The transfer of PBA Tour broadcasts from FOX to The CW Network does not onlyaffect American audiences, but also international viewers. Since The CW Network is only available in the United States, it was importantto secure a way for fans worldwide to follow the biggest stage in professionalbowling. The Professional Bowlers Association confirmed to BowlingLife’s ErikasJansonas that global fans will still be able to follow the action throughBowlTV, the same livestream service used in past seasons. “International viewers will be able to watch PBA events on the CW via BowlTV -just as they could watch FOX shows in past years,” the PBA stated. The 2026 regular season begins on February 22 with the PBA PlayersChampionship in Arlington, Texas. The CW Network will broadcast ten events inten straight Sundays, all live at 4 p.m. ET. Meanwhile, the World Series ofBowling will be livestreamed on CBS. Below is the full PBA Tour Schedule 2026 on The CW Network, with all eventsairing at 4 p.m. ET: February 22: PBA Players Championship – Arlington, Texas –International Training and Research Center February 22: PBA Players Championship March 1: PBA Pete Weber Missouri Classic – St. Peters, Mo. – BowleroSt. Peters March 1: PBA Pete Weber Missouri Classic March 8: U.S. Open – Indianapolis, Ind. – Royal Pin Woodland March 8: U.S. Open March 15: PBA Illinois Classic – Decatur, Ill. – David Small’s VictoryLanes March 15: PBA Illinois Classic March 22: PBA Indiana Classic – Fort Wayne, Ind. – David Small’s ProBowl West March 22: PBA Indiana Classic March 29: USBC Masters – Allen Park, Mich. – Thunderbowl Lanes March 29: USBC Masters April 5: PBA Ohio Classic – Columbus, Ohio – Columbus Square BowlingPalace April 5: PBA Ohio Classic April 12: PBA New York Classic – Rochester, N.Y. – ABC Gates Bowl April 12: PBA New York Classic April 19: PBA Roth/Holman Doubles Championship – Portland, Maine –Bayside Bowl April 19: PBA Roth/Holman Doubles Championship April 26: PBA Tournament of Champions – Fairlawn, Ohio – AMF RivieraLanes April 26: PBA Tournament of Champions Earlier this year, the PBA announced that it hadsigned a multi-year broadcast agreement with The CW Network, marking the end of its partnership with FOX. signed a multi-year broadcast agreement with The CW Network

The Professional Bowlers Association (PBA) has announced the full PBA TourSchedule 2026, with live broadcasts set to air on The CW Network. The new television partnership introduces “PBA Championship Sundays on TheCW,” bringing professional bowling to a national audience on ten consecutiveSundays. Coverage will begin on February 22, 2026, with the PBA Players Championship inArlington, Texas. Every broadcast will air live at 4 p.m. ET and continuethrough April 26, 2026, when the season closes with the PBA Tournament ofChampions in Fairlawn, Ohio. In total, The CW will feature four major championships. These include the PBAPlayers Championship, U.S. Open, USBC Masters, and the PBA Tournament ofChampions. Six additional title events will also be broadcast, such as the PBA Pete WeberMissouri Classic and the Roth/Holman Doubles Championship from Bayside Bowl inPortland, Maine. Fans can follow qualifying and match play rounds through BowlTV before theChampionship Sunday broadcasts. Below is the full PBA Tour Schedule 2026 on The CW Network, with all eventsairing at 4 p.m. ET: February 22: PBA Players Championship – Arlington, Texas –International Training and Research Center February 22: PBA Players Championship March 1: PBA Pete Weber Missouri Classic – St. Peters, Mo. – BowleroSt. Peters March 1: PBA Pete Weber Missouri Classic March 8: U.S. Open – Indianapolis, Ind. – Royal Pin Woodland March 8: U.S. Open March 15: PBA Illinois Classic – Decatur, Ill. – David Small’s VictoryLanes March 15: PBA Illinois Classic March 22: PBA Indiana Classic – Fort Wayne, Ind. – David Small’s ProBowl West March 22: PBA Indiana Classic March 29: USBC Masters – Allen Park, Mich. – Thunderbowl Lanes March 29: USBC Masters April 5: PBA Ohio Classic – Columbus, Ohio – Columbus Square BowlingPalace April 5: PBA Ohio Classic April 12: PBA New York Classic – Rochester, N.Y. – ABC Gates Bowl April 12: PBA New York Classic April 19: PBA Roth/Holman Doubles Championship – Portland, Maine –Bayside Bowl April 19: PBA Roth/Holman Doubles Championship April 26: PBA Tournament of Champions – Fairlawn, Ohio – AMF RivieraLanes April 26: PBA Tournament of Champions Earlier this year, the PBA announced that it had signed a multi-year broadcast agreement with The CW Network, marking the end of its partnership with FOX.While Championship Sundays will air on The CW, the World Series ofBowling will be broadcasted on CBS. signed a multi-year broadcast agreement with The CW Network

