Lev Ekster has resigned from his position as President of Lucky StrikeEntertainment Corporation. According to information filed with the United States Securities and Exchange Commission, Lev Ekster notified the company of his resignation on February 18,2026. information filed with the United States Securities and Exchange Commission Following his decision, Lucky Strike Entertainment appointed Thomas Shannon,who currently serves as Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, to replaceEkster as President. Shannon will now hold the roles of Chairman, Chief Executive Officer, andPresident of the company. The filing states that Ekster and the company entered into a Resignation,Severance, and Release Agreement. Under the terms of the agreement, Ekster will remain employed during atransition period, with his employment officially ending on March 4, 2026. As part of the agreement, Ekster will receive a severance payment of $275,000. Lev Ekster joined Lucky Strike Entertainment, then operating as Bowlero, in 2013 as Director of Business Development.

Graham Fach and Jade Côté have been named Canada’s 2025 Bowlers of the Year inthe Adult Divisions after both recorded strong seasons across national andinternational competition. The Canadian Tenpin Federation confirmed Fach as the Men’s Adult Divisionwinner and Côté as the Women’s Adult Division recipient. Jade Côté, representing Farnham, Quebec, delivered strong results throughoutthe 2025 season at both national and international events. At the 2025 Canadian Team Trials, she finished fifth. She also placed 13th atthe USBC Queens and finished second in the All-Events Team competition at theUSBC Women’s Championships. Côté recorded a ninth-place finish at the 2025PWBA Anniversary Open. At the collegiate level, she was named First Team All-American and helped herteam win the NCAA National Team Championship. She was also selected as the MVPat the NCAA Collegiate Championships. Côté was a member of the 2025 Adult andYouth Team Canada squads. This marks Côté’s third time receiving Canada’s Bowler of the Year Award. In the Men’s Adult Division, Graham Fach earned the 2025 Bowler of the Yeartitle. Fach, from Guelph, Ontario and currently residing in Urbana, Ohio,posted several notable finishes during the 2025 season. He won the gold medal in singles at the Canadian Team Trials. On the PBA Tour,he finished fifth at the USBC Masters and third at the PBA Tournament ofChampions. He also placed ninth at the U.S. Open. Fach captured titles at the PBA Delaware Classic and three PBA Regional eventsin Lorain, Heath, and Bluffton. He also finished third at the PBA Playoffs andthe PBA Tour Finals, and seventh at the PBA Nevada Classic. His performances earned him recognition as the PBA Central Region Bowler ofthe Year. He was also named to the Bowlers Journal Second Team All-Americanlist.

Sixteen-year-old Nolan Mori made history at the 2026 True Amateur TournamentsNationals by winning the championship and taking home the top prize of$25,000. The event once again drew massive interest, with a total of 6,294 entriesrecorded across all divisions and over $100,000 in the prize pot. For thefirst time, the True Amateur Tournaments will be held in Europe. The TATEuropean Amateur Classic is scheduled for August 3 to 9, 2026, at Dream-BowlPalace in Munich, Germany. The finals featured five players competing for the title – Nolan Mori from the190–215 Average Division, Matt Anderson from the Scratch Division, BenjaminBroomfield from the 189–170 Handicap Division, Michael Charles from the 50 andOver Senior Division, and Steven Williams from the 169 Under HandicapDivision. Mori entered the tenth frame needing a strike to move past Matt Anderson ofLas Vegas, Nevada, the brother of PBA Tour star Andrew Anderson. Moridelivered when it mattered most to secure the win, finishing the finals with atotal score of 246 (236 scratch +10hcp). Anderson finished second with a total of 237 and earned $10,000. BenjaminBroomfield of Florida placed third with 221, followed by Michael Charles ofCalifornia in fourth with 217. Steven Williams rounded out the top five with ascore of 208. With the win, Mori became the youngest champion in TAT history. The TAT continues to grow beyond the United States, with a major milestonecoming later this year. For the first time, TAT will come to Europe in August. TAT will come to Europe in August. The event will feature a €400,000 prize pool and five handicap divisions,giving amateur bowlers from across Europe the chance to compete in the sameformat that has made the TAT one of the most successful amateur bowling eventsin the world.

