Bowls’ Answer to the Big Bash Arrives in Moama

Trust me.  There’s an element of zoning out, the calmness of a quiet cheer of a good bowl being pocketed (sorry bowlers, I’ve probably butchered the correct terminology) right where they need it. Far from being rowdy. Lush. 

But my little world was rocked just recently that this calm and collected sport now has a rockstar element to it, with the Bowling Premier League (BPL). How late to the party am I with this?

When I was told about it, initially there was a little disbelief. The envisionment of purists of the sport playing under lights with loud music was conjured up in my little brain. 

This year it was played under the bright lights of Moama Bowling Club. 

The week-long competition brought the fun and frivolity with live music bouncing around under the canopy to a sport that is perceived (historically) as a lot more serious.

“The BPL is bowls’ version of the Big Bash League,” explains Moama Bowling Club Bowls Operations Manager Kevin Anderson.

“It’s a made-for-television event which is broadcast around the world, live on Fox Sports and Kayo. It attracts the best players in the world to our shores.

“The event was designed to change the general perception of the sport of bowls and we can confirm it is a brilliant event to attend. 

“The atmosphere is electric and with the addition of two new franchises this year, crowds are getting bigger by the event.”

One Sydney Lions fan described the BPL as a party atmosphere, with the highest-class bowlers competing head-to-head in a mix competition format.

The BPL began in 2013, with 20 successful tournaments under its belt, and the best bowlers across the country competing for substantial prize money.

While I have not gone down the rabbit hole of picking a team, just yet (although I’m open to influence), NSW have four teams playing while the remaining eight spots went to the other states: 

The BPL is held twice a year, once in November at Club Pine Rivers in Brisbane and the other at Moama Bowling Club. 

When asked what the event does for the border town of Echuca Moama when people from around the world descend on their township, Kevin said: “It’s a huge boost to our region. This year it ran off the back of the Riverboats Festival which was held in Echuca. 

“With franchises and players from all over Australia it showcases our region to the hundreds of spectators who attend. Accommodation in town was full to the brim in a week which would normally be quiet.”

I’m not sure about anyone else, but I’ll be popping this in my diary for next year. It took the Big Bash a little while to click on. I could be just ahead of trend here, for once in my life!

The next BPL in Moama is 16-20 February, 2026.