EJ Tackett has been named the Chris Schenkel PBA Player of the Year for 2025.Tackett received 86.5 percent of the vote from PBA members andmedia. Andrew Anderson and Ethan Fiore followed with six percent each, whileJason Belmonte, Graham Fach, Jesper Svensson, and Chris Via were alsonominated. This is his fourth career award and his third in a row. With this achievement,Tackett joins Earl Anthony, Mark Roth, Walter Ray Williams Jr., and Belmonteas the only players to win three consecutive Player of the Year honors. Tackett’s 2025 season included several milestones. He led the PBA Tour inpoints with 34,690, in earnings with $438,540, and in average with 228.60. He recorded 11 top-five finishes, 12 top-10 finishes, 13 top-25 finishes, andcashed in 15 events. During the season, Tackett added multiple career titles, surpassing DonJohnson to enter the top ten on the all-time list with 27. He also secured two major championships. At theU.S. Open, Tackett made a late charge from outside the cut to win his second title inthe event. Later, he captured thePBA World Championship, finishing a demanding World Series of Bowling with a victory over JasonBelmonte. U.S. Open PBA World Championship The Player of the Year award carries the name of Christopher Schenkel, theHall of Fame broadcaster who was the longtime voice of the PBA. He passed awayin 2005.

The Professional Bowlers Association (PBA) and Longmarch Bowling haveannounced a 10-year agreement to relaunch the PBA China Regional Program. The relaunch begins in October 2025 with three scheduled tournaments at theLongmarch Bowling Center in Shanghai. The first event, the PBA China Tribute to Pioneers Championship, will takeplace from September 18–21, 2025. It will be followed by the PBA ChinaScorpion Championship on January 2–3, 2026, and the 2026 PBA China Cup onOctober 2–4, 2026. This new partnership builds on the PBA’s history in China. The relationship began in 2014 when Longmarch Bowling helped recruit playersin China to join the PBA through the “Pioneers Program.” More than 100 Chinesebowlers have become members since then, with several competing in the PBAWorld Series of Bowling. In 2019, the PBA China Tiger Cup became the first PBA event in the country,featuring the season’s top seven PBA-ranked players alongside hundreds ofcompetitors from China and Asia. The program was paused in 2020 due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The PBA and Longmarch Bowling aim to use this relaunch to expand competitiveopportunities for Chinese bowlers, attract new talent, and strengthen thesport’s presence in the region. The 10-year agreement is part of the PBA’s wider plan for global growth, withChina seen as an important market for the sport’s future.PBA Regional events outside the United States have proven successful, with PBA Sweden and PBA Japan already established on the international calendar.

