Mike Jakubowski Announces PBA Exit After More Than 20 Years

Mike Jakubowski has spent years putting PBA bowlers in the spotlight. Now, the familiar voice known as Mike J. “Laneside” says the organisation will not offer him a contract for 2027.

Jakubowski shared the news in a Facebook post, reflecting on a PBA association that began in 2004. Over that time, he helped shape how fans experienced the sport, through television commentary, player introductions, music, crowd interaction and the work behind each broadcast.

“This one will sting a while,” he wrote.

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Helping Bowling Put On a Show

Jakubowski traced his PBA connection to the 2004 Miller High Life Masters at Milwaukee’s Miller Park. He was working for the American Bowling Congress at the time.

He returned to produce the event in 2007, when Sean Rash won his first major title. Jakubowski recalled bringing a familiar ballpark idea to the lanes: walk-up music for the players.

That mix of bowling and entertainment became a recurring part of his work. Between 2008 and 2016, he held PBA roles spanning media, marketing, multimedia production and announcing.

Fans following Xtra Frame knew his voice well before he became ESPN’s regular PBA play-by-play announcer for the 2013–14 season. ESPN’s announcement paired him with Randy Pedersen, with Kimberly Pressler reporting laneside.

More recently, much of his work helped bring the live show together. His responsibilities included music, public address announcements, player introductions, scoring updates and sponsor features. He also worked with the crowd and helped coordinate the television setup.

Jakubowski's exit follows other changes around PBA telecasts this year. Kimberly Pressler confirmed in January that her time with PBA Tour telecasts had ended, after 15 years as sideline reporter. Randy Pedersen was replaced by Kyle Sherman as color analyst on regular PBA broadcasts. Members of the PBA media department also left the organization earlier this year.