win a ball from Bowling.com

Author Topic: How much do pro bowlers really make?  (Read 18185 times)

northface28

  • Hero Member
  • *****
  • Posts: 3333
How much do pro bowlers really make?
« on: February 27, 2015, 08:16:54 PM »
Seriously, if you aren't ALWAYS on tv, you have to be doing pretty bad out there. Even these international events, you cash for a few thousand. Factor in travel and lodging, that paltry money is gone. Not to mention, you haven't eaten yet. I admire these guys, not for their bowling prowess, but the fact they are working for peanuts and go all over the world doing so.
NLMB 150 Dream Team
#NoTalking
#HellaBandz

 

DP3

  • Hero Member
  • *****
  • Posts: 6093
Re: How much do pro bowlers really make?
« Reply #1 on: February 27, 2015, 08:36:05 PM »
Most of the Elite come from the upper middle class and have all the support and funding that they could wish for(financially) from family, rich backers, and fans/friends that are funding the action. I know a few guys that haven't cracked 10-15k on tour in years but are financially set.

You would think 10k a year in equipment and another 10-20k in travel/international travel just for a potential 5k here, 10k there (if you bowl the week of your life) would be an investor's nightmare. But like a wise (rich) man once told me:

"You'll waste countless hours trying to count the pockets of a trust fund baby.

Pinbuster

  • Hero Member
  • *****
  • Posts: 4583
  • Former proshop worker
Re: How much do pro bowlers really make?
« Reply #2 on: February 28, 2015, 02:26:47 PM »
I agree that the living to made out there is pretty meager for the vast majority.

DP3 I don't know who you might be referring to other than Belmonte, but most of the touring professional I have known are anything but trust fund babies. Few would have come from I would call upper middle class.

Most had wives who held down jobs that supported the family and provided some benefits.

A few had sponsors who might back them a few years but they expect to get most of their money back and if the bowler did have a good year they took a majority of the excess to pay for lean years.

But most would have a dream to tour, they were young with little responsibilities, and they could try it a few years on their own dime. But generally they went back home broke after 2 or 3 years of trying.

DP3

  • Hero Member
  • *****
  • Posts: 6093
Re: How much do pro bowlers really make?
« Reply #3 on: February 28, 2015, 02:57:02 PM »
I am not referring to Belmonte, for the record.

itsallaboutme

  • Hero Member
  • *****
  • Posts: 2002
Re: How much do pro bowlers really make?
« Reply #4 on: February 28, 2015, 03:29:12 PM »
For the record you have no idea what you are talking about.

Ken De Beasto

  • Sr. Member
  • ****
  • Posts: 472
Re: How much do pro bowlers really make?
« Reply #5 on: February 28, 2015, 04:36:29 PM »
Well let's just wish them success and most importantly happiness!!!!! But I think most bowler should have a second job , while the top tier can rely on their winnings on the PBA tour.

big_bg

  • Full Member
  • ***
  • Posts: 131
Re: How much do pro bowlers really make?
« Reply #6 on: February 28, 2015, 05:38:43 PM »

Joker-1

  • Full Member
  • ***
  • Posts: 207
Re: How much do pro bowlers really make?
« Reply #7 on: February 28, 2015, 06:12:07 PM »
real dark side about pro bowling and thats allen, think about all the others that aren't even know. Think most have second jobs, but i guess if youre a belmo rash or weber you don't need a second job.

Ken De Beasto

  • Sr. Member
  • ****
  • Posts: 472
Re: How much do pro bowlers really make?
« Reply #8 on: February 28, 2015, 06:57:28 PM »
Yea I believe I heard Mike devaney living in his car during the tour. I like the dude and don't wish anybody bad luck but dam it's like a gamble on a part of your life.

billdozer

  • Hero Member
  • *****
  • Posts: 4613
  • Goin' Global!
Re: How much do pro bowlers really make?
« Reply #9 on: February 28, 2015, 07:21:51 PM »
Didnt the wsob pay like 8k for first per event..no thanks..
In the bag [Infinite Physix, Volatility Torque, Night Road, Phaze III, Burner Solid, Hustle AU]
*Now Testing* IQ Ruby, Renevant, another IQ Tour solid
Coming soon...???

northface28

  • Hero Member
  • *****
  • Posts: 3333
Re: How much do pro bowlers really make?
« Reply #10 on: February 28, 2015, 07:53:04 PM »
Didnt the wsob pay like 8k for first per event..no thanks..

This is embarrassing.
NLMB 150 Dream Team
#NoTalking
#HellaBandz

billdozer

  • Hero Member
  • *****
  • Posts: 4613
  • Goin' Global!
Re: How much do pro bowlers really make?
« Reply #11 on: February 28, 2015, 08:46:40 PM »
Quote, WEEK, end quote. Hopefully he landed that on a weeks vacation. 

Side rant: There are too many wannabes where I'm from that work at taco bell and think they're going to make it in the PBA.  Even better I know some that are like professional students at the community college, and get backers.  Just get a job and practice already!!
In the bag [Infinite Physix, Volatility Torque, Night Road, Phaze III, Burner Solid, Hustle AU]
*Now Testing* IQ Ruby, Renevant, another IQ Tour solid
Coming soon...???

Joker-1

  • Full Member
  • ***
  • Posts: 207
Re: How much do pro bowlers really make?
« Reply #12 on: February 28, 2015, 10:28:32 PM »
don't players who are exempt get some kind of paycheck from the pba?

itsallaboutme

  • Hero Member
  • *****
  • Posts: 2002
Re: How much do pro bowlers really make?
« Reply #13 on: March 01, 2015, 07:24:16 AM »
tkk,
Let's have a name and we can analyze his year and what he's done since, and how much he's spent on his learning curve. 

If he's bowling regular now he has spent at least 2 weeks in WI this year and a week in IN if he was eligible.  If he when 0-for he just gave half of the $8k back.

trucker792

  • Jr. Member
  • **
  • Posts: 37
Re: How much do pro bowlers really make?
« Reply #14 on: March 01, 2015, 09:32:55 AM »
NOT ENOUGH