It wasn’t that long ago when professional bowling couldn’t be found on network television.
Thanks to FOX Sports and CBS Sports Network, however, times have changed and pro bowling has become a regular offering on the cable and satellite programming menu.
Buoyed by a solid 2024 in terms of its viewing audience, the Professional Bowlers Association is teaming up with FOX Sports for more than 60 hours of televised bowling and 15 broadcasts on FOX and FS1 in 2025.
According to a press release from the PBA this week, more than 27 million viewers watched the PBA on FOX Sports last year – “reflecting year-over-year growth and a 21 percent increase in viewership on FS1.
For 2025, the PBA’s seventh season on FOX Sports, five major championships and a new PBA Elite League: Battle of the Brands highlight the schedule.
Lev Ekster, president of Bowlero Corp., owner of the PBA, said, “We’re elevating the PBA experience for both the players and the fans on the 2025 Tour.”
“The new PBA Elite League format is an exciting update for this season, combining individual excellence and strong team dynamics. It also allows fans to connect with our partner brands while watching their favorite players compete.”
FOX Sports will televise 15 title events, including all five major championships:
— The U.S. Open presented by Go Bowling, Indianapolis, Feb. 1-2.
— PBA World Championship, Reno, Nev., March 22.
— USBC Masters, Allen Park, Mich., March 29-30.
— PBA Players Championship, Jackson, Mich., April 12-13.
— PBA Tournament of Champions, Fairlawn, Ohio, April 19-20.
Four major championships will include a televised preliminary round on FS1.
The PBA Elite League: Battle of the Brands telecasts are set for April 26-27 from Allen Park, Mich.
Fans can watch all 2025 PBA Tour qualifying rounds live on BowlTV.
2025 PBA on FOX Schedule:
PBA Delaware Classic, Middletown, Del., Jan. 25.
U.S. Open, Indianapolis, Feb. 1-2.
PBA Illinois Classic, Vernon Hills, Ill., Feb. 8
PBA Pete Weber Missouri Classic, Springfield, Mo., Feb. 16
PBA Roth/Holman Doubles Championship, Vernon Hills, Ill., March 2.
PBA Nevada Classic, Reno, Nev., March 15.
PBA World Series of Bowling XVI, Reno, Nev., March 16-19.
World Championship, Reno, Nev., March 22.
USBC Masters, Allen Park, Mich., March 29-30.
PBA Jr. National Championships, Reno, Nev., April4.
PBA All-Star Weekend, Waukesha, Wis., April 5-6.
PBA Players Championship, Jackson, Mich., April 12-13.
PBA Tournament of Champions, Fairlawn, Ohio, April 19-20.
PBA Elite League: Battle of the Brands, Allen Park, Mich., April 26-27.
PBA Playoffs, Allen Park, Mich., May 3-4, 10-11, 18, 24.
THREE LOCAL BOWLERS CASH IN NEWARK
John Lowe of Le Roy made it to the semifinal round of the 60-and-Over Tour presented by Batavia Downs Gaming event last weekend at Doug Kent’s Rose Bowl Lanes.
Lowe was the fourth-high qualifier out of 51 entries, with a 723 series, and he went on to roll games of 216 and 267 in the first two round of the finals before dropping a 205-201 decision to Bill Bracht of Webster in the semis.
Lowe earned $280 for his efforts.
Two other Genesee Region USBC members cashed, with Batavian Paul Spiotta and Medina resident Bob Hodgson each earning $115 for reaching the first round. Spiotta qualified with a 718 series while Hodgins qualified in the 75 and over division with 611.
Spiotta and Hodgson also cashed in the season’s first tournament in early October at ABC Gates Bowl in Rochester.
Chuck Pitts of Cortland won the event, defeating Bracht, 215-184, to take home the $460 top prize. Bracht won $355.
Mancuso Bowling Center in Batavia will host the next tour stop at 11 a.m. Nov. 17. Check-in begins at 10 a.m. Entry fee is $60.
BEAT THE CHAMP ON SPECTRUM, DIRECTV STREAMING
Joe Ciccone, executive producer of the Beat The Champ bowling show, reported that MSG Network will be televising it weekly on Spectrum (channels 32 or 318) but not on DirecTV (channel 635-1).
DirecTV subscribers can view the show on the satellite company’s streaming service, he said.
“This was DirecTV’s decision,” Ciccone said. “It is out of the producer’s and MSG’s hands.”
Beat The Champ is scheduled for Saturday nights at 9:30, but viewers are asked to check their local listings.
The show also is on YouTube at www.youtube.com/@BeatTheChampBowling
Thus far, Mike Zarcone of Buffalo was victorious in the first two televised shows from Transit Lanes in Williamsville.