Motiv Bowling has announced plans to expand its operations in Muskegon County,Michigan, with a major investment that will create new jobs and increaseproduction capacity in the U.S. Wilbur Products, doing business as Motiv Bowling, will acquire and renovate anew 96,000-square-foot facility in Roosevelt Park. The expansion is expectedto result in almost $9 million in capital investment and the creation of 90new jobs. “The opportunity and encouragement provided by the State, the MEDC, TheGreater Muskegon Economic Development Corporation, and the City of RooseveltPark will allow us to continue to produce the world’s best bowling productshere in the United States,” said W. Scott Wilbur, President of Motiv Bowling.“When our primary customer for bowling products left for Mexico in 2006, weenacted our belief that bowling ball manufacturing in America was stillpossible if a business was truly focused on excellence in innovation andcutting-edge manufacturing processes.” Motiv Bowling is currently headquartered in Michigan and employs 43 peopleacross facilities in Spring Lake and Roosevelt Park. The company decided toexpand due to growing demand for its products and the need to improvemanufacturing efficiency. The new facility will be used for bowling ball production and will also serveas an exporting logistics hub. Motiv’s existing facility, located about twomiles from the new site, will remain in use for research and development. “Motiv Bowling is exactly the kind of company that strengthens a community -homegrown, innovative, and deeply committed to its people,” said TrevorFriedeberg, CEO of Greater Muskegon Economic Development. “Their continuedinvestment in Roosevelt Park creates quality jobs and reinforces WestMichigan’s reputation as a place where advanced manufacturing andentrepreneurship thrive.” State officials also highlighted the long-standing connection between bowlingmanufacturing and the Muskegon area. “The bowling industry has been a part of our Muskegon area DNA for over 120years,” said State Rep. Will Snyder. “Motiv’s investment in Roosevelt Parkwill ensure more generations are able to have good jobs in the Muskegon’sbowling manufacturing industry.” Motiv continues to one of the most successfull brands on the professional sideof the sport as well. The company was the only manufacturer represented onevery PBA Tour TV show during the 2025 season, and bowlers using Motivequipment won more than half of the available PBA titles that year, whileMotiv's pro stafferEJ Tackett was named player of the year for the third time in a row. EJ Tackett was named player of the year for the third time in a row

Brunswick Bowling Products has announced that its Boost ST® string pinsettertechnology has been approved by the Professional Bowlers Association for usein professional-level competition,Brunswick announced earlier today. Brunswick announced earlier today. The decision allows the system to be used on the PBA Tour and marks a new stepfor string pins in top-level bowling. The PBA carried out its own testing and review process. Following thatevaluation, the PBA confirmed that Boost ST® meets the requirements forprofessional competition. The Boost ST® system is already approved by the United States Bowling Congressand can be used in certified leagues and official competitions. Boost ST® is built on Brunswick’s GS Series platform and is designed todeliver consistent pin action and scoring across different levels of play. Thesystem is intended for use in open play, league bowling, and competitiveevents, including professional tournaments. Beyond lane performance, Boost ST® is also designed to support modern bowlingcenter operations. The system includes automated features, optimized stringlength settings, and integration with Brunswick’s Sync® scoring system, the360 Controller, and the Pronto™ app. These tools are aimed at helping centers reduce maintenance needs, limitdowntime, and manage daily operations more efficiently.