Chris Via and Bryanna Coté claimed the title at the 25th anniversary edition of the Storm PBA/PWBA Striking Against Breast Cancer Mixed Doubles, held at Copperfield Bowl in Houston. After finishing qualifying in 22nd place, the pair surged during match play and secured the top spot heading into the final game. With a total pinfall of 10,416 (+1,216) over 46 combined games, they held a comfortable lead of 260 pins over Kyle Troup and Liz Johnson, who finished in second with +1,042. Latest win marked Coté’s sixth PWBA title and Via’s second PBA title. For the win they were awarded with $25,000. Via also rolled the only two 300 games of the tournament and donated both $300 bonuses to the Striking Against Breast Cancer foundation. Last year's champions Anthony Simonsen and Danielle McEwan finished in 22nd. Last year's champions Last year's champions The final PBA title event of the season will be the Storm Lucky Larsen Masters in Helsingborg, Sweden, while the PWBA season wraps in August with Championship Week in Rochester, New York. Storm Lucky Larsen Masters in Helsingborg, Sweden Storm Lucky Larsen Masters in Helsingborg, Sweden Championship Week in Rochester, New York Championship Week in Rochester, New York Top 5 Final Standings: Top 5 Final Standings: Chris Via / Bryanna Coté – 10,416 (+1,216)Kyle Troup / Liz Johnson – 10,242 (+1,042)Darren Tang / Sin Li Jane – 10,039 (+839)Andrew Anderson / Erin McCarthy – 9,952 (+752)Tommy Jones / Shannon Pluhowsky – 9,918 (+718) Chris Via / Bryanna Coté – 10,416 (+1,216) Kyle Troup / Liz Johnson – 10,242 (+1,042) Darren Tang / Sin Li Jane – 10,039 (+839) Andrew Anderson / Erin McCarthy – 9,952 (+752) Tommy Jones / Shannon Pluhowsky – 9,918 (+718)

The 2025 PBA50 Petraglia Championship concluded on Tuesday in Jackson, Michigan, with Finland’s Mika Koivuniemi winning his first PBA50 title since 2018. In the title match, Koivuniemi, the No. 2 seed, started strong with a strike and spare, then built momentum with seven consecutive strikes from the fourth to the tenth frame - a pace his opponent just couldn't hande, securing the win 258-224. Previously, in the semifinal, Koivuniemi defeated No. 5 seed Liz Johnson, who had advanced through two earlier matches by defeating Brian LeClair in the opening match, 215-199 and then defeating Tom Daugherty 225-197. Johnson and Koivuniemi were even early in the game, but a split in the fourth frame gave Koivuniemi the lead. He remained clean through the match and finished strong to win 227-202. Koivuniemi earned $5,000 for the win. This win was crucial for Major Mika as he moves closer to qualifying for the PBA50 World Championship match play. All qualifying scores from this tournament, along with those from the Ballard, Monacelli, and Holman Championships, will determine the top 18 players advancing to the World Championship. Koivuniemi currently stands in 19th place and will need strong results in the upcoming Holman Championship to move up. All matches of the PBA50 are available to watch live on BowlTV. PBA50 Petraglia Championship Stepladder Finals – Match Results PBA50 Petraglia Championship Stepladder Finals – Match Results Match 1: Liz Johnson def. Brian LeClair, 215 – 199 Match 1: Match 2: Liz Johnson def. Tom Daugherty, 225 – 197 Match 2: Semifinal: Mika Koivuniemi def. Liz Johnson, 227 – 202 Semifinal: Final: Mika Koivuniemi def. Bo Goergen, 258 – 224 Final:

