I’ve been saying for years and especially now, that the PBA is not doing a good enough job at covering these players. It says a lot when the players have their own channels with 100k subs and the PBA is failing to capitalize on that popularity.
@@andrewweltlich9065 Its best to be on UA-cam because Bowlers around the world don't have FOX, FS1 or FS2 on their TV's, so its hard for them to keep up what's going on in the PBA without being spoiled.
It would be nice but we need to growthe sport so media organizations want to show it. We can't do that when people are wanting to ban 2 handers and alienate what's a fast growing part of the game.
It needs to happen. There is a sharp contrast between the quality of the broadcast for a Fox Sports presentation (Randy and Rob, Lanetalk stats, Clutch Bowling tracing), and a live stream show. Only the hardest of hardcore bowlers are going to tune in for a straight live stream in a Midwest bowling center. Events like the Chris Paul Celebrity invitational, Strike Derby and King of the Lanes add another facet to bowling and help pull in more casual fans.
Ah yes, I rememeber when I was a Kid every Saturday, ABC wide world of sports, and it included PBA bowling. Loved Chris Schenkel's commentary during these telecasts.
I grew up watching the PBA on ABC every Saturday, and I hate that we don't have weekly broadcasts. I'd also love to see the PWBA on every week even if it is on a CBS cable channel.
Ever since Bowlero gained control over the PBA, I think it's just been downhill. Anyone that knows Bowlero centers, they really don't care about their own product and only care about the money side of things. Personally, I think the PBA needs to separate from Bowlero and go back to individual private centers. The other problem is that these events are not really announced or advertised to get people to watch.
Games are almost $10/game at prime time where I am at in a Bowlero center. This is in a area area with an average household income of about $30k. Needless to say, Nobody regularly pays full price and a lot of lanes are empty. Plus, the house is a mess. The approaches are regularly sticky and have debris on them, lanes seldom conditioned, and the scent of burned food is frequent. It's abysmal.
I've never been to Bowlero but here in the Philippines, there's Bowling Corporation called "SM Bowling" which is owned and operated by SM Supermalls. They're bad just like Bowlero because 1. some of the branches are overpriced, 2. they only limit Lanes to just 12, 14 or 16 and 3. Their AMF Pinsetters in all 10 of their Bowling Centers were all poorly maintained, especially the one I bowled at where only 12 out of 16 Lanes were still working and the mechanics were struggling to repair them, so they hired someone that worked at another SM Bowling branch to come and fix them. The good side about SM is they rarely or never do cosmic bowling, they maintained their lanes and they cared about Leagues even if greedy corporation doesn't allow them to have a Pro Shop anymore.
This isn't a PBA issue. This is bowling does not draw enough ratings for Fox or ESPN to have everything on TV. ESPN dropped bowling because it didn't bring the big ratings. Luckily we have Fox who televises all the major and made for TV events. Fox only gives the PBA did many time slots. Again this is not a PBA thing, it's a media thing.
I remember when the PBA was on every Saturday. FOX needs to bring that back. These guys don't get the respect, exposure, or money they deserve. I only watch the PBA and college football. We need more PBA. Especially this time of year.
@@davidsoto1472 I 100 % agree !! And that's a great point. What we really need is for major advertisers to start using some PBA players instead of the idiots they're using now.
I think since Bowlero owns the PBA, those centers should be streaming all events whether on fox or not. It doesn't even need to be live, they should have a few dedicated screens to the sport just playing the matches and tournaments all the time. So many people I know that love to bowl, don't watch the PBA because there's not much exposure to it really. I know not every center is a Bowlero, and there are many locations without them, but there's plenty around here and you never see their own product on their screens. They need to find a way to bring in the casual fanbase. I think there are several PBA members doing a better job promoting the sport than the PBA itself.
You should be able to watch your favorite player all games, know when its broadcastet(also for the world), and with commentators if wanted. I have bowltv and watch other things while having it on. Cause it is not fun watching players I DONT have interest in.
Being 73 I have watched pba since a kid, as a former scratch player I have always felt we need more coverage. In golf they show many different players and talk about swing holes when someone eagles or blows up. Imagine if they showed the match play leading up to the final show when you get bonus points for winning and you can see players moving up and down the board. You only have 12 matches at a time. This is the stuff when you go to a tournament that is exciting that needs to be seen. Maybe you could start a test run by having a smaller show of highlights to see how it works but this is the stuff that would excite the average viewer.
In the 80s and 90s bowling on tv had many stars past future and present ...it was a tour across the US and different networks with different commentators points of view . The sport in my opinion has become boring due to the equipment and watching the same players every week . I hope bowling can bring back the magic of yester year someday .
UA-cam has so many seasons of PBA bowling available. The tournaments in the 80s and 90s are so much better. Might even seen bowlers using one hand AND their thumb!
@@kyleb5169 I can understand people not liking 2 handed if there is proof that 2handed players have noticeably higher scores than one handed. Since originally 2 handed bowling was not allowed, if I'm not mistaken. But if it's just a style and doesn't mean a higher average strictly because of 2-handed.. then I agree it's not a big deal and just the style you like better or find easier.
Who cares? Bowling as a sport died decades ago. Once the technology of ball manufacturing made the game easier for everyone, the public lost interest. Then the PBA sponsors went away. Used to be there might be one or two 200 average bowlers per season in leagues, now there are 20+.
I grew up watching the PBA, primarily on ABC... just a classic TV sports presentation. The only times I'd miss watching is when I was involved in some bowling or other sports event myself during the telecast. Like others have alluded to here, it made for a great "sports-watching bridge from January- April every year (at the least). Though I still enjoy watching the game today, I totally agree that the live-streaming does not suffice when it comes to telecasting the finals. Then if ratings are the main reason Networks cite for not covering PBA events, I for one really find it hard to believe much of the garbage they show instead is actually doing better by them. At any rate, I would love to see the PBA finals events return to TV... much like it was (schedule-wise) when I watched it the most from the 70s- the 90s. With that I'd also love to see more PWBA finals events and the return of professional pocket billiards to American TV screens as well. Depending on streaming doesn't cut it for me anyhow...
Bowling will never succeed with viewership when a majority of bowlers say they don't watch bowling on TV. I bowled in college, and I was the only one who watched the shows. Everyone always tells me they like bowling but don't like watching it. This, coupled with the extremely insular nature of the bowling community, has continued to prevent the growth of the sport with casual viewers. Go ahead and ask all the pros if they watch the shows.
We need all majors like normal. Plus show the 16 bowlers the day before. Like they did this year. I'd be happy if they would give the smaller tournaments 2 or 3 a.m. slots, just air it!
To any complaining "one handed" bowlers... “I would say (two-handed bowling) is one of the most significant, quote, ‘improvements,’ in the game since I’ve been bowling, I mean it’s really quite a revelation,” said Williams, who has 47 career national PBA titles. “People talk about it and say they don’t like it, but when bowling was first invented there were no holes in the ball, you palmed the ball. And then someone put two holes in the ball, then someone put three holes in the ball and then someone tried fingertip. So, it’s been an evolution for 120 years or however long it’s been.” - Walter Ray Williams So, other than just complaining, it would be much more interesting if you actually had a point. (Note: Ever see the release of two-handed bowlers? It's ALWAYS just one hand.)
I don't understand why people are complaining about 2 handed bowlers? I saw someone say that is why the sport has lost coverage. I'm not a bowler so could you explain why they feel that way?
