Rick Allen, a former NBC NASCAR play-by-play announcer, is making a surprising return to the sports commentary world, but this time with a twist. Allen has been hired by The CW to become the new play-by-play voice for the Professional Bowlers Association (PBA) starting in 2026. This move comes as a bit of a shock, considering Allen's long-standing association with NASCAR and his recent departure from NBC after 20+ years of calling NASCAR races.
The CW, which now airs NASCAR's Xfinity Series, ACC and Pac-12 football and basketball, and WWE NXT, secured the rights to 10 PBA telecasts as part of a two-year deal in April. This deal marks a significant shift for Allen, who is now transitioning from the high-octane world of stock car racing to the more relaxed and skill-based environment of professional bowling. While it's a stark contrast to his previous role, it's still live sports on broadcast television, and The CW is making a play to establish itself as a sports network.
Allen's hiring is an interesting development, especially considering his expressed desire to return to calling NASCAR races if given the opportunity. His presence on The CW, which now airs a variety of sports, keeps him in the sports commentary sphere, even if it's not in the way he or NASCAR fans might have hoped. The question remains: will this lead to a return to the NASCAR booth, or will Allen's voice continue to soundtrack strikes and spares instead of late-race restarts?
The CW's move to secure the PBA rights is a strategic one, as it aims to diversify its sports offerings and attract a new audience. Allen's transition from NASCAR to the PBA is a unique and intriguing development in the world of sports broadcasting, leaving fans and industry observers alike wondering what the future holds for the veteran announcer.
