Rick Allen lands at The CW as PBA play-by-play announcer

Rick Allen, the former NBC NASCAR play-by-play announcer, has been hired as the new broadcaster for the Professional Bowlers Association (PBA) on The CW, starting in 2026. This move follows NBC's decision not to renew his contract after the 2024 season, ending his over-20-year tenure calling NASCAR races.

Allen's new role reunites him with The CW, which currently airs NASCAR's Xfinity Series and has secured rights to 10 PBA telecasts beginning in 2026. The network has built a significant sports portfolio through various rights deals, with live sports now comprising about 40% of its programming.

While professional bowling is a stark contrast to stock car racing, this position keeps Allen involved in live sports broadcasting on television. It also maintains his connection to the motorsports world through The CW's Xfinity Series coverage, though not in the NASCAR booth role he or fans might have preferred.

Allen has expressed interest in returning to NASCAR broadcasting if given the opportunity. His relationship with The CW keeps him within the sports broadcasting orbit, leaving open the possibility of a future return to calling races.