You've got a sub from me, enjoyed your discussion and definitely needs to be discussed more if we want bowling to grow. And yes, we need more bowling on TV, way more.
It’s time for bowling to move into live UA-cam or twitch Television is dying and bowling needs to bring in a younger audience And the younger audience is on yt and twitch
There's no way for TV broadcasts and the costs that come with it to compete with internet streaming. Personally, the BowlTV subscription service should cover qualifying, and the finals/step ladder should be livestreamed with basic ads and donations on UA-cam or twitch or something like that. That way you can pull try to pull in more people to the sport, but also have the "behind the scenes" exclusives behind a subscription service for the die hards to enjoy.
@@grillmaster95 streaming and owning their content will greatly increase profits Look at all the streamers making bank from just 10k viewers Think about this When a fox runs an ad during an event who is getting the biggest cut Even when the pba does PBR live ads Fox is still getting a cut With the PBA doing their own streaming They get 100% of their ads A bigger cut from the streaming platform Ad revenue It opens the sport up to a bigger audience A lot more “stopper by” or lurkers than channel surfers They will be joining most of their bowlers on platforms they are already on and making more money from than professional bowling Not only all that but You can still be on tele just now you can demand more for the product to be on their channel Hulu is showing more love sports They sport has to evolve with the tech and television as we know it and grew up with is dying It’s better to be on the train early than to be chasing it Gnomesayin
PBA needs to take ownership of their property and use means that are available to them and the public. I would just use UA-cam and have subscribers donate. The PBA's content team is non existent and needs a fresh, new view reaching the fans. It's not hard to create a professional broadcast for live streaming. There would be fewer rules, more emotion and the PBA can dictate what, where, and how they can consistently provide content. Believe it or not, if they did this approach they would procure more sponsors while keeping their main support partners. Bowling has never been easier to access with blogs and we can actually root for the players we like on a personal level. PBA needs to act now and make change or they will lose the exposure momentum they have.
Taking bowling off TV has caused the popularity of Bowling to drop. In my town there used to be 7 bowling allys. we now have 2. All the others have closed. There were 6 more within 30 miles. Now we have 2.
The Weber cup being dropped isn't worrying because they added the plastic ball tournament. So it's not like they doing less. It's just different to change it up.
PBA needs to create it's own channel and do all it's own media work and yes, they would need to sign on with the cable/satellite/streaming providers, but no doubt there is a deal to be had if they all aren't greedy, which all too often kills a network. See UA-cam/NESN. UA-cam decided to dump all RSN's and they pissed off a lot sports fans (myself included) who ditched them for AT&T, Fubo or even back to cable/satellite. If they were really smart, they would add in weekly broadcasts of college bowling as well of the larger schools leagues/events. I agree streaming on UA-cam or the app just isn't the same.
I am Sick of hearing Randy Pederson screaming About Great Spares that were converted By Pros that are routinely made by average every day bowlers. And Hearing Stupid terms Like “HAMBONE or YATZEE”. Bowling Is great enough and does not need to be reinvented. Hey RANDY, When a Split is Made, LET THE CROWD TELL THE STORY instead of yelling over them. When Mark Roth made his 7-10 you did not hear Chris Schenkel, You heard the Crowd. That was A GREAT MOMENT IN BOWLING HISTORY!
That was funny. I'm 59 and watched Earl Anthony and Mark Roth I have bowl tv love the sport. Dave Ryan is way better than the soccer guy Stone. That Stone guy talks to us like we're 11 years old. I like all the camera work and videos but him SCREAMING AT ME IS STUPID. 4:45 in the morning going back to bed laughing 😃 like hell. PEACE ✌️
Have to say, this is by far one of the most depressing season for bowling with it being off the air for most of the season. It was something myself and us all looked forward to ...
I remember a time that you could not only see the National stars on TV but one of the local stations had their own bowling alley in the building and they would broadcast that local match every week. Sad how times have changed
All PBA events should be televised. I remember as a kid tuning in to ABC every Saturday at 3pm to watch bowling and it should be no different nowadays.
They used to allow the people in the stands to react and cheer for the bowlers and get excited with them. It was encouraged. Then Pete Weber came along. Also, they gave advice and tips how to improve the game. The announcers were good, and liked when the bowlers were mic'd up.
$120 a year for BowlTV is insane to me. If the quality was close to Fox's boradcasts I could understand, but for $150/year I get MLBTV with every mlb game in high def and now minor league games included as well. I could watch more than 162 mlb games in a year for only $30 more than I could stream some low quality broadcasts of bowling. I understand there's production costs for bowltv, but they need to weigh potential customers versus what they charge. I like the sport and they are way over what I'd pay, so they are really only hitting the super hardcore fan I think. Best case scenario Fox or some channel or heck even a streaming service like Peacock picks up weekly bowling again
I'll have to disagree with you on this one. I find the price very similar to other major sporting events in terms of a "season" pass. I also love the uncut un edited version of their show. Fox Sports is so commercialized its insane, and BowlTV is live footage of the bowling alley raw, unedited. With the ability to watch the bowlers with or without analyst. Also, its completely commercial free with the ability to rewatch every single tournament at the click of a button. Not only does it include PBA/USBC stuff, but you also get the high school tournaments and college tournaments where you get to see up and coming kids like Chris Barne's son, and you get all this for 12.95 a month.
I have Bowl tv and it's great 👍. I got it when it was 100 . I had nba league pass and nfl ticket got rid of both enjoy bowl tv more. I guess it's all in what you want to spend your money on. Thanks 👍 😊
BowlTV now shows all qualifying and match play along with the Finals of the ones that wont be on National TV. Sadly the days of 32 tour stops and on TV every Saturday are long gone. Until a MAJOR sponsor steps up, were only gonna get the Majors on National TV.
I was disappointed when the TV schedule was released last year with only the majors. Looks like the ratings are acceptable when on FOX as opposed to FS1 or FS2. FOX probably said they were only interested in the majors for the prime network. They added the televised match play for FS1 but that seems like a throw in since they have the crew there already to cover the event. I haven't subscribed to Bowl TV but in general the live stream is weak (Sorry Mike Flanagan, you do a great job with what you've been given). I do like the modern broadcasts. I know a lot of the old timers complain and want it to be just like the 70s with Chris & Bo but times have changed. The rarified air of golf doesn't really appeal and for bowling they need to draw in viewers. I think the telecasts are great these days. I love listening to Randy. Rob Stone gets a lot of hate from purists but his voice does make the telecasts more interesting for me. I thought the Elias Cup telecasts were awesome with the Bay Side crowd whooping it up. I think if PBA is going to grow they need to play up their "every man" appeal. I don't advocate that every tournament be like that but they are competing for eyeballs, so the telecasts need to compelling. Sure, Kyle Troup can be a clown sometimes, but he's brings in the eyeballs. Unfortunately, the PBA is dependent on these TV contracts. The prize money has been cratering for years. I don't see how anyone below the top 5 in a year make enough to stay on tour. I get that there's the hidden sponsorship deals but its probably still a tough go. $100K for winning a major is a nice payday but those are few and far between for these guys. My guess is that this year, FOX told PBA that they only interested in the majors and dangled a carrot that if the ratings look good they'll expand the schedule next year. If the TV contract continues to dwindle don't see how PBA can survive. In the era when "League of Ordinary Gentlemen" came out there will still 20-30 stops a year and the purses weren't much different than they are today. Its a tough environment and I don't envy Tom Clarke. Whatever the solution is, its not BowlTV in its current form.
