The PBR Teams Draft is where the future of professional team bull riding begins to take shape. Each year, the league's 10 teams select riders from a pool of talent that spans both the United States and international bull riding circuits, hoping to find the athletes who can help carry their organization to a championship.

The PBR Teams Series has introduced a new era of professional bull riding, shifting the focus from individual competition to team competition. While the sport's core challenge remains the same, riders taking on some of the toughest bulls in the world, athletes now compete as part of a team, working together in pursuit of a championship title.

Using a snake-style draft format, teams take turns making selections over multiple rounds while balancing immediate needs with long-term potential. In the months leading up to the draft, coaches and team staff evaluate riders through scouting reports, major events, and talent combines, including scouting events in Brazil, which has produced some of the most successful riders in professional bull riding.

Once the draft concludes, teams continue building their rosters through free agency, signing additional riders to complete their lineups. Each franchise maintains a protected roster while also developing talent through practice squad positions.

When the season begins, coaches select five riders to compete in head-to-head team matchups, where every ride and every point can impact the outcome. More than just a draft, the event serves as the starting point for the next chapter in many riders' careers and helps shape the competitive atmosphere of the PBR Teams season.

The future of the PBR Teams season began to take shape during the opening round of the 2026 PBR Teams Draft. Entertainer Flint Rasmussen summed up the significance of the event with a simple statement: "This is where the winning starts."

The Kansas City Outlaws held the first overall selection and chose Hayden Welsh of Gillette, Wyoming. Head coach J.W. Hart said Welsh adds both depth and quality to an already talented roster.

The Outlaws continued to strengthen their lineup by selecting Brazilian standout Joao Paulo Velasco with the fourth pick and Trent Ferreira with the ninth pick. Hart noted Ferreira would bring fresh energy to the team. The Nashville Stampede selected World Champion Kye Hamilton of Australia with the second overall pick. Team leadership cited Hamilton's experience and ability to handle tough bulls as key factors in the decision, adding one of the sport's most accomplished riders to the roster.

With the third pick, the New York Mavericks selected Dalton Allred of Utah. The Mavericks continue to build around a youthful roster as they look toward the future.

The Oklahoma Wildcatters were active during the draft, acquiring Kaiden Loud through a trade with the Nashville Stampede. Oklahoma later used the 10th overall pick to select Brazilian rider Renan Almeida Alves.

The Missouri Thunder selected Angelo Rossetto with the fifth overall pick, creating a family connection as he joins his brother, Paulo Rossetto, on the roster.

At No. 6, the Austin Gamblers selected Jesse Petri, who enters the organization after competing in the PRCA ranks.

The Carolina Cowboys used the seventh overall pick on South Carolina native Elijah Jennings. Head coach Cooper Davis said Jennings brings youth, excitement, and the qualities the organization was looking for in a draft selection.

The Florida Freedom selected Canyon Jolly with the eighth overall pick. Head coach Paulo Crimber described Jolly as a talented young rider with significant potential.

The Arizona Ridge Riders did not make a first-round selection after trading the seventh pick to Carolina in exchange for Elizmar Jeremias. Head coach Colby Yates and the Ridge Riders will look to build around their existing roster heading into the season.

The Texas Rattlers also entered the draft without a first-round pick. Instead, the organization focused on strengthening its roster through off season additions, including Andrew Alvidrez and World Champion Josh Frost. Head coach Cody Lambert said he is proud of the riders on his team and views them as role models both inside and outside the arena.

The 2026 PBR Teams season is set to begin July 11 as teams look to turn their draft selections into championship success.