After days of rumors surrounding the future of the PBA Regional Tour, the Professional Bowlers Association has announced a major change to its regional structure.
In an interview with BowlingLife in February, Murray revealed that the PBA was exploring new formats that could be introduced as early as 2027. Now, that vision is beginning to take shape.
In an open letter to the bowling community on August 4, PBA CEO Peter Murray confirmed that the new PBA Elite Regional Tour will launch in September 2026. The invitational program is designed to create a clearer path from regional competition to the PBA National Tour, with fewer but larger events.
According to Murray, 21 tournaments across seven regions, with three events in each, will offer larger prize funds than before, stronger competition and more media coverage.
He also noted that event dates, host centers and further details will be announced on August 10.
As a result of this change, all previously scheduled PBA Regional Tour events after August 31 will be canceled. That is why the PBA Regional schedule on the PBA website was adjusted, and the bowling community was quick to notice it.
Players who have already entered those tournaments will receive full refunds from the PBA. They will also be given a chance to compete in the new PBA Elite events, although the exact entry and selection process has not yet been announced.
The new Elite events will be connected to the annual Regional Players Invitational in December. At the same time, the PBA will hold its first PBA Combine, where leading regional bowlers will be evaluated for possible selection to the PBA National Tour.
The PBA also confirmed that its Senior Tour and PBA Juniors program will return in 2027.
Peter Murray's full letter can be found on pba.com.