Nice Adam I'm 59 have bowl tv watched when I was a kid in two leagues. What I see is people don't want to commit 32 weeks of there life to bowling so people bowl for fun and don't care how much they pay. For my friends and I we just wish these bowling centers would oil more but only experienced people understand what I'm talking about. I like Dave Ryan better than Rob Stone. Thanks 👍 😊
Man I was wondering the same thing! It makes no sense that bowling has gained popularity, but there showing less of it on tv. I follow it on Bowl TV, but I agree with you that it's not the same...At all. I really hope it's not the start of it fading away. Anyway, great video sir!
In the 1960's when I was a teenager, one or two pro tournaments in the city I lived in. Bowling should be promoted more. Over 100 games to get to the top five. This is well deserved for the hard working pros.
and you're surprised why??? Bowling does NOT garner the ratings or audience to justify the cost of the production. Major tournaments are a completely didfferent matter. No one rushes home to watch the PBA Scorpion Championship in Anytown USA. It's just not captivating enough for casual fans.
It’s sad that EJ Tackett bowled Dom Barrett in a final match without a live telecast. Possibly the two most beautiful one handed bowling styles ever with subpar production.
I have been thinking about the fact that there are not many of the tournys on tv anymore. When I grew up , every tournament was televised. Saturdays was a day that my whole family looked forward to when abc had coverage with Chris and Bo announcing.
The entire PBA season needs to be shown. From TV exposure fans pick their favorites and follow them. This weekly 'show' needs to be first broadcast at the same day and time weekly. Create a season long narrative on how the points leader board and struggle for Player of the Year is developing. Maybe the PBA needs to launch its own cable channel; just a randomn thought
The biggest problem with TV now is the lack of continuity. I grew up watching every saturday on ABC. ESPN ruined the telecast with all of their "innovations" that made them unwatchable. Fox does a very good job though I will NEVER understand why they still show a few shots from behind the lane which are useless in actually watching the shot. The other problem they ran into a few weeks ago was a womens college basketball game taking 25 minutes to play the last 1:17 of the game. The first match of bowling was almost over by the time they switched too it.
Funny, I was just looking to see if there was PBA on this weekend and there is not. Very disappointing. Come on Fox and PBA, promote! Time for the players to take a stand.
I miss watching the PBA, when it was on every Saturday on ABC, i know we are going back in the day, but it was on every weekend from the east coast to the west coast and even Canada ! it needs to get back to that again.
Like many others I grew up watching Bo and Chris broadcast the tournament every Saturday afternoon on ABC. Fact of the matter is that times change, bowling isn't nearly as popular as it was, and most importantly, people are increasingly turning to streaming instead of watching broadcast TV. I'm much more a fan of the PBA50 tour than the regular tour and have zero problems watching the PBA50 finals on UA-cam
As a new up-and-coming topic Channel, you have already created a handful of interesting videos, the Weber Cup’s hiatus, Belmo predictions, and this video specifically, with a generous subscriber base so soon to boot! While it is unfortunate about the lack of Bowling on US television currently (though I live in Australia) watching the Documentary “A League of Ordinary Gentlemen” has made me grateful that the PBA is not financially unstable as it was during the late 1990s, the telecasts are on a reputable Network that being FOX and FS1, and big name sponsors such as KIA and Snickers are on board. Hopefully though the opportunity for more telecasts will open up in the future. Your content is enjoyable to watch, paired with the right visuals, and your narrating voice is engaging. Plus, I like your cheery sign off “Thank you bowling fans, and see you all next time” too. Looking forward to watching this channel grow! P.S. Your Channel icon is cool too! 🎳
We need more!!!!! What happened to the outdoor games? Why does the celebrity invitational have little to no publicity? Why is their youtube filled with videos from past winners or memorable moments? Whats holding them back to hold more charity events or live streams? Or fun strike derby's from just like Taylormade makes fun golf videos with their pro's. They need to evolve the sport using social media. Screw the old timer stuff. We're in the new times now.
As a HUGE FAN of BOWLING & THE BPA, I think the people who have run the PBA has run it DISCRACEFULLY. Honestly it SUCKS. Bowling is an awesome sport and it has always gotten NO RESPECT and that has PISSED ME OFF for years. It really discussed me. It's run like shit by a bunch of idiots. IF it was run properly I have no doubt it could be as big as GOLF. Many people may same I am crazy to say that but I completely disagree. It really saddens me it really does. The amount of money that these bowlers in the PBA are making is discusting and sickens me. These guys deserve to get paid.
Good job sir 💯. Have bowl tv in two travel leagues. What really upsets me is NO OIL WHEN WE PRACTICE. Bunch of my freinds are mechanics if your house is 36 lanes oil 12 for league bowlers at least. Let the kids bowl on the non oiled lanes.
I was looking forward to watching the PBA today, but it's not on regular tv. I don't have a subscription to the CBS sports channel. Bummer, I bowl league and am sadden I can't see this today. COME ON MAN (PBA).
Oh sorry forgot to add that the two handed style was originally for woman not so much weak guys but appears even the women prefer the one handed approach. Great to see.
It’s been a real tough go of is since 1997. The tour has bounced around everywhere since then. Boeing is still popular but I’d argue more recreationally. It’s definitely a balance if the PBA and the USBC want to grow bowling and competitive bowling, more content needs to be on for casual viewers.
Great video and takes. I do NOT want to see bowling televised for every tournament. But I would like to see some semblance of regular tour stops like we used to get. Now, maybe not 17 like a full Winter tour. But something like 7 regular stops, then a major. Take a 6 week break, 7 more stops then a major. Then finish out with something similar but fewer in the fall. I really don't care at all for their non-singles events like the League or strike-fest shows. I just want to see a show where any PBA member could enter and win a title. I know the PBA is trying to create excitement, but the announcing team just doesn't do it for me. I've had pros critcize my take that "We are lucky to have Rob Stone!" but I don't concur. The Rob & Randy show is a joke. All about inane banter and in jokes. Reminds me of the announcers in the film Dodge Ball. I really have no love for their loose announcing style, as I do for the music in between frames. They are going for NASCAR/WWE reactions and I hate it. My hope is that Pederson retires and Chris Barnes takes his place. He's a bit stiff on the mic but offers much better insight. I know I'm in the vast minority, but I want the PBA shows to return to a more PGA-type atmosphere - quiet, serious, with only minimal yahoos hootin' and hollerin'. Keep up the good work.
Many thanks for the comment and glad you enjoyed the video :) Very interesting point you made about the about the commentators. Funnily enough I've actually got a video in the works about the PBA commentators... Will release it soon
Would love to see Norm Duke and Brian Voss do the commentating. They're PBA greats, have done broadcasts before, and their friends. You would get some banter, but also the seriousness/insight that hall of famers of the sport can give.
Nice video bowl in two travel leagues have bowl tv it has great coverage. Pba on fox is fine Randy is good like Dave Ryan better then Rob. I don't understand why golf gets more money. Thanks 👍
I love bowling so much and especially watching it. I am 74 years old and have been bowling for at least forty years so more more tv please. Less Randy tho and need to let us know what they are throwing
Mr. The Right Lane, In my opinion (and I respect if you disagree with me), bowling on TV died when the PBA lost their prime Saturday afternoon slot in 1997. In 1998-99; CBS had the PBA tour, but their coverage was spotty. Plus you had the golden pins and only four bowlers on a telecast (3 way match, then the number 1 seed).
