Discover the thrilling PBR Team Series, where elite riders battle for national glory and fans forge fierce loyalties.
In the spring of 1992, a new organization known as the Professional Bull Riders (PBR) was formed. The goal of this group was to provide a standalone platform for bull riders to shine and earn money outside of traditional rodeos. The PBR is still going strong today, but has changed its format in the past few years.
In the summer of 2022, the PBR announced its new PBR Team Series, a format that created eight teams nationwide. Since then, the number of teams has grown, and today the teams include: the Austin Gamblers, the Arizona Ridge Riders, the Carolina Cowboys, the Florida Freedom, the New York Mavericks, the Oklahoma Wildcatters, the Kansas City Outlaws, the Nashville Stampede, the Missouri Thunder, and the Texas Rattlers. Each team name reflects an aspect of the geographic region in which they are based and represent.
Adding this team format has proven beneficial for both fans and competitors. The bull riders gain the fellowship of teammates, more earning opportunities, and the instruction of professional coaches. The fans have a group to cheer for, drafts to watch, and hometown western festivals for each of the teams' home bases, as well as the geographical allegiance and pride for those close to the team’s base.
As PBR co-founder and famous bull rider Cody Lambert stated in a press release on the PBR site written by Andrew Giangola, “This is a big victory for bull riders – a huge effort to grow the sport in the biggest way yet. The team format is a game-changer to improve an already exciting sport, make it even better, and give riders more opportunities.”
His words have rung true as the team format has continued to gain momentum since its inception, and fans have developed their allegiances. Several interesting aspects have arisen alongside this, including PBR Fan Rewards. With fan rewards, the more events you attend and apparel you buy, the more points you earn. Points can be redeemed for exclusive VIP experiences.
High energy and entertainment value are as much a part of the PBR as ever, and the upcoming November 2026 Season 5 team championships in Las Vegas are sure to be no exception. Lights, smoke, and thrashing bulls will hold the crowd's attention as cowboys show how long eight seconds can feel when it’s all on the line. But behind the scenes is just as fascinating as the arena show for the true bull riding fan. The caliber of the coaches in the team series is huge. World-famous J.B. Mauney is the coach of the Oklahoma Wildcatters, Paulo Crimber is the coach of the Florida Freedom, and Jerome Davis is the coach of the Carolina Cowboys, to name just a few of the world champions offering their insights.
Following the strategy that happens behind the scenes to improve each rider is like tracking the increase in success in the sport. The coaches know where each bull rider's unique strengths lie and work to build a team that complements each other in their strengths and weaknesses. They know the bulls, know the prep work, know the follow-up work, and can share their years of experience with these young athletes.
This format allows everyone to be a part of the thrill of the ride. Look for the teams to compete in your town soon as they travel nationwide to climb on the rankest bulls.