The Hong Kong Tenpin Bowling Congress has announced a new equipment rule thatwill affect local competitions across the region. Starting March1, 2026, urethane bowling balls will no longer be allowed in local tournamentsorganized by the governing body. The decision was shared in an official statement released aon January 31st. According to the Hong Kong Tenpin Bowling Congress, the movefollows discussions and consultations focused on lane conditions, competitivefairness, and long-term athlete development. In its statement, the federation explained that concerns had been raised abouthow slow oil-absorbing urethane equipment can change lane conditions morequickly. This, according to the federation, may affect fairness betweenplayers using different styles and ball types. The statement also noted thatthe decision was made after reviewing global trends and considering theoverall skill development of athletes. The reasons outlined in theHong Kong statement closely mirror those shared by the Malaysian Tenpin Bowling Congress earlier in January, when it introduced a similar ban onurethane bowling balls in its sanctioned competitions. shared by the Malaysian Tenpin Bowling Congress earlier in January, The ban applies only to local tournaments organized directly by the Hong KongTenpin Bowling Congress. It does not apply to international tournamentsorganized by the federation or to local tournaments that are only sanctionedby the HKCTBC. In addition, players competing in Under-12 divisions are exemptfrom this restriction. The HKTBC added that it will continue to monitor the situation and may reviewor adjust the regulations in the future if needed. Bellow is the official statement of the HKTBC regarding urethane bowling ballban.

PBA Tour player Keven Williams recently shared an open message on social mediaquestioning why bowling continues to resist change while other sports haveembraced evolution. In his post, Williams asked why bowling is often compared to “the old days,”when scores were lower, equipment was simpler, and different styles dominatedthe lanes. He pointed out that nearly every major sport has seen steady growthin performance numbers over the past decades, and bowling should not betreated differently. Williams compared bowling to sports such as basketball, football, golf,baseball, and tennis. He highlighted how scoring averages, throwing speeds,and distances have increased in those sports since the 1990s. According toWilliams, higher numbers are now accepted as part of natural progress, drivenby better training, improved technology, and greater access to information. “Why is it that bowling won’t accept evolution/change like other sports?”Williams wrote. He added that bowling has also changed in many ways, includinghigher rev rates, advanced ball technology, modern oil patterns, updated lanesurfaces, and easier access to knowledge through social media. Williams acknowledged that the game looks different today, but stressed thatthis does not mean the sport is worse. Instead, he argued that higher scoresreflect better athletes competing with better tools, similar to what hashappened across the sports world. “Why cant we accept scores are just higher in today’s game?” he asked, callingfor a more open mindset toward modern bowling. The post quickly gained attention within the bowling community.

Stefanie Johnson has been selected as the recipient of the Dick WeberAmbassador Award, an honor presented to individuals who promote the sport ofbowling in a positive and lasting way. The award will be presentedduring the International Bowl Expo this year in Nashville, the event thatbrings together bowling professionals, industry leaders, and organizationsfrom around the world. The Dick Weber Ambassador Award was created in 2005 to honor the memory andlegacy of bowling legend Dick Weber. The award recognizes bowlers whorepresent the sport with professionalism, respect, and dedication, both on andoff the lanes. It reflects Weber’s lifelong role as a global ambassador forbowling and his commitment to growing the game for all ages. Johnson was chosen for her continued involvement in bowling and her efforts topromote the sport beyond competition. The award focuses on conduct,visibility, and positive representation of bowling within the community.

Kimberly Pressler will no longer be part of Professional Bowlers AssociationTour telecasts. Pressler shared the news through a personalmessage posted on hersocial media, confirming that her on-air work with the PBA has come to a close asbroadcast changes take effect for the 2026 season. social media Pressler has been a well-known voice on PBA broadcasts for 15 years. She made her debut as a laneside reporter during the 2010 WorldSeries of Bowling and continued in that role throughout the ESPN era. When PBA Tour coverage moved from ESPN to FOX Sports ahead of the2019 season, Pressler remained part of the broadcast team and continuedworking on PBA telecasts through FOX. Now, the change comes as the PBA concludes its television partnership withFOX. Beginning in 2026, PBA Tour events will move to The CW Network under anew multi-year agreement. new multi-year agreement The PBA Tour season kicks off with the PBA Players Championship on January 16,with the televised finals set for February 22 on the CW Network. CW Network