Andrew Anderson defeated EJ Tackett in two straight games during Sunday’s finale at Steel City Bowl & Brews in Bethlehem, Pennsylvania, to become the fifth bowler to claim the title since the lounch of the event. The final match began with Tackett taking an early lead with four straight strikes, but open frames in the later stages allowed Anderson to steal Game 1, 212–200. In Game 2, early errors from Tackett gave Anderson a comfortable advantage. Despite an open frame in the sixth, Anderson held on to win 212–189 and sweep the Race-to-Two final. This win marks Anderson’s second title of the season—both earned in finals matches against Tackett—and the sixth PBA Tour title of his career. Earlier in the year, Tackett topped Anderson in the U.S. Open, but Anderson bounced back to defeat him at the PBA Mike Aulby Nevada Classic. Tackett topped Anderson in the U.S. Open Tackett topped Anderson in the U.S. Open PBA Mike Aulby Nevada Classic PBA Mike Aulby Nevada Classic With this win, he also pockets the $35,000 top prize. The Tour Finals featured the top eight points leaders from the 2024 and 2025 seasons, split into two groups. Anderson and Tackett each earned the top seed in their respective groups during Saturday’s positioning rounds and fought their way through stepladder matches to reach the final. In Group 1, Tackett advanced after narrowly escaping a roll-off win against Graham Fach. In Group 2, Anderson survived a high-scoring bracket that saw Jason Belmonte shoot 269 and 278 in his first two matches. Anderson lost the first game of their head-to-head but forced a roll-off and doubled in the tenth to move on to the championship. The PBA Tour Finals closes out the 2025 season. The post-season begins with the Storm PBA/PWBA Striking Against Breast Cancer Mixed Doubles in July, followed by a return to international play in August at the Storm Lucky Larsen Masters in Sweden. Group 1 Stepladder Results: Group 1 Stepladder Results: Match 1: Kyle Troup (No. 4) defeated Bill O’Neill (No. 3), 227–214Match 2: Graham Fach (No. 2) defeated Kyle Troup, 226–197Match 3: EJ Tackett (No. 1) defeated Graham Fach, 2–1 Match 1: Kyle Troup (No. 4) defeated Bill O’Neill (No. 3), 227–214 Match 1: Match 2: Graham Fach (No. 2) defeated Kyle Troup, 226–197 Match 2: Match 3: EJ Tackett (No. 1) defeated Graham Fach, 2–1 Match 3: Group 2 Stepladder Results: Group 2 Stepladder Results: Match 1: Jason Belmonte (No. 3) defeated Anthony Simonsen (No. 4), 269–259Match 2: Jason Belmonte defeated Marshall Kent (No. 2), 278–221Match 3: Andrew Anderson (No. 1) defeated Jason Belmonte, 2–1 Match 1: Jason Belmonte (No. 3) defeated Anthony Simonsen (No. 4), 269–259 Match 1: Match 2: Jason Belmonte defeated Marshall Kent (No. 2), 278–221 Match 2: Match 3: Andrew Anderson (No. 1) defeated Jason Belmonte, 2–1 Match 3:

The final PBA Tour title of the 2025 season is on the line this weekend in Pennsylvania, where the top eight point leaders from the 2024 and 2025 seasons are competing in the PBA Tour Finals. On Saturday, the players were split into two groups based on their points standings. Group 1 included EJ Tackett, Bill O’Neill, Kyle Troup, and Graham Fach. Group 2 featured Anthony Simonsen, Jason Belmonte, Andrew Anderson, and Marshall Kent. Each group bowled two games on dual oil patterns—46-foot Petraglia on the left lane and 40-foot Monacelli on the right. The two lowest scorers were placed as the No. 3 and No. 4 seeds for Sunday’s stepladder. The top two advanced to a one-game match to determine seeding for the final. In Group 1, Tackett led the pack with 266 in his first game and stayed consistent to finish with a total of 488. Fach followed closely with 460 to join him in the seeding match, where Tackett rolled 258 to Fach’s 211 to claim the top seed. O’Neill and Troup will open Sunday’s Group 1 stepladder at 5 p.m. ET. The winner will face Fach, and then meet Tackett in a Race-to-Two match. Group 2 saw a standout performance from Andrew Anderson, who started with a 279 and followed it with 206 for a 485 series. Marshall Kent secured second with 452, while Belmonte and Simonsen struggled to keep pace. Anderson edged out Kent in the seeding match, 193–191, and now waits for the winner of the Group 2 stepladder starting at 7 p.m. ET. Belmonte and Simonsen will face off in the opener, with the winner moving on to face Kent. The two stepladder winners will meet in the championship match at 9 p.m. ET. All matches will be broadcast live on CBS Sports Network, which recently signed a new two-year agreement with the PBA beginning in 2026. new two-year agreement with the PBA beginning in 2026 new two-year agreement with the PBA beginning in 2026

