How do I get sponsored for bowling in a league and tournaments?

Question

I am a 16 year old bowler and I have recently (within the last 2 years) become avidly interested in the sport of bowling. I have been playing at least 3 times a week and my average is in the 160's to 170's and now I would like to step my game up and enter tournaments in a league. Can anyone tell me how i could find a sponsor so I can buy a decent bowling ball and other bowling gear?

Answer 1

This is how I was sponsored for my two year membership in the PBA's (Professional Bowlers Association's Western Region) regional tour.

1.  Prove to your prospective sponsors that you're worth their investment.....  Provide them with tournament and league standing sheets showing your tracked performance and any USBC tournament wins.  I was working a day job from 9-5 and had enough liquid cash flow to sponsor myself and pay for all of my expenses.

2.  Let them know what you are worth in terms of what equipment you need in order to perform properly like; bowling balls, wrist supports, tape, polish, tools to adjust bowling balls with, any specific apparel such as personalized bowling shirts, manufacturer patches, bowling shoes, etc.....  Also, travel expenses and tournament entry fees are considered too.  That way, they can find out how much they (especially if a group of "investors") need to invest in you.

3.  "Sell" yourself by showing them that you are capable of cashing in tournaments or winning in order to pay your investors back a return based upon your performance and cashes for a specific amount of tournaments entered or within a timeframe.

Canvass relatives, friends and local businesses.  If you have the skills to constantly cash in or win tournaments, you'll have an easier time finding sponsors.  Good luck!