Is Bowling Growing - A White Paper

Written By: bowlingball.com | Written On: Monday, November 4, 2024

Is Bowling Growing or Declining? A White Paper Analysis

Bowling, once one of America's most popular pastimes, has undergone significant changes over the last few decades. From its heyday in the 1950s and 60s, when bowling centers were hubs of social activity, to the present day where lanes often seem emptier, there are growing concerns about whether the sport is in decline. This white paper aims to explore the status of bowling in modern America by evaluating data from several key sources, including the United States Bowling Congress (USBC), and its predecessor organizations—the American Bowling Congress (ABC), Women’s International Bowling Congress (WIBC), and Young American Bowling Alliance (YABA). The paper will also examine participation trends in both men’s and women’s professional bowling, and investigate factors such as youth engagement, changes in league structures, and economic challenges faced by bowling centers.

The Historical Backbone of Bowling: ABC, WIBC, YABA

Bowling, as an organized sport, traces its roots back to the establishment of the American Bowling Congress (ABC) in 1895, which helped formalize rules and create a governing body for men’s bowling leagues. In parallel, the Women’s International Bowling Congress (WIBC) was founded in 1916, providing the same organizational structure for women bowlers. Together with the Young American Bowling Alliance (YABA), which focused on youth participation, these organizations formed the backbone of bowling in the United States for decades.

By the 1970s, participation in bowling was at an all-time high. ABC membership peaked at over four million, and WIBC was not far behind with around three million members. Bowling was not only a recreational activity but also a competitive sport that saw robust participation in leagues across the country.

However, over the last 30 years, bowling has faced challenges that have led to a decline in membership and participation. In 2005, ABC, WIBC, and YABA merged to form the United States Bowling Congress (USBC), marking a significant shift in the organizational structure of the sport. While this merger streamlined governance, it also highlighted the decreasing membership across all demographics.

The Current State of Bowling: Declining Membership

The USBC has continued to oversee the sport since the merger, but its membership numbers have significantly decreased. According to reports, USBC membership has fallen to under 1.5 million, a sharp decline from its combined total of nearly 10 million members in the 1970s and 80s. This drop has been attributed to a variety of factors, including demographic shifts, lifestyle changes, and increased competition from other recreational activities.

Bowling leagues, which were once the foundation of the sport, have seen their numbers dwindle. The traditional 35-week league format, a staple of many bowling centers, is becoming increasingly unpopular, especially among younger bowlers. Many in the younger generation view the 35-week commitment as too long, and there is a growing aversion to the concept of having to pay even if one is unable to attend a weekly game. In a fast-paced, ever-changing world, such a rigid structure does not appeal to the majority of today’s youth, who are more inclined toward flexible, short-term activities.

Youth Engagement: The Lack of Commitment in the Younger Generation

The lack of desire among younger generations to commit to long-term league play is a critical factor contributing to the decline of bowling as a sport. In the past, league play was a social activity that brought together friends, coworkers, and families on a regular basis. However, younger bowlers are often deterred by the structure and commitment required by leagues. A 35-week league, for example, requires participants to play regularly for a prolonged period and, in many cases, to pay for weeks even if they are unable to attend due to other obligations.

In contrast, modern sports and recreational activities are increasingly adopting more flexible models. Sports leagues like basketball, soccer, or e-sports often have shorter seasons or even one-off games or tournaments, which allow participants to engage on a more sporadic basis. The traditional bowling league model appears outdated to many younger players, who often prefer the convenience of open play or short-term, seasonal leagues that better fit into their busy schedules.

Impact on Bowling Centers: Economic Challenges and Changing Business Models

Many bowling centers have been forced to adapt to declining league participation by shifting their business models. In the past, league play was the bread and butter for most bowling centers. With a consistent stream of weekly bowlers, many centers could rely on steady income from league fees, food, and beverage sales. However, with fewer leagues, many centers have turned to other revenue streams, such as casual "open play" bowling, birthday parties, and corporate events.

Additionally, many modern bowling centers are incorporating entertainment elements such as arcades, laser tag, and upscale dining experiences in an attempt to appeal to a broader audience. Some centers have rebranded themselves as “bowling lounges,” offering boutique experiences complete with craft cocktails and gourmet food, catering to millennials and urban professionals. While these adaptations may bring in new revenue streams, they represent a shift away from traditional league bowling, further diminishing the sport’s competitive aspect.

Men’s and Women’s Professional Bowling

The decline in participation at the grassroots level has also had an impact on professional bowling. Men’s professional bowling, governed by the Professional Bowlers Association (PBA), has struggled with declining television ratings and sponsorships. In the 1970s and 80s, professional bowling enjoyed significant media coverage, with major tournaments often broadcast live on network television. However, today’s PBA tournaments are more likely to be found on niche sports networks or streaming platforms, with far fewer viewers.

Similarly, women’s professional bowling has also faced challenges. The Professional Women’s Bowling Association (PWBA) disbanded in 2003 due to financial difficulties but was revived in 2015. While the PWBA has experienced some growth since its revival, it still struggles to attract the same level of attention and sponsorships as men’s professional bowling. Both men’s and women’s professional bowling rely heavily on grassroots participation to cultivate future talent, and the decline in league play and youth engagement presents significant challenges to the sport’s future at the professional level.

The Role of the USBC: Efforts to Revive the Sport

In response to the declining participation, the USBC has made several efforts to revive interest in bowling, particularly among younger generations. The USBC has introduced more flexible league formats, including shorter seasons and mixed-gender leagues, in an effort to attract a broader demographic. Additionally, the USBC has made efforts to promote bowling as a sport through youth programs, such as the USBC Youth membership, which aims to engage younger players through scholarship opportunities and youth tournaments.

Despite these efforts, the USBC faces an uphill battle in retaining members and reversing the trend of declining participation. The rise of digital entertainment, along with the increasing popularity of other recreational activities, has made it difficult for bowling to maintain its relevance among younger audiences.

The Perfect Scale and Equipment Innovations

Another factor impacting the state of bowling is the evolution of bowling technology and equipment. The advent of reactive resin bowling balls and advanced lane oiling patterns has dramatically changed the game, leading to higher scores and increased competition. However, this has also created a barrier for entry-level bowlers who may find the sport more difficult to learn and master due to the technical aspects of modern equipment.

Bowlingball.com’s proprietary "Perfect Scale" is an example of an attempt to make equipment selection more accessible. The Perfect Scale helps bowlers find the right ball for their game by providing a detailed breakdown of ball performance, making it easier for bowlers to make informed purchasing decisions. While innovations like this are beneficial for experienced players, they may not be enough to attract new or casual bowlers to the sport.

Conclusion: The Future of Bowling

Bowling is at a crossroads. While the sport still has a dedicated core of participants, particularly among older generations and serious competitors, its long-term future is uncertain. The decline in USBC membership, coupled with the changing habits of younger generations, presents significant challenges for the sport. Unless bowling can adapt to modern recreational trends, offer more flexible participation options, and continue to innovate in both its professional and amateur sectors, it may struggle to regain the prominence it once enjoyed.

That said, the sport has shown resilience in the past, and with the right adjustments, it may be able to attract new players and thrive in a changing recreational landscape. The efforts of organizations like the USBC, alongside technological innovations in equipment and lane conditions, could help keep the sport alive and well for future generations