The World Bowls Tour (WBT) was born from a shared vision among the world’s top players in the early 1990s. Determined to bring bowls to a wider audience, they set out to develop the sport for television, giving it a permanent window to the world. What began as the World Bowls Players Association — led by legends including Tony Allcock OBE, David Bryant CBE, Richard Corsie MBE, Andy Thomson MBE and Willie Wood MBE — evolved into the Professional Bowls Association, and in 1997, the World Bowls Tour was officially formed.
Since then, the WBT has become the driving force behind professional bowls, staging major televised tournaments and showcasing the sport’s finest talent to global audiences. From the historic first event — the International Open at Preston — to today’s world-renowned World Indoor Bowls Championships at Potters Resorts, the WBT continues to innovate and inspire. Working closely with the Professional Bowls Association, the World Indoor Bowls Council, and key commercial partners, the WBT remains committed to promoting bowls at every level — from the elite stage to grassroots clubs — ensuring the sport’s future shines brightly on screens and rinks around the world.
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World Bowls Tour Events
Each year, the World Bowls Tour hosts three headline Ranking Events — a trio of competitions that carry heightened prestige, ranking points and prize funding. These include the flagship World Indoor Bowls Championships, the long-established Scottish International Open and the returning UK Open, relaunched in Spring 2026.
Thanks to a £1m investment from Potters Resorts in 2025 and a key sponsorship agreement with Ambassador Cruise Line until 2028, this three-event structure exemplifies our ambition to promote bowls year-round, increase its visibility on television and deliver compelling sporting action for both players and fans alike.
The Ambassador Cruise Line 2026
Scottish Open
West Lothian Indoor Bowling Club
26th – 29th October 2026
The Ambassador Cruise Line 2027
World Indoor Bowls Championships
Potters Resorts Hopton-on-Sea
8th – 24th January 2027
The Ambassador Cruise Line 2027
UK Open
Cambridge Chesterton Indoor Bowls Club
1st – 3rd March 2027
Sponsorship Opportunities
The World Bowls Tour offers exciting sponsorship and branding opportunities on its iconic portable rink during televised events, connecting your brand with a global audience while supporting the continued growth and promotion of the sport worldwide.