History of UBA
History of the UBA
With over 230 franchises and a growing presence across the U.S., the UBA isn’t just a bowling organization—it’s a full-blown movement. We’ve built a culture that blends intense competition with over-the-top showmanship, creating an experience unlike anything else in the sport.
Leading the charge are our visionary founders, Philip Chance, and Tynell Tate. Philip, the mastermind behind UBA and its Brand Manager, saw an opportunity to shake up traditional bowling by injecting energy, personality, and a spectacle-driven approach. His vision gave the UBA its distinct identity, setting it apart from anything else in the industry. Meanwhile, Tynell, now CEO, has been instrumental in taking the UBA to the next level, driving rapid growth, and positioning us as the go-to entertainment platform for competitive bowling. Together, they built a model that fuses the franchise structure of fast-food operations, the competitive edge of pro sports, and the electrifying drama of professional wrestling.
The UBA’s reach spans from New York and New Jersey to the DMV, the Carolinas, and Texas, with each region adding its own flavor to our ever-expanding network. Behind the scenes, a team of bowling-loving staff members keeps the machine running—handling event operations, media, marketing, and strategic growth while preserving the unique culture that makes UBA what it is.
But what really makes us different?
We’re not just about bowling; we’re about putting on a show. Like WWE, we bring the drama—epic rivalries, bold personas, and unforgettable moments. UBA teams and players don’t just compete; they create characters, engage in playful smack talk, and make every matchup feel like a main event. Every tour stop and every event is more than just a competition—it’s an experience.
In the UBA, every frame matters, every match tells a story, and every player brings something unique to the lanes. We’re a family, a community, and a force transforming the sport of bowling—one electrifying showdown at a time.
At A Glance
The UBA operates on a structured, high-impact competition model that keeps bowlers engaged and your lanes busy. UBA bowlers have an opportunity to bowl in monthly tour stops at rotating UBA franchised centers. In addition to tour stop competitions bowlers can choose from a multitude of different tournaments and events to participate in all year long.
The Breakdown
- Each center-franchise belongs to a UBA district, which includes approximately 10 – 12 centers.
- Each district hosts one tour stop per month, rotating among participating centers.
- Tour stops take place on Saturdays or Sundays during the day.
- Every UBA team must participate in one tour stop per month. With team rosters allowing up to 50 players, this ensures strong representation at UBA events.
- For each tour stop, teams select nine bowlers from their roster. These players are divided into three groups of three, with each group bowling three games against other UBA teams.
- The UBA tour season runs from September through June, leading up to playoff competitions in July and August.
- UBA’s Point & Prize System: Teams earn points and cash prizes based on wins, standings, and participation, encouraging more frequent involvement in additional events.
- UBA Managers oversee each district to schedule tour stops and organize competitions.
- Bowlers register, pay, and receive winnings online, making the process simple and ensuring events start on time.
Other UBA Events
- Districts frequently host additional special events beyond monthly tour stops. A center franchisee, a team, a UBA Manager, or the national UBA can organize these competitions.
- UBA Managers collaborate across districts to organize larger regional events, tailoring event types and frequency based on bowler interest.
