The 2026 Professional Bowlers Association tour features 15+ major tournaments with televised finals on The CW and CBS Sports, plus registration details for all events.
2026 Bowls Tournaments: Complete Schedule and Registration Guide
- 15+ major PBA tournaments scheduled from February to May 2026
- Televised finals on The CW Network and CBS Sports
- Registration via PBA.com with specific eligibility requirements
- Priority deadlines and non-member qualification standards
2026 PBA Tour Schedule: Major Tournaments and Broadcast Details
February to May 2026: Complete PBA Tournament Calendar
- Feb 16-22: PBA Players Championship, Arlington TX – $100,000 prize pool, televised on The CW
- Feb 24 – Mar 1: PBA Pete Weber Missouri Classic, St. Peters MO – Regional qualifier event
- Mar 1-8: Go Bowling U.S. Open, Indianapolis IN – $100,000 top prize, USBC Masters qualifier
- Mar 9-15: PBA Illinois Classic, Decatur IL – Local qualifier tournament
- Mar 22: PBA Indiana Classic, Fort Wayne IN – One-day championship event
- Mar 23-29: USBC Masters, Allen Park MI – $100,000 prize pool, PBA Tour major
- Mar 30 – Apr 5: Pilgrim’s PBA Ohio Classic, Columbus OH – $100,000 prize pool
- Apr 5: PBA Roth/Holman Doubles Championship, Portland ME – Doubles format, $50,000 prize pool
- Apr 12: PBA New York Classic, Rochester NY – Regional qualifier
- Apr 19: PBA Tournament of Champions, Fairlawn OH – $100,000 top prize, season highlight
- Apr 29 – May 12: PBA World Series of Bowling XVII, Brooklyn Park MN – Multi-event destination tournament
Televised PBA Events: Where to Watch 2026 Finals
The CW Network airs 10 live final rounds on consecutive Sunday afternoons starting February 22, 2026, with coverage beginning at 1:00 PM EDT. CBS Sports broadcasts the World Series of Bowling XVII with comprehensive coverage of all championship events. ABC and local networks provide regional broadcasts for select tournaments, including the PBA Tournament of Champions finals airing live on April 26 at 4:00 PM EDT. This unprecedented broadcast schedule makes 2026 the most accessible year for competitive bowling fans.
2026 PBA World Series of Bowling XVII: Destination Event Details
WSOB XVII runs April 29-May 12 in Brooklyn Park MN, featuring multiple championship events across different oil patterns including the PBA World Championship with a $100,000 top prize. The destination event attracts international competitors from over 15 countries and is broadcast live on CBS Sports with daily coverage. This premier multi-event tournament includes the PBA Scorpion Championship, PBA Chameleon Championship, and PBA World Championship, making it the centerpiece of the 2026 PBA Tour season.
PBA50 Tour 2026: Senior Tournaments and Registration Requirements
PBA50 Tour Schedule: Senior Bowling Tournaments 2026
- Apr 13-16: PBA50 The Villages Classic, The Villages FL – Fan-favorite tournament at Spanish Springs Lanes
- Apr 30 – May 12: PBA50 World Series of Bowling IV, Bloomington MN – Senior multi-event destination tournament
- May 19-24: PBA Senior U.S. Open, Greeley CO – $50,000 top prize, major senior event
- Regional Events: Midwest Regional Tour and other regional tournaments throughout 2026
PBA50 Registration: Eligibility and Entry Process
Members can register via the PBA Member Home screen with priority entry deadlines for major events. Non-members need a 200 average in USBC-certified league or 190 in sport league, with documentation of bowling averages required for verification. Priority entry deadlines are typically 2-3 weeks before general entry opens, with final registration deadlines set 1 week before tournament start dates. The PBA50 season begins April 13 at the fan-favorite Spanish Springs Lanes in Florida for the PBA50 The Villages Classic.
Regional PBA50 Events: Additional Tournament Opportunities
The Midwest Regional Tour and other regional events throughout 2026 provide additional competitive opportunities beyond the national tour. These regional events offer lower entry fees and closer travel distances for senior bowlers. Details on regional events, entry fees, and registration are available on PBA.com, with most regional tournaments requiring only USBC membership for entry.
Tournament Registration and Eligibility: How to Enter PBA Events
PBA Registration Process: Step-by-Step Entry Guide
- Visit PBA.com and create or log into your account – new users must provide USBC membership verification
- Navigate to the tournament schedule page – filter by event type, location, and date
- Select your desired event – review entry fees, prize pools, and tournament details
- Complete the registration form with required information – include USBC number and average verification
- Pay the entry fee (varies by tournament – typically $300-$500 for major events)
- Receive confirmation email with event details, hotel information, and practice schedule
Entry Deadlines and Priority Registration: Critical Dates
| Tournament | Priority Deadline | General Entry Opens | Final Deadline |
|---|---|---|---|
| Pilgrim’s PBA Ohio Classic | January 12, 2026 | January 5, 2026 | March 30, 2026 |
| PBA Players Championship | February 9, 2026 | February 2, 2026 | February 16, 2026 |
| Go Bowling U.S. Open | February 23, 2026 | February 16, 2026 | March 1, 2026 |
| PBA Tournament of Champions | April 6, 2026 | March 30, 2026 | April 19, 2026 |
| PBA World Series of Bowling XVII | April 15, 2026 | April 8, 2026 | April 29, 2026 |
Non-Member Qualification: Meeting Average Requirements
Non-members must meet a 200 average requirement in USBC-certified league or 190 in sport league, with documentation needed including league certification and average verification. Bowlers can verify their averages through their local bowling center or USBC office before attempting to register for PBA events. The qualification process requires submitting league certification forms and recent score records, with processing typically taking 3-5 business days. Non-member entry fees are typically $50 higher than member rates to cover administrative costs — lawn bowls.
The 2026 season offers unprecedented broadcast coverage with 10 live finals on The CW, making this the most accessible year for competitive bowling. Start your registration today at PBA.com to secure your spot in your chosen tournaments before priority deadlines pass.
Frequently Asked Questions About Bowls Tournaments
When is the Priority Deadline for the PBA Players Championship in 2026?
February 9, 2026. This is the final date for priority registration before general entry opens.
What are the registration dates for the Go Bowling U.S. Open?
Priority Deadline: February 23, 2026; General Entry Opens: February 16, 2026; Final Deadline: March 1, 2026.
When can I register for the PBA Tournament of Champions?
Priority Deadline: April 6, 2026; General Entry Opens: March 30, 2026; Final Deadline: April 19, 2026.
What are the registration deadlines for the PBA World Series of Bowling XVII?
Priority Deadline: April 15, 2026; General Entry Opens: April 8, 2026; Final Deadline: April 29, 2026.
When does general entry open for the Pilgrim's PBA Ohio Classic?
January 5, 2026. The Priority Deadline is January 12, 2026, and the Final Deadline is March 30, 2026.