The biggest problem with the PBA is their lack of modern branding. The only thing I see online about bowling is from the players on their own channels. Our local bowling alley is packed full of players six days per week. There's interest but PBA just isn't building a brand.
I've always referred to players making their TV debuts as rookies, although they could've been on the tour for 10+ years and may have even won a title. I don't follow the non-television events, and oftentimes, they make you pay for those other tournaments. It would be great if the PBA can give more resources to showcase the lesser known titles.
These Great Athletes Deserve More Money. Maybe a.Huge League with a full season. After every year, hold several tournaments to give the top 5 players of each tournament an automatic slot on one of the PBA Teams??
When I learned to bowl, I watched tv bowling for instruction and entertainment. They had tv tournaments. Each week presented two bowlers who competed against each other for game money and total pinfall for the three games. That made each game and each week a tv event. The bowlers’ totals were compiled. The lowest scorers were dropped after the fist round of tournament play; the rest advanced to the second round. After all were eliminated, there was a final three game championship match. It took weeks to complete the tv tournament. But each week was like a mini tournament or contest or pot game so even if viewers could not see all the matches, each week still had the drama of competition. The announcers knew bowling and could describe the bowlers’s style. And there were no stupid shots showing closeups of the bowlers faces. You could watch them set up on the approach. They had better shots of their arm swing, you could see the ball path from behind the bowlers’ shoulders or sometimes from above. I especially remember Championship Bowling. I think that was a good format for tv bowling. I don’t care for watching a short parade of single finalists at the end of a PBA tournament.
The streaming deal they tried with FloBlowing was astronomical cost to the subscribers and the USBC owns BowlTV which they maintain a decent relationship with. There's certainly a contract with BowlTV that we don't know about where the PBA has to showcase those event there. Especially when there's no incentive to put PTQ, match play, etc. on live TV. BowlTV/USBC likely made it a point that to show those portions of the tournament we'd like "x, y, z." That's the same reason why we can't watch TOC or US Open Final's, plus others on BowlTV. Love to see bowling on the national stage more- especially stepladders finals. BowlTV does a solid job for the PTQ, match play events, and would love to see some of them transition to the national broadcast. I do wish more people had access however nationwide beside having to subscribe to two platforms.
Get someone in there besides Tom Clark. I appreciate his work in other areas, but marketing the players is not his strong suit. We’ve lost all momentum from an extremely successful US Open. Bowl TV is fine for the rest of the event, but seeing professional finals with zero prestige and no broadcast is sad to see. Bring back arena finals and a consistent TV schedule. Sponsorships are key, but sponsors don’t see the value if we only see the tour on TV a handful of times.
I've been recently following Brad and Kyle...they make their You Tube channel interesting....Unfortunately for the Networks its all about $$$$. If they can't sell it, commercial time etc...they'll look elsewhere to make money for airtime. It is a shame. They should at least air the finals....
Unfortunately, bowling isn't a fair weather sport for a lot of people meaning that coverage of it rarely extends past about now even though there are events. Go ask any center owner/manager about summer business. This schedule reflects that drop off.
I think right now we are seeing a trend or shift in watching habits of bowlers. There is an interesting interview with Jesse Curiel on the "Beef and Barnz podcast" that might shed some light on how bowling is changing. To have this sport continue, we need to have the younger audience. Television is missing this with how they show bowling currently.
2:55: Even though ratings are "up" it does not mean Fox is making money. The original contract from the get go probably specified only a small minimum number of televised events each year. If Fox was making lots of money last year, then there would be more TV events. But Fox is national TV network and they and their sponsors wants big ratings and they want events and people watching from big population centers. That is not happening. Bowling is only relevant in sections of the midwest. The FIRST 14 national events this year are IN THE MIDWEST. Nothing on the east or west coast, nothing in heavily populated Florida. Springfield Missouri? Kokomo Indiana? It is niche sport. NOT a major sport. How the heck can Fox justify showing the PBA right now with college ( March Madness) and pro basketball in their peak seasons? THAT is why there is no TV.
I lost interest when the 2 handers came in , while at the same time the events were made more "flashier" to ty an appeal to the younger crowd. both were mistakes in my book , and for sure it drove me and most of my bowling friends away.
I think there should be a network for PBA that is not a streaming service. Also, the hype of it, like a sportscenter of sorts, who's in the lead in points, inside looks at the regional guys, I could go on and on. The PBA I broken! There is a much better way to bring money to bowling so the top bowlers get eyeballs on them and they make money like the golfers. It's too easy and they just won't take advantage of it. The regional tours are getting really far between stops as well. The SW region is massive. I remember the PBA regional tour would have a stop at my home center in one town, and then months later, another stop at the center in the next town over. Flights and carrying bowling balls around is really expensive. There has just got to be a better way than this!
Just as long as Randy Pederson finally realizes that the reason for leaving a solid ten pin is because the ball finishes directly on the 9 pin, and stops calling it a great shot and a bad break, I don't care how many hours of tv coverage there is. Nelson Burton Jr. discovered that over 40 years ago. Why hasn't Pederson figured it out yet???
I’ve been saying for years and especially now, that the PBA is not doing a good enough job at covering these players. It says a lot when the players have their own channels with 100k subs and the PBA is failing to capitalize on that popularity.
Yeah, it's sad that today the best way for most fans to watch the PBA is youtube.
Yep. That's how I follow all of it. UA-cam.
@@andrewweltlich9065 Its best to be on UA-cam because Bowlers around the world don't have FOX, FS1 or FS2 on their TV's, so its hard for them to keep up what's going on in the PBA without being spoiled.
BowlTV covers most of the tournaments this year. Not free. But reasonable for a whole year and they also cover the Ladie
@Andrew Weltlich BowlTV covers most of tournaments this year.
I would like to see bowling on every weekend. It would get me through the winter and early spring months. More bowling on TV please.
It would be nice but we need to growthe sport so media organizations want to show it. We can't do that when people are wanting to ban 2 handers and alienate what's a fast growing part of the game.
It needs to happen. There is a sharp contrast between the quality of the broadcast for a Fox Sports presentation (Randy and Rob, Lanetalk stats, Clutch Bowling tracing), and a live stream show. Only the hardest of hardcore bowlers are going to tune in for a straight live stream in a Midwest bowling center. Events like the Chris Paul Celebrity invitational, Strike Derby and King of the Lanes add another facet to bowling and help pull in more casual fans.
I agree, thank goodness there is UA-cam to watch the matches
Ah yes, I rememeber when I was a Kid every Saturday, ABC wide world of sports, and it included PBA bowling. Loved Chris Schenkel's commentary during these telecasts.
I grew up watching the PBA on ABC every Saturday, and I hate that we don't have weekly broadcasts. I'd also love to see the PWBA on every week even if it is on a CBS cable channel.
I watched the PBA when it was in Black and White now I'm watching some of the kids of those B & W shows now in the PBA It's ALL good 🙂
Ever since Bowlero gained control over the PBA, I think it's just been downhill. Anyone that knows Bowlero centers, they really don't care about their own product and only care about the money side of things. Personally, I think the PBA needs to separate from Bowlero and go back to individual private centers. The other problem is that these events are not really announced or advertised to get people to watch.
Bowlero is garbage. All they want is to charge crazy $$ for family bowling and their crappy food.
