The alliance between the PBA and the WTBA, the international governing body for tenpin bowling in the eyes of the International Olympic Committee, will allow international and domestic PBA members who compete in World Bowling Tour events to earn PBA Tour titles in WBT events and to bowl in PBA Tour events in the United States.

“This agreement fulfils a dream for all lifelong bowling fans,” said PBA commissioner Tom Clark. “We created the PBA World Series of Bowling in 2009 to give bowlers from around the world an opportunity to come together in a unique competitive environment. Our goal was to take the next step in expanding competition around the world. To see it happen is the most significant step our sport has ever taken in creating worldwide awareness and recognition for bowling’s best players, regardless of where they live.”

WTBA president Kevin Dornberger said that the alliance is just the beginning. “We are greatly indebted to the international bowling federations and tournament hosts who have given us the opportunity to create the World Bowling Tour,” said Dornberger. “We sincerely believe this alliance will lead to even bigger things.”

The 2012 World Bowling Tour began in January with the Brunswick Ballmaster Open in Helsinki, Finland. The PBA-WBT agreement includes three tournaments in the United States, along with stops in Japan, Kuwait, France, the Bahamas, Korea, Thailand, Austria and Australia.