Bowling For Dollars: PBA Looks For More Sponsors This Year

Of the 21 events on the ‘05-06 PBA schedule, only five have a title or presenting sponsor, “which could be bad news” for the league’s owners, who “have lost an estimated $30[M] since purchasing” the league in ‘00, according to Dick Evans of the MIAMI HERALD. PBA President & CEO Steve Miller said that after last season’s record TV ratings on ESPN, the PBA “came close to breaking even for the first time with 14 sponsors” for its 20 events. PBA Commissioner Fred Schreyer said that there is “plenty of time to nail down sponsors before the first ESPN telecast” October 30. Schreyer: “We’re asking more from our returning sponsors, and that means there are more points that need to be negotiated before we agree to extensions. We are confident that we will match or exceed last season’s sponsorship numbers by the time this season begins.” Evans noted the PBA “appears to have abandoned its previous announced goal of holding tournaments only in major metropolitan areas.” Schreyer: “Our strategy is to stage well-supported, financially successful events that attract strong media coverage. When that aligns with major metropolitan areas, great. Otherwise there is a place for smaller markets, such as Medford [Oregon].” Schreyer added the tour was “able to work with ESPN to add a 21st telecast to our schedule, due in part, to our strong average rating (0.9) last season, a 10[%] jump from the previous season” (MIAMI HERALD, 8/14).