Bowlero doesnt care about the sport. That's why lanes are outdated and rarely oiled
Games are almost $10/game at prime time where I am at in a Bowlero center. This is in a area area with an average household income of about $30k. Needless to say, Nobody regularly pays full price and a lot of lanes are empty. Plus, the house is a mess. The approaches are regularly sticky and have debris on them, lanes seldom conditioned, and the scent of burned food is frequent. It's abysmal.
I've never been to Bowlero but here in the Philippines, there's Bowling Corporation called "SM Bowling" which is owned and operated by SM Supermalls. They're bad just like Bowlero because 1. some of the branches are overpriced, 2. they only limit Lanes to just 12, 14 or 16 and 3. Their AMF Pinsetters in all 10 of their Bowling Centers were all poorly maintained, especially the one I bowled at where only 12 out of 16 Lanes were still working and the mechanics were struggling to repair them, so they hired someone that worked at another SM Bowling branch to come and fix them. The good side about SM is they rarely or never do cosmic bowling, they maintained their lanes and they cared about Leagues even if greedy corporation doesn't allow them to have a Pro Shop anymore.
This isn't a PBA issue. This is bowling does not draw enough ratings for Fox or ESPN to have everything on TV. ESPN dropped bowling because it didn't bring the big ratings. Luckily we have Fox who televises all the major and made for TV events. Fox only gives the PBA did many time slots. Again this is not a PBA thing, it's a media thing.
I remember when the PBA was on every Saturday. FOX needs to bring that back. These guys don't get the respect, exposure, or money they deserve. I only watch the PBA and college football. We need more PBA. Especially this time of year.
I don't think the PBA has a clue how to market their product, what a shame. Maybe we could take Elon Musk out to bowl and get him interested LOL
@@davidsoto1472 I 100 % agree !! And that's a great point. What we really need is for major advertisers to start using some PBA players instead of the idiots they're using now.
Every PBA event should be covered on TV. I would also suggest that the PBA50 events also be televised too along with the PWBA also. IMO
I think since Bowlero owns the PBA, those centers should be streaming all events whether on fox or not. It doesn't even need to be live, they should have a few dedicated screens to the sport just playing the matches and tournaments all the time. So many people I know that love to bowl, don't watch the PBA because there's not much exposure to it really. I know not every center is a Bowlero, and there are many locations without them, but there's plenty around here and you never see their own product on their screens. They need to find a way to bring in the casual fanbase. I think there are several PBA members doing a better job promoting the sport than the PBA itself.
You should be able to watch your favorite player all games, know when its broadcastet(also for the world), and with commentators if wanted.
I have bowltv and watch other things while having it on. Cause it is not fun watching players I DONT have interest in.
I’d love for all the tourneys to be on tv
This is the media refusing not the PBA
Being 73 I have watched pba since a kid, as a former scratch player I have always felt we need more coverage. In golf they show many different players and talk about swing holes when someone eagles or blows up. Imagine if they showed the match play leading up to the final show when you get bonus points for winning and you can see players moving up and down the board. You only have 12 matches at a time. This is the stuff when you go to a tournament that is exciting that needs to be seen. Maybe you could start a test run by having a smaller show of highlights to see how it works but this is the stuff that would excite the average viewer.
I'm with you Bowling is VERY popular, the line is out the door on league nights with people wanting to bowl when league is done.
I remember my family gathering around the TV to watch every weekend. And none of us ever bowled!
In the 80s and 90s bowling on tv had many stars past future and present ...it was a tour across the US and different networks with different commentators points of view .
The sport in my opinion has become boring due to the equipment and watching the same players every week .
I hope bowling can bring back the magic of yester year someday .
I used to love watching bowling on the weekend when I was a kid. It's so sad that it impossible to find on TV anymore.
UA-cam has so many seasons of PBA bowling available. The tournaments in the 80s and 90s are so much better. Might even seen bowlers using one hand AND their thumb!
The rise of the two-handed style killed it for me.
The PBA started going down when Eddie Elias passed away in the late 90s
Everyone of my friends who I had try bowling loved it. I think more people need to be open to trying new things, like bowling.
Agreed! That means ending the 2 handed is cheating BS
@@kyleb5169 I can understand people not liking 2 handed if there is proof that 2handed players have noticeably higher scores than one handed. Since originally 2 handed bowling was not allowed, if I'm not mistaken. But if it's just a style and doesn't mean a higher average strictly because of 2-handed.. then I agree it's not a big deal and just the style you like better or find easier.
all pba tournament s should be televised it's the biggest sport. where people participate
They never show it and then wonder why nobody says they watch!
Who cares? Bowling as a sport died decades ago. Once the technology of ball manufacturing made the game easier for everyone, the public lost interest. Then the PBA sponsors went away. Used to be there might be one or two 200 average bowlers per season in leagues, now there are 20+.
They didn't even show the cheque presentation nor did they have comments from the winner. That's sad.
I grew up watching the PBA, primarily on ABC... just a classic TV sports presentation. The only times I'd miss watching is when I was involved in some bowling or other sports event myself during the telecast. Like others have alluded to here, it made for a great "sports-watching bridge from January- April every year (at the least).
Though I still enjoy watching the game today, I totally agree that the live-streaming does not suffice when it comes to telecasting the finals. Then if ratings are the main reason Networks cite for not covering PBA events, I for one really find it hard to believe much of the garbage they show instead is actually doing better by them. At any rate, I would love to see the PBA finals events return to TV... much like it was (schedule-wise) when I watched it the most from the 70s- the 90s.
With that I'd also love to see more PWBA finals events and the return of professional pocket billiards to American TV screens as well. Depending on streaming doesn't cut it for me anyhow...
Bowling will never succeed with viewership when a majority of bowlers say they don't watch bowling on TV. I bowled in college, and I was the only one who watched the shows. Everyone always tells me they like bowling but don't like watching it. This, coupled with the extremely insular nature of the bowling community, has continued to prevent the growth of the sport with casual viewers. Go ahead and ask all the pros if they watch the shows.
We need all majors like normal. Plus show the 16 bowlers the day before. Like they did this year. I'd be happy if they would give the smaller tournaments 2 or 3 a.m. slots, just air it!
To any complaining "one handed" bowlers...
“I would say (two-handed bowling) is one of the most significant, quote, ‘improvements,’ in the game since I’ve been bowling, I mean it’s really quite a revelation,” said Williams, who has 47 career national PBA titles. “People talk about it and say they don’t like it, but when bowling was first invented there were no holes in the ball, you palmed the ball. And then someone put two holes in the ball, then someone put three holes in the ball and then someone tried fingertip. So, it’s been an evolution for 120 years or however long it’s been.”
- Walter Ray Williams
So, other than just complaining, it would be much more interesting if you actually had a point.
(Note: Ever see the release of two-handed bowlers? It's ALWAYS just one hand.)
I don't understand why people are complaining about 2 handed bowlers? I saw someone say that is why the sport has lost coverage. I'm not a bowler so could you explain why they feel that way?
You've got a sub from me, enjoyed your discussion and definitely needs to be discussed more if we want bowling to grow. And yes, we need more bowling on TV, way more.
Thanks a lot! Glad you enjoyed it. Here's hoping for more bowling on TV very soon :)
Go tell your businesses to sponsor the PBA. They need sponsors like golf. Plus end the hatred of 2 handers and accept it as growth.
