Mookie Betts Steps Up to the Lanes, Acquires First Team in World Bowling League
In a move that blends his athletic prowess with his passion for bowling, Los Angeles Dodgers superstar Mookie Betts has become the inaugural team owner in the newly established World Bowling League (WBL). The announcement, made by League Sports Co. on Tuesday, marks a significant milestone for the burgeoning league and underscores Betts’ commitment to both his baseball career and his lifelong love of bowling.
The financial details of the acquisition remain undisclosed, but the purchase signifies a substantial investment by Betts and his business partner, Cam Lewis, through their company, The One Marketing Group. Together, they have christened their team "Team OMG," a moniker that reflects their enthusiasm and vision for the future of professional bowling.
Betts, a name synonymous with excellence on the baseball diamond, brings a wealth of experience and a winning pedigree to the WBL. An eight-time All-Star, three-time World Series champion, and former American League MVP, he has consistently demonstrated his exceptional athleticism and unwavering dedication to his craft. While primarily known for his exploits in baseball, Betts’ passion for bowling runs deep.
Growing up in Tennessee, Betts was a highly competitive bowler, honing his skills and developing a profound appreciation for the sport. Even as his baseball career soared, he continued to find solace and enjoyment on the lanes. In a testament to his enduring love for bowling, Betts celebrated his 30th birthday in 2022 by achieving a perfect 300 game, a feat that highlights his continued mastery of the sport.
The World Bowling League, conceived with the ambition of elevating professional bowling to new heights, aims to create a global platform for the sport. The league’s formation, announced in 2023, outlined a vision of 12 to 15 events held annually across the United States, Europe, and Asia, with aspirations for further expansion within five years. The league anticipates between eight and twelve franchises competing in its inaugural year, with each team mandated to include at least two female bowlers to foster gender balance and inclusivity.
The WBL’s commitment to gender equality is a welcome development in the world of sports. By ensuring that women are represented on every team, the league is actively promoting diversity and creating opportunities for female athletes to excel. This commitment aligns with the growing movement towards greater inclusivity in sports and reflects a broader societal shift towards recognizing and valuing the contributions of women in all fields.
While Team OMG stands as the first publicly announced franchise, the World Bowling League is expected to unveil its complete team lineup in the coming months. The league anticipates establishing franchises in various locations around the world, including Dubai, further solidifying its global reach and appeal. The prospect of teams representing diverse regions adds an exciting dimension to the league, promising a vibrant and competitive landscape.
The announcement of Betts’ team ownership coincides with the Los Angeles Dodgers’ opening game of the 2025 season, a victory against the Chicago Cubs in Tokyo. However, Dodgers manager Dave Roberts has confirmed that Betts will not participate in the two-game Tokyo Series due to his ongoing recovery from an illness that resulted in a significant weight loss of 15 pounds. While his absence from the baseball field is temporary, Betts’ focus is now partially shifted towards building his bowling franchise and contributing to the success of the World Bowling League.
Betts’ foray into team ownership is not entirely surprising, given his entrepreneurial spirit and his existing business ventures. He and Cam Lewis, through The One Marketing Group, have already demonstrated their ability to identify and capitalize on opportunities in various industries. Their decision to invest in the World Bowling League reflects their belief in the sport’s potential for growth and their commitment to supporting its development.
The involvement of a high-profile athlete like Mookie Betts is a major coup for the World Bowling League. His star power and widespread appeal will undoubtedly attract new fans to the sport and generate significant media attention. Betts’ passion for bowling is genuine, and his commitment to building a successful franchise will inspire other athletes and investors to get involved in the league.
The World Bowling League’s ambitious plans to host events across multiple continents underscore its vision of becoming a truly global sporting entity. By expanding its reach beyond traditional bowling markets, the league hopes to tap into new audiences and cultivate a broader fan base. The inclusion of locations like Dubai further emphasizes the league’s commitment to embracing diversity and showcasing the sport to a wider international audience.
The success of the World Bowling League will depend on several factors, including its ability to attract top-tier talent, secure lucrative sponsorship deals, and effectively market the sport to a global audience. However, with the backing of Mookie Betts and his team, the league is off to a strong start. Betts’ involvement brings credibility, visibility, and a proven track record of success, all of which will be crucial in establishing the WBL as a leading force in the world of professional bowling.
In conclusion, Mookie Betts’ acquisition of the first team in the World Bowling League marks an exciting new chapter for both the athlete and the sport. His passion, business acumen, and star power, combined with the league’s commitment to gender equality and global expansion, create a promising foundation for the future of professional bowling. As Team OMG prepares to take on the competition, the world will be watching to see if Betts can replicate his baseball success on the bowling lanes, ushering in a new era for the sport he loves.