Jesper Svensson is the 2025 PBA Playoffs Champion after defeating EJ Tackett in a high-energy, four-game final at Thunderbowl Lanes in Allen Park, Michigan. The Swedish left-hander came out firing, taking the first two games with scores of 217–208 and 225–220. Tackett responded with a strong comeback in Game 3, making a ball change that helped him win 246–216 and stay in the match. Game 4 turned into a strike fest, with both players nearly perfect through eight frames. But late mistakes from Tackett opened the door, and Svensson needed just a mark in the final frame to seal the 246-win. He made the spare and secured his back-to-back title in just over a month—having already won the PBA Tournament of Champions in April. PBA Tournament of Champions in April PBA Tournament of Champions in April This victory marks Svensson’s 15th career PBA Tour title. After finishing as runner-up in last year’s PBA Playoffs, he returned stronger than ever to take the crown in 2025. After finishing as runner-up in last year’s PBA Playoffs After finishing as runner-up in last year’s PBA Playoffs With 14 PBA Tour titles, Jesper Svensson is now tied with Finland’s Mika Koivuniemi as the most decorated European player in PBA Tour history.

The Professional Bowlers Association (PBA) has announced a new media partnership with CBS Sports in a two-year deal starting with the 2026 season. CBS Sports will broadcast a total of 31 hours of PBA content in 2026—more than triple the coverage provided in 2025. Matches will air on the CBS Television Network and stream live on Paramount+, with additional programming featured on CBS Sports Network. The partnership will highlight two major events: the PBA World Series of Bowling (WSOB) and the newly updated PBA Commissioner’s Cup. The World Series of Bowling is considered one of the most prestigious global events in the sport. Since its debut 16 years ago, it has featured bowlers from over 30 countries, with 14 international players claiming titles. In 2026, CBS Sports Network will cover both the preliminary rounds and finals of the four animal pattern championships, leading up to the PBA World Championship finals, which will air live on CBS and Paramount+. In addition, the PBA Commissioner’s Cup will return with a refreshed format. Previously known as the PBA Tour Finals, the event traditionally featured the top eight players based on competition points. Beginning in 2026, all PBA members will have the chance to qualify. A separate qualifying round will determine the final eight competitors who will advance to the televised finals, which will span nine hours of coverage on CBS Sports Network. This is not the only recent media move for the PBA. On April 30, the PBA announced it will be leaving FOX. Starting in 2026, fans of professional bowling will have a new home to watch their favorite players compete, as the PBA signed a multi-year agreement with The CW Network to broadcast ten live events each year. PBA announced it will be leaving FOX PBA announced it will be leaving FOX

The 2025 PBA Playoffs Championship marked the end of an era for professional bowling broadcasts on FOX. Jesper Svensson’s four-game victory over EJ Tackett was the final PBA Tour event to air on FOX. Jesper Svensson’s four-game victory over EJ Tackett Jesper Svensson’s four-game victory over EJ Tackett After years of delivering high-stakes bowling action to fans, PBA has closed its chapter with the FOX. For the rest of the 2025 season, the PBA Tour will move to CBS Sports Network. CBS will cover the upcoming PBA Tour Finals over the weekend of June 7–8. The schedule includes positioning rounds, stepladder finals for both groups, and the championship match. "It is always so exciting to make a show, but so much more when we knew we were on BIG Fox," Jason Belmonte wrote on his social media. But as one chapter closes, another begins. This transition is part of a larger shift in PBA broadcasting. Beginning in 2026, the Professional Bowlers Association will partner with The CW Network under a new multi-year deal. will partner with The CW Network under a new multi-year deal will partner with The CW Network under a new multi-year deal This agreement will bring ten live events each year to national television in dedicated Sunday afternoon slots. The CW’s goal is to offer fans a consistent way to follow the sport and attract new viewers to the game. The CW Network already airs other major sports like the NASCAR Xfinity Series and college football, and it plans to make bowling a core part of its growing live sports lineup. The move also reflects the PBA’s push to expand its audience and give bowlers a bigger spotlight.