It’s time for bowling to move into live UA-cam or twitch
Television is dying and bowling needs to bring in a younger audience
And the younger audience is on yt and twitch
There's no way for TV broadcasts and the costs that come with it to compete with internet streaming. Personally, the BowlTV subscription service should cover qualifying, and the finals/step ladder should be livestreamed with basic ads and donations on UA-cam or twitch or something like that. That way you can pull try to pull in more people to the sport, but also have the "behind the scenes" exclusives behind a subscription service for the die hards to enjoy.
@@grillmaster95 streaming and owning their content will greatly increase profits
Look at all the streamers making bank from just 10k viewers
Think about this
When a fox runs an ad during an event who is getting the biggest cut
Even when the pba does PBR live ads
Fox is still getting a cut
With the PBA doing their own streaming
They get 100% of their ads
A bigger cut from the streaming platform
Ad revenue
It opens the sport up to a bigger audience
A lot more “stopper by” or lurkers than channel surfers
They will be joining most of their bowlers on platforms they are already on and making more money from than professional bowling
Not only all that but
You can still be on tele just now you can demand more for the product to be on their channel
Hulu is showing more love sports
They sport has to evolve with the tech and television as we know it and grew up with is dying
It’s better to be on the train early than to be chasing it
Gnomesayin
PBA needs to take ownership of their property and use means that are available to them and the public. I would just use UA-cam and have subscribers donate. The PBA's content team is non existent and needs a fresh, new view reaching the fans. It's not hard to create a professional broadcast for live streaming. There would be fewer rules, more emotion and the PBA can dictate what, where, and how they can consistently provide content. Believe it or not, if they did this approach they would procure more sponsors while keeping their main support partners. Bowling has never been easier to access with blogs and we can actually root for the players we like on a personal level. PBA needs to act now and make change or they will lose the exposure momentum they have.
i think all tournament s should be televised also for all to see
I see u r new I have subscribed thanks for ur efforts very well done and great points….
Taking bowling off TV has caused the popularity of Bowling to drop. In my town there used to be 7
bowling allys. we now have 2. All the others have closed. There were 6 more within 30 miles. Now we have 2.
The Weber cup being dropped isn't worrying because they added the plastic ball tournament. So it's not like they doing less. It's just different to change it up.
PBA needs to create it's own channel and do all it's own media work and yes, they would need to sign on with the cable/satellite/streaming providers, but no doubt there is a deal to be had if they all aren't greedy, which all too often kills a network. See UA-cam/NESN. UA-cam decided to dump all RSN's and they pissed off a lot sports fans (myself included) who ditched them for AT&T, Fubo or even back to cable/satellite. If they were really smart, they would add in weekly broadcasts of college bowling as well of the larger schools leagues/events.
I agree streaming on UA-cam or the app just isn't the same.
I am Sick of hearing Randy Pederson screaming About Great Spares that were converted By Pros that are routinely made by average every day bowlers. And Hearing Stupid terms Like “HAMBONE or YATZEE”. Bowling Is great enough and does not need to be reinvented. Hey RANDY, When a Split is Made, LET THE CROWD TELL THE STORY instead of yelling over them. When Mark Roth made his 7-10 you did not hear Chris Schenkel, You heard the Crowd. That was A GREAT MOMENT IN BOWLING HISTORY!
That was funny. I'm 59 and watched Earl Anthony and Mark Roth I have bowl tv love the sport. Dave Ryan is way better than the soccer guy Stone. That Stone guy talks to us like we're 11 years old. I like all the camera work and videos but him SCREAMING AT ME IS STUPID. 4:45 in the morning going back to bed laughing 😃 like hell. PEACE ✌️
Have to say, this is by far one of the most depressing season for bowling with it being off the air for most of the season. It was something myself and us all looked forward to ...
The beginning of the us open was pre-empted by a regular season women's college basketball game. That should tell you where bowling ranks for Fox...
I remember a time that you could not only see the National stars on TV but one of the local stations had their own bowling alley in the building and they would broadcast that local match every week. Sad how times have changed
there is lots of guys doing there own vlogs on youtube and do a great job on there videos
All PBA events should be televised. I remember as a kid tuning in to ABC every Saturday at 3pm to watch bowling and it should be no different nowadays.
Two-handed bowling killed the sport. It's no longer about skill. Instead, it's about watching Ronald MacDonald chuck the ball at 40 MPH.
They used to allow the people in the stands to react and cheer for the bowlers and get excited with them. It was encouraged. Then Pete Weber came along. Also, they gave advice and tips how to improve the game. The announcers were good, and liked when the bowlers were mic'd up.
$120 a year for BowlTV is insane to me. If the quality was close to Fox's boradcasts I could understand, but for $150/year I get MLBTV with every mlb game in high def and now minor league games included as well. I could watch more than 162 mlb games in a year for only $30 more than I could stream some low quality broadcasts of bowling. I understand there's production costs for bowltv, but they need to weigh potential customers versus what they charge. I like the sport and they are way over what I'd pay, so they are really only hitting the super hardcore fan I think. Best case scenario Fox or some channel or heck even a streaming service like Peacock picks up weekly bowling again
I'll have to disagree with you on this one. I find the price very similar to other major sporting events in terms of a "season" pass. I also love the uncut un edited version of their show. Fox Sports is so commercialized its insane, and BowlTV is live footage of the bowling alley raw, unedited. With the ability to watch the bowlers with or without analyst. Also, its completely commercial free with the ability to rewatch every single tournament at the click of a button. Not only does it include PBA/USBC stuff, but you also get the high school tournaments and college tournaments where you get to see up and coming kids like Chris Barne's son, and you get all this for 12.95 a month.
I have Bowl tv and it's great 👍. I got it when it was 100 . I had nba league pass and nfl ticket got rid of both enjoy bowl tv more. I guess it's all in what you want to spend your money on. Thanks 👍 😊
I wish they were all on tv (even though i am not a US resident).
BowlTV now shows all qualifying and match play along with the Finals of the ones that wont be on National TV. Sadly the days of 32 tour stops and on TV every Saturday are long gone. Until a MAJOR sponsor steps up, were only gonna get the Majors on National TV.
I would love for Sportscenter to show highlights again and also bring back the skills competition
I was disappointed when the TV schedule was released last year with only the majors. Looks like the ratings are acceptable when on FOX as opposed to FS1 or FS2. FOX probably said they were only interested in the majors for the prime network. They added the televised match play for FS1 but that seems like a throw in since they have the crew there already to cover the event.
I haven't subscribed to Bowl TV but in general the live stream is weak (Sorry Mike Flanagan, you do a great job with what you've been given). I do like the modern broadcasts. I know a lot of the old timers complain and want it to be just like the 70s with Chris & Bo but times have changed. The rarified air of golf doesn't really appeal and for bowling they need to draw in viewers. I think the telecasts are great these days. I love listening to Randy. Rob Stone gets a lot of hate from purists but his voice does make the telecasts more interesting for me.
I thought the Elias Cup telecasts were awesome with the Bay Side crowd whooping it up. I think if PBA is going to grow they need to play up their "every man" appeal. I don't advocate that every tournament be like that but they are competing for eyeballs, so the telecasts need to compelling. Sure, Kyle Troup can be a clown sometimes, but he's brings in the eyeballs.
Unfortunately, the PBA is dependent on these TV contracts. The prize money has been cratering for years. I don't see how anyone below the top 5 in a year make enough to stay on tour. I get that there's the hidden sponsorship deals but its probably still a tough go. $100K for winning a major is a nice payday but those are few and far between for these guys.