Nasser Alkanderi captured the title at the Muscat International Open BowlingChampionships after the tournament concluded with a full stepladder final onMonday evening in Muscat, Oman. The Muscat International Open brought together a strong international field,with qualification rounds completed on Sunday before all final stages wereplayed on Monday. After several elimination phases, the topplayers advanced to the stepladder finals to decide the champion. The stepladder opened with a three-player match featuring Finland’s TomasKäyhkö, Malaysia’s Mohammed Syazirol, and Oman’s Musaab Aladwi. Käyhkö postedthe highest score in the opening game with 224 and advanced to the next match,while Syazirol and Aladwi were eliminated with scores of 202 and 210,respectively. In the second stepladder match, everything was decided in the last frame.Käyhkö needed a strike and a good count, but unfortunately left a split andEngland’s Ben Robinson earned a place in the championship match with 238-217final result. Robinson had already been one of the standout performers earlier in the finalsby scoring a 300 game in the Final Step 1. In the championship match, Ben Robinson took on Kuwait’s Nasser Alkanderi, thetop seed who would have needed to lose twice for Robinson to claim the title.That scenario did not unfold, as Alkanderi produced the highest game of thestepladder, securing the win with a 245–217 victory.With thevictory, Alkanderi secured the Muscat International Open title and thetournament’s top prize of $22,000. Robinson was awaded with almost $12,000,while Käyhkö earned almost $8,000 for a third place.155 playersparticipated in this year's event in Oman.

Lori Mraz has been appointed as the new Executive Director of the Billiard and Bowling Institute of America. The appointment will takeeffect on February 1, 2026. Mraz takes over the role from Barb Peltz, who led the organization after thepassing of longtime Executive Director Bill Supper in 2023. Peltzserved in the position during a transitional period and supported the processof selecting the next leader for the association. Mraz brings long-standing experience from within the bowling industry. Shepreviously served on the BBIA Board of Directors between 2003 and 2008 and waselected BBIA President in 2007. During that time, she was involved in shapingthe structure of the association’s annual convention, including the meetingformat that is still used today. In addition to her work with BBIA, Mraz has spent more than three decades withTurbo 2-N-1 Grips, where she has held several leadership roles since thecompany was founded in 1991. She served as company president until 2020 andcurrently works as Director of Marketing. Her industry involvement also includes long-term service with several bowlingorganizations. Vice Chairman of the International Bowling Museum and Hall of Fame Board of Trustees since 2008. She has also contributed to advisory boards and committees connected to proshops, league bowling programs, and major tournaments. Mraz is also a member of PBA League Bowler Certification Advisory Board.

Three-time world bowling champion Esther Cheah has officially announced herretirement from professional bowling. The 39-year-old confirmed her decision, closing a long chapter in Malaysianbowling history. "As a national athlete, Esther not only brought pride to Malaysia on theinternational stage but also served as a role model of perseverance,discipline and fighting spirit for the younger generation," said MohammedTaufiq Johari, Minister of Youth and Sports of Malaysia. Cheah is Malaysia’s first Singles world champion, a milestone she achieved atthe 2005 World Bowling Championships in Aalborg, Denmark. After two years, Cheah went on to add another gold medal, winning gold in theteam-of-five event at the 2007 World Championships in Monterrey and laterclaimed another teams gold in Las Vegas in 2017. Malaysian bowler also collected multiple gold medals at the Asian BowlingChampionships, winning doubles titles in 2008 and 2016, masters in 2019, andtrios in 2019. She also played an important role in Malaysia’s bowling achievements at theAsian Games. In 2006, Cheah won singles and team-of-five gold, and addedsilver in trios, all-event and masters. In 2018 she added another gold intrios. View this post on Instagram A post shared by Esther Cheah (@estherrcheahh) View this post on Instagram A post shared by Esther Cheah (@estherrcheahh) In addition to her international team career, Cheah competed on theProfessional Women’s Bowling Association Tour after joining in 2016. In 2024,she earned her first PWBA Regional title by winning the PWBA OklahomaRegional, adding another milestone in her competitive career. For the past two decades, Cheah is seen as one of the most experienced andsuccessful female bowlers Malaysia has ever had on the international scene.