An exciting new era for the World Indoor Bowls Championships
Since the event’s inception in the 1970s, the BBC has brought the sport’s most prestigious events into millions of homes. That coverage has played a significant role in growing the profile of bowls across generations.
However, earlier this year, The World Bowls Tour was advised of the BBC’s decision to end its television coverage of the Ambassador Cruise Line World Indoor Bowls Championships, as part of the broadcaster’s wider cost-saving measures.
But here’s the most important thing for fans — Potters Resorts, the World Bowls Tour, and title sponsors Ambassador Cruise Line are stepping up to ensure fans don’t lose access to the tournament.
Our joint commitment is simple: every session throughout the championships is available to watch, and we’re making it super-simple.
Bowls fans will be able to follow the action from both the Scottish International Open and the World Indoor Bowls Championships without a subscription, TV licence or paywall, by visiting bowlstv.com.
You can still watch the best players in the world, including Paul Foster MBE (left) and 2026 World Open Singles Champion Robert Paxton (right), live in the International Arena or from anywhere on your smart deviceThis approach means the tournament can reach fans wherever they are — whether that’s on a smartTV, on a laptop, tablet or mobile.
The ambition is not simply to replace the BBC broadcast. It’s to make it better and even more accessible.
Building for the Future
The World Bowls Tour’s focus on YouTube streaming has paid dividends in recent years, with viewing numbers growing exponentially. As such, they are committed to ensuring the tournament continues to reach audiences through enhanced digital coverage and innovative content.
The WBT’s YouTube coverage will take centre stage in 2027. Pic: WBT’s Corporate Director Jason Parkinson (left) with Potters Resorts’ Jack Jenkins (right) at the 2026 ChampionshipsGordon Woods, CEO of the World Bowls Tour, said:
“We are actively exploring opportunities to secure a new broadcast partner, with the aim of continuing to grow the reach and popularity of this world-class tournament. In the meantime, we are making a substantial investment into our streaming content, to ensure that those bowls enthusiasts who are unable to spectate live can access the matches, interviews and atmosphere on both YouTube and Facebook and through a new dedicated website.”
Marc Jones, Strategic Marketing Director at Potters Resorts, said:
“The BBC has been a valued supporter of the World Indoor Bowls Championships since the very beginning, and we are naturally disappointed by its decision to step away from coverage of the event. We understand this follows a significant cost-cutting exercise, but the broadcaster’s contribution to the sport over many years should not be underestimated.
“Our commitment to the sport of bowls remains as strong as ever. We are excited to host the 2027 Championships in January once again, welcoming thousands of bowls enthusiasts back to Potters for what remains the biggest event in the bowls calendar.”
From L-R: Potters Resorts Head of Sales Sallyanne Gooch, 2026 Ladies Matchplay Champion Katherine Rednall, Finalist Nicole Rogers, and Emma Vincent from the Strategic Partnerships Team at Ambassador Cruise LineA word from our sponsor
Gordon Nardini, Chief Marketing Officer at Ambassador Cruise Line, said:
“While we are naturally disappointed by the BBC’s decision to end its coverage of the World Indoor Bowls Championships, we want to reassure players, fans, partners and the wider bowls community that our commitment to the sport remains unwavering.
“The World Indoor Bowls Championships is one of the sport’s most iconic events and an important part of the sporting calendar for an audience that shares a strong affinity with Ambassador Cruise Line. Together with Potters Resorts and the World Bowls Tour, we are fully committed to ensuring the continued success and long-term future of this prestigious championship.”
“We are proud of the role we play in supporting the sport and, alongside our partners, will be exploring new opportunities to grow the reach, profile and accessibility of the World Indoor Bowls Championships.
“Our shared ambition is not simply to preserve what has been built, but to help the event thrive for many years to come, introducing it to new audiences while continuing to deliver the world-class experience that players and fans have come to expect.
“We look forward to working closely with Potters Resorts and the World Bowls Tour as we enter this next chapter together.”
The 2027 Ambassador Cruise Line World Indoor Bowls Championships take place at Potters Resorts Hopton-on-Sea.
You can book Fully Inclusive Breaks and Day Tickets now, with dates from Friday 8th to Sunday 24th January available.
