The Professional Bowlers Association (PBA) is aiming to reclaim its spotlight, but not just on the lanes—they're targeting your living room TV. The PBA World Championship, set for Saturday, June 13 at Thunderbird Lanes in Allen Park, MI, will air on CBS, CBS Sports Network, and Paramount+. It's the fifth and final major of the PBA Tour season, but unlike the buzz around the PGA Championship or French Open, this event often flies under the mainstream radar.
Peter Murray, CEO of the PBA and Head of Media for Lucky Strike Entertainment, is determined to change that. With a vision to transform the league into a "world class global sports league," Murray—who previously led PFL International—sees a clear path forward. "There’s an opportunity to drive meaningful growth through three things: contemporary brand building, strategic innovation, and monetization," he says. The goal? Replicate this model across other sports, positioning the PBA as the go-to leader for made-for-TV barroom games.
The PBA's history is rich, dating back to 1958 with the Professional Bowlers Tour. Legends like Earl Anthony and Walter Ray Williams Jr. have graced the lanes, and the sport once commanded strong TV ratings in the 1970s. But as media fragmented and viewer habits shifted in the '80s and '90s, bowling lost its broadcast foothold. The PBA made a comeback on Fox in 2019, and though that deal ended, it now boasts 10 "Championship Sunday" dates per season on the CW, plus two major events on CBS, including next month's World Championship.
Owned by Lucky Strike Entertainment (NYSE: LUCK)—formerly Bowlero and Bowlmor AMF, which acquired Lucky Strike in 2023 before rebranding—the PBA is poised for a revival. For fans of the sport, this means more high-stakes action on screen. And for those who love the game's gritty, barroom energy, the PBA's ambition to own that space could be a game-changer. Whether you're a casual viewer or a die-hard bowler, keep an eye on the lanes—they're rolling back into the spotlight.