Sweden’s Jesper Svensson is once again the PBA Tournament of Champions winner, lifting the trophy for a second time after a convincing victory in Sunday’s stepladder finals at AMF Riviera Lanes in Fairlawn, Ohio. PBA Tournament of Champions The 'Ice Man' defeated Jakob Butturff 221–197 in the championship match, capping off a dominant week where he led after match play and entered the finals as the No. 1 seed. With this win, Svensson now owns 14 PBA Tour titles, tying him with Finland’s Mika Koivuniemi for the most by a European bowler, and two major championships. led after match play led after match play 14 PBA Tour titles Mika Koivuniemi two major championships Championship Match: Svensson Shuts Down Butturff to Reclaim TOC Title In the title match, Svensson started strong with four strikes in a row using the Storm IQ Tour 78-U. Butturff, coming off five straight wins between the prelims and stepladder, struggled to find the right reaction on the lanes. An open frame in the third and scattered spares made it difficult for the lefty to build momentum. Storm IQ Tour 78-U Storm IQ Tour 78-U While Butturff finally struck in the fifth, he couldn’t string them together. Svensson remained clean, calmly picking up spares and never letting go of the lead. He sealed the win 221–197, returning to the top of the TOC podium for the first time since 2016. Match 3: Butturff Blazes Past Fach to Reach Championship Match Before facing Svensson, Jakob Butturff rolled through Canada’s Graham Fach in the semifinal. Butturff started with four strikes and built a massive lead while Fach struggled early with an reactive resin ball choice, leaving an open in the fourth. Graham Fach Even after switching from Hammer Black Widow Mania to a Brunswick Mesmerize and finding a late triple, Fach couldn’t close the gap. Butturff stayed clean and finished with a 234–182 win — his fifth consecutive match victory, including two from Saturday’s prelims. Hammer Black Widow Mania Hammer Black Widow Mania Brunswick Mesmerize Brunswick Mesmerize fifth consecutive match victory Match 2: Butturff Survives Late Drama to Eliminate Tackett In the second match, EJ Tackett — who was chasing the Triple Crown in a single season — fell just short against Butturff in a game filled with ups and downs. EJ Tackett Tackett started slowly but built a late charge with a string of strikes before a 4-pin in the eighth stopped the run. Butturff missed a 2-4-7 spare but bounced back in the ninth with a strike. Tackett left splits in both the ninth and tenth frames, converting one but ultimately handing Butturff the chance to close it out. Butturff picked up the same 2-4-7 spare he had missed earlier and secured a tight 196–190 victory. 196–190 Match 1: Butturff Outlasts McCune in Tight Opener The stepladder finals opened with Jakob Butturff taking on Kevin McCune, who had made his second consecutive major finals appearance after finishing fifth in last week’s PBA Players Championship. Jakob Butturff Kevin McCune Both players started with urethane equipment and exchanged early blows, with McCune holding a slim three-pin lead at the commercial break. Butturff returned with back-to-back strikes, while McCune fell short in the ninth and tenth. Butturff needed a mark and three pins — he struck in the 10th and finished at 231, advancing with a win over McCune’s 215. Recapping the Road to the Finals The 2025 PBA Tournament of Champions, powered by 1800 Tequila, was held at the iconic AMF Riviera Lanes — a venue rich with PBA history. 2025 PBA Tournament of Champions Through 42 games of qualifying and match play, nine players advanced to the two-part stepladder finals. Jakob Butturff earned his spot by winning Saturday’s prelims, defeating Matt Sanders, AJ Johnson, and Keven Williams. On Sunday, he defeated McCune, Tackett, and Fach before falling to Svensson. Jesper Svensson’s victory gave him a long-awaited return to the winner’s circle on the U.S., where his last title win was back in 2022 at the Storm Cup. The 'Ice Man' won his 13th PBA Tour title last year at the 2024 Storm Lucky Larsen Masters in Helsingborg, Sweden. Final Championship Round Results Match 1: Butturff def. McCune, 231–215Match 2: Butturff def. Tackett, 196–190Match 3: Butturff def. Fach, 234–182Championship Match: Svensson def. Butturff, 221–197 Match 1: Butturff def. McCune, 231–215 Match 1: Match 2: Butturff def. Tackett, 196–190 Match 2: Match 3: Butturff def. Fach, 234–182 Match 3: Championship Match: Svensson def. Butturff, 221–197 Championship Match: Stay with BowlingLife.eu for more coverage, interviews, and highlights from the 2025 PBA Tournament of Champions and all major bowling events across the globe. BowlingLife.eu BowlingLife.eu PBA Tournament of Champions