My guess is that this year, FOX told PBA that they only interested in the majors and dangled a carrot that if the ratings look good they'll expand the schedule next year. If the TV contract continues to dwindle don't see how PBA can survive. In the era when "League of Ordinary Gentlemen" came out there will still 20-30 stops a year and the purses weren't much different than they are today. Its a tough environment and I don't envy Tom Clarke. Whatever the solution is, its not BowlTV in its current form.
Nice Adam I'm 59 have bowl tv watched when I was a kid in two leagues. What I see is people don't want to commit 32 weeks of there life to bowling so people bowl for fun and don't care how much they pay. For my friends and I we just wish these bowling centers would oil more but only experienced people understand what I'm talking about. I like Dave Ryan better than Rob Stone. Thanks 👍 😊
Man I was wondering the same thing! It makes no sense that bowling has gained popularity, but there showing less of it on tv. I follow it on Bowl TV, but I agree with you that it's not the same...At all. I really hope it's not the start of it fading away. Anyway, great video sir!
Agree! Promote bowling and more on TV to attract more viewers!
In the 1960's when I was a teenager, one or two pro tournaments in the city I lived in. Bowling should be promoted more. Over 100 games to get to the top five. This is well deserved for the hard working pros.
How will we be able to find out PBA bowling schedule on Fox?😀
and you're surprised why??? Bowling does NOT garner the ratings or audience to justify the cost of the production. Major tournaments are a completely didfferent matter. No one rushes home to watch the PBA Scorpion Championship in Anytown USA. It's just not captivating enough for casual fans.
It’s sad that EJ Tackett bowled Dom Barrett in a final match without a live telecast. Possibly the two most beautiful one handed bowling styles ever with subpar production.
I have been thinking about the fact that there are not many of the tournys on tv anymore. When I grew up , every tournament was televised. Saturdays was a day that my whole family looked forward to when abc had coverage with Chris and Bo announcing.
Its good to hear a Brit speak so high of bowling! Well done.
The entire PBA season needs to be shown. From TV exposure fans pick their favorites and follow them. This weekly 'show' needs to be first broadcast at the same day and time weekly. Create a season long narrative on how the points leader board and struggle for Player of the Year is developing. Maybe the PBA needs to launch its own cable channel; just a randomn thought
The biggest problem with TV now is the lack of continuity. I grew up watching every saturday on ABC. ESPN ruined the telecast with all of their "innovations" that made them unwatchable. Fox does a very good job though I will NEVER understand why they still show a few shots from behind the lane which are useless in actually watching the shot. The other problem they ran into a few weeks ago was a womens college basketball game taking 25 minutes to play the last 1:17 of the game. The first match of bowling was almost over by the time they switched too it.
Funny, I was just looking to see if there was PBA on this weekend and there is not. Very disappointing. Come on Fox and PBA, promote! Time for the players to take a stand.
I miss watching the PBA, when it was on every Saturday on ABC, i know we are going back in the day, but it was on every weekend from the east coast to the west coast and even Canada ! it needs to get back to that again.
Like many others I grew up watching Bo and Chris broadcast the tournament every Saturday afternoon on ABC. Fact of the matter is that times change, bowling isn't nearly as popular as it was, and most importantly, people are increasingly turning to streaming instead of watching broadcast TV. I'm much more a fan of the PBA50 tour than the regular tour and have zero problems watching the PBA50 finals on UA-cam
They want you to pay for a subscription service, and most, like myself, refuse to do that.
Why is TV schedule not on the PBA or Fox website?
As a new up-and-coming topic Channel, you have already created a handful of interesting videos, the Weber Cup’s hiatus, Belmo predictions, and this video specifically, with a generous subscriber base so soon to boot!
While it is unfortunate about the lack of Bowling on US television currently (though I live in Australia) watching the Documentary “A League of Ordinary Gentlemen” has made me grateful that the PBA is not financially unstable as it was during the late 1990s, the telecasts are on a reputable Network that being FOX and FS1, and big name sponsors such as KIA and Snickers are on board. Hopefully though the opportunity for more telecasts will open up in the future.
Your content is enjoyable to watch, paired with the right visuals, and your narrating voice is engaging. Plus, I like your cheery sign off “Thank you bowling fans, and see you all next time” too. Looking forward to watching this channel grow!
P.S. Your Channel icon is cool too! 🎳
We need more!!!!! What happened to the outdoor games? Why does the celebrity invitational have little to no publicity? Why is their youtube filled with videos from past winners or memorable moments? Whats holding them back to hold more charity events or live streams? Or fun strike derby's from just like Taylormade makes fun golf videos with their pro's. They need to evolve the sport using social media. Screw the old timer stuff. We're in the new times now.
In some states, FOX affiliate stations, it won't even air on Television. I checked on the TV on that Sunday, it didn't even show it.
There are number of bowling events on FS1 channel, I like to see more on FOX channel.
If they never show bowling on TV again...90% of the audience would not even notice.
As a HUGE FAN of BOWLING & THE BPA, I think the people who have run the PBA has run it DISCRACEFULLY. Honestly it SUCKS. Bowling is an awesome sport and it has always gotten NO RESPECT and that has PISSED ME OFF for years. It really discussed me. It's run like shit by a bunch of idiots. IF it was run properly I have no doubt it could be as big as GOLF. Many people may same I am crazy to say that but I completely disagree. It really saddens me it really does. The amount of money that these bowlers in the PBA are making is discusting and sickens me. These guys deserve to get paid.
Good job sir 💯. Have bowl tv in two travel leagues. What really upsets me is NO OIL WHEN WE PRACTICE. Bunch of my freinds are mechanics if your house is 36 lanes oil 12 for league bowlers at least. Let the kids bowl on the non oiled lanes.
I was looking forward to watching the PBA today, but it's not on regular tv. I don't have a subscription to the CBS sports channel. Bummer, I bowl league and am sadden I can't see
this today. COME ON MAN (PBA).
You didnt mention if Boleros aquidion of the pba has any effect on tv coverage
Oh sorry forgot to add that the two handed style was originally for woman not so much weak guys but appears even the women prefer the one handed approach. Great to see.
I do agree that we need more tv shows, miss them . as others sports it should have regular shows
It’s been a real tough go of is since 1997. The tour has bounced around everywhere since then. Boeing is still popular but I’d argue more recreationally. It’s definitely a balance if the PBA and the USBC want to grow bowling and competitive bowling, more content needs to be on for casual viewers.
Great video and takes. I do NOT want to see bowling televised for every tournament. But I would like to see some semblance of regular tour stops like we used to get. Now, maybe not 17 like a full Winter tour. But something like 7 regular stops, then a major. Take a 6 week break, 7 more stops then a major. Then finish out with something similar but fewer in the fall. I really don't care at all for their non-singles events like the League or strike-fest shows. I just want to see a show where any PBA member could enter and win a title.
I know the PBA is trying to create excitement, but the announcing team just doesn't do it for me. I've had pros critcize my take that "We are lucky to have Rob Stone!" but I don't concur. The Rob & Randy show is a joke. All about inane banter and in jokes. Reminds me of the announcers in the film Dodge Ball. I really have no love for their loose announcing style, as I do for the music in between frames. They are going for NASCAR/WWE reactions and I hate it. My hope is that Pederson retires and Chris Barnes takes his place. He's a bit stiff on the mic but offers much better insight.
I know I'm in the vast minority, but I want the PBA shows to return to a more PGA-type atmosphere - quiet, serious, with only minimal yahoos hootin' and hollerin'. Keep up the good work.
