [...]
Oct
In Case You Didn’t know, Sandbagging Is Bad For The Sport
In Case You Didn’t Know, Sandbagging Is Bad For Bowling. And USBC isn’t taking it [...]
19 Comments
Oct
Fox Sports, Is It Bowling’s Savior?
[addthis tool=”addthis_inline_share_toolbox”] Fox Sports Was Exactly What The PBA Needed Fox Sports may not have [...]
Oct
Florida USBC Open State Championships Insight
[addthis tool=”addthis_inline_share_toolbox”] With Florida’s Open State Championships being held and us across the street from [...]
1 Comments
Apr
A Deeper Look Into What Makes Belmo Great
[addthis tool=”addthis_inline_share_toolbox”] Why Is Belmo The Worlds Best Bowler? Understanding Belmo’s greatness may seem simple [...]
1 Comments
Apr
My Top 5 Favorite PBA Stars To Watch Bowl Growing Up
[addthis tool=”addthis_inline_share_toolbox”] My Top 5 Favorite PBA Bowlers To Watch With Norm winning this weekend [...]
1 Comments
Feb
PBA Tour Season Is Underway
[addthis tool=”addthis_inline_share_toolbox”] And just like that, the new 2019 PBA Tour Season is underway! 2019 [...]
1 Comments
Jan
Bill O’Neill Is Back! But Was He Ever Not A Threat On The PBA?
Bill O’Neill Is Back? Was He Ever Truly “Gone?” Over the last three and a [...]
Jan
A Ball, Bag and Shoe Package Makes a Great Gift
[addthis tool=”addthis_inline_share_toolbox”] Give The Gift Of Bowling With A Bowling Ball, Bag & Shoes Package [...]
Dec
What Does the Return of a True PBA Tour Mean For Competitive Bowling?
Competitive Bowling Is On The Rise [addthis tool=”addthis_inline_share_toolbox”] What does the return of a true [...]
Dec
Balls
Shoes
Bags
Accessories
Apparel
Deals
Although I haven’t been able to bowl for some years now (shoulder/elbow injury), I’m excited to watch today’s bowlers on tour, and I’m hoping the tour really takes off again. I may not get to watch it as often as I would like; but, I will watch whenever I can. Bowling is a great sport, not just for individuals; but, for families as well.