Professional Bull Riders is moving quickly to find new broadcasting homes.
Several weeks after agreeing to a deal with Fox Nation to broadcast Friday night events, PBR has announced a new multi-year agreement with The CW, which will now become the exclusive broadcast home of Saturday and Sunday PBR Camping World Team Series events.
PBR events for CW will debut on Saturday, August 9 and continue for ten weeks before culminating in the league’s final championship tournament on Saturday, October 25, and Sunday, October 26.
“With over-the-air access on Saturdays and Sundays, everyone, no matter where they are, can experience the excitement of bull riding games,” said Sean Gleason, CEO and Commissioner, PBR, in a statement. “This partnership perfectly complements our existing television schedule, delivering even more thrilling action to fans, making it easier than ever for them to stay connected to the sport they love.”
Both rights deals come on the heels of the bankruptcy of Merit Street Media, founded by TV personality Phil McGraw, and was the previous home for many of PBR’s events.
“PBR on The CW brings a whole new level of grit, adrenaline, and edge-of-your-seat action to bull riding fans nationwide,” said Mike Perman, senior vice president of sports for CW, in a statement. “Paired with the NASCAR Xfinity Series, weekends on The CW will be a can’t-miss destination to experience two of the nation’s fastest-growing sports with some of the most passionate fanbases in the country.”
The CW continues to step up its live sports broadcasting since being purchased by Nexstar Media. Along with PBR, the company has broadcasting rights for NASCAR Xfinity Series, WWE NXT, AVP beach volleyball, ACC and Pac-12 football games, and will add PBA professional bowling in 2026. The CW will also host the broadcast network debut of the Savannah Bananas on July 27, and they are on the hunt for more college football to boot.
About Sean Keeley
Along with writing for Awful Announcing and The Comeback, Sean is the Managing Editor for Comeback Media. Previously, he created the Syracuse blog Troy Nunes Is An Absolute Magician and wrote 'How To Grow An Orange: The Right Way to Brainwash Your Child Into Rooting for Syracuse.' He has also written non-Syracuse-related things for SB Nation, Curbed, and other outlets. He currently lives in Seattle where he is complaining about bagels. Send tips/comments/complaints to sean@thecomeback.com.