Many thanks for the comment and glad you enjoyed the video :) Very interesting point you made about the about the commentators. Funnily enough I've actually got a video in the works about the PBA commentators... Will release it soon
Would love to see Norm Duke and Brian Voss do the commentating. They're PBA greats, have done broadcasts before, and their friends. You would get some banter, but also the seriousness/insight that hall of famers of the sport can give.
@@thebudguy12 Randy is a hall of famer too though
Nice video bowl in two travel leagues have bowl tv it has great coverage. Pba on fox is fine Randy is good like Dave Ryan better then Rob. I don't understand why golf gets more money. Thanks 👍
I love bowling so much and especially watching it. I am 74 years old and have been bowling for at least forty years so more more tv please. Less Randy tho and need to let us know what they are throwing
Put it back on ESPN channels or CBS sport channel
I was looking for the next broadcast and was shocked it was not until the middle of March but they had the. College tournament on last weekend
when they cut off the ending for the wnba game i knew bowling was fucked lol
An hour and a half show each week highlighting each weeks event would be fine.
Bowling just isnt as popular or appealing to be honest which is why it lacks TV time. As much as it pains me to say that, its the truth.
Yes , all bowling events should be televised.
Mr. The Right Lane,
In my opinion (and I respect if you disagree with me), bowling on TV died when the PBA lost their prime Saturday afternoon slot in 1997.
In 1998-99; CBS had the PBA tour, but their coverage was spotty. Plus you had the golden pins and only four bowlers on a telecast (3 way match, then the number 1 seed).
The biggest problem with the PBA is their lack of modern branding. The only thing I see online about bowling is from the players on their own channels. Our local bowling alley is packed full of players six days per week. There's interest but PBA just isn't building a brand.
I've always referred to players making their TV debuts as rookies, although they could've been on the tour for 10+ years and may have even won a title. I don't follow the non-television events, and oftentimes, they make you pay for those other tournaments. It would be great if the PBA can give more resources to showcase the lesser known titles.
I was wondering the same thing. Nothing on FOX except reruns.
Great video. You should talk about how they could get more views
These Great Athletes Deserve More Money. Maybe a.Huge League with a full season. After every year, hold several tournaments to give the top 5 players of each tournament an automatic slot on one of the PBA Teams??
As a kid I used to watch it all the time on TV without cable And yes every single bowling tournament should be on regular TV for all to see
There's a reason we all come to UA-cam to get our pro bowling fix. Where else are we supposed to get it from, a Fox sports 1 subscription?
When I learned to bowl, I watched tv bowling for instruction and entertainment. They had tv tournaments. Each week presented two bowlers who competed against each other for game money and total pinfall for the three games. That made each game and each week a tv event. The bowlers’ totals were compiled. The lowest scorers were dropped after the fist round of tournament play; the rest advanced to the second round. After all were eliminated, there was a final three game championship match.
It took weeks to complete the tv tournament. But each week was like a mini tournament or contest or pot game so even if viewers could not see all the matches, each week still had the drama of competition.
The announcers knew bowling and could describe the bowlers’s style. And there were no stupid shots showing closeups of the bowlers faces. You could watch them set up on the approach. They had better shots of their arm swing, you could see the ball path from behind the bowlers’ shoulders or sometimes from above.
I especially remember Championship Bowling. I think that was a good format for tv bowling.
I don’t care for watching a short parade of single finalists at the end of a PBA tournament.
Chick Hern the Famous Lakers announcer used to host a show . . . Bowling for Dollars just average everyday folks bowling, it was entertaining 🙂
The streaming deal they tried with FloBlowing was astronomical cost to the subscribers and the USBC owns BowlTV which they maintain a decent relationship with. There's certainly a contract with BowlTV that we don't know about where the PBA has to showcase those event there. Especially when there's no incentive to put PTQ, match play, etc. on live TV. BowlTV/USBC likely made it a point that to show those portions of the tournament we'd like "x, y, z." That's the same reason why we can't watch TOC or US Open Final's, plus others on BowlTV. Love to see bowling on the national stage more- especially stepladders finals. BowlTV does a solid job for the PTQ, match play events, and would love to see some of them transition to the national broadcast. I do wish more people had access however nationwide beside having to subscribe to two platforms.
Get someone in there besides Tom Clark. I appreciate his work in other areas, but marketing the players is not his strong suit. We’ve lost all momentum from an extremely successful US Open.
Bowl TV is fine for the rest of the event, but seeing professional finals with zero prestige and no broadcast is sad to see. Bring back arena finals and a consistent TV schedule. Sponsorships are key, but sponsors don’t see the value if we only see the tour on TV a handful of times.
I've been recently following Brad and Kyle...they make their You Tube channel interesting....Unfortunately for the Networks its all about $$$$. If they can't sell it, commercial time etc...they'll look elsewhere to make money for airtime.
It is a shame. They should at least air the finals....
Unfortunately, bowling isn't a fair weather sport for a lot of people meaning that coverage of it rarely extends past about now even though there are events. Go ask any center owner/manager about summer business. This schedule reflects that drop off.
Bring back the old tournaments that were on ABC on Saturdays or midas open king louie open etc
I think right now we are seeing a trend or shift in watching habits of bowlers. There is an interesting interview with Jesse Curiel on the "Beef and Barnz podcast" that might shed some light on how bowling is changing. To have this sport continue, we need to have the younger audience. Television is missing this with how they show bowling currently.
They should have the summer events come back.
Not paying the outrageous price for bowlTV absolutely ridiculous price.
PBA isn’t woke...which is why I watch it. Also, being a bowler for 31 years has something to do with that.
2:55: Even though ratings are "up" it does not mean Fox is making money. The original contract from the get go probably specified only a small minimum number of televised events each year. If Fox was making lots of money last year, then there would be more TV events. But Fox is national TV network and they and their sponsors wants big ratings and they want events and people watching from big population centers. That is not happening. Bowling is only relevant in sections of the midwest. The FIRST 14 national events this year are IN THE MIDWEST. Nothing on the east or west coast, nothing in heavily populated Florida. Springfield Missouri? Kokomo Indiana? It is niche sport. NOT a major sport. How the heck can Fox justify showing the PBA right now with college ( March Madness) and pro basketball in their peak seasons? THAT is why there is no TV.
I watched bowling in the 90s all the time.
I lost interest when the 2 handers came in , while at the same time the events were made more "flashier" to ty an appeal to the younger crowd. both were mistakes in my book , and for sure it drove me and most of my bowling friends away.
I think there should be a network for PBA that is not a streaming service. Also, the hype of it, like a sportscenter of sorts, who's in the lead in points, inside looks at the regional guys, I could go on and on. The PBA I broken! There is a much better way to bring money to bowling so the top bowlers get eyeballs on them and they make money like the golfers. It's too easy and they just won't take advantage of it. The regional tours are getting really far between stops as well. The SW region is massive. I remember the PBA regional tour would have a stop at my home center in one town, and then months later, another stop at the center in the next town over. Flights and carrying bowling balls around is really expensive. There has just got to be a better way than this!
Just as long as Randy Pederson finally realizes that the reason for leaving a solid ten pin is because the ball finishes directly on the 9 pin, and stops calling it a great shot and a bad break, I don't care how many hours of tv coverage there is. Nelson Burton Jr. discovered that over 40 years ago. Why hasn't Pederson figured it out yet???