Former NBC NASCAR play-by-play voice, Rick Allen, is making a surprising career shift to become the new play-by-play announcer for the Professional Bowlers Association (PBA) on The CW starting in 2026. This move marks a significant departure from his previous role, as Allen is now stepping into the world of professional bowling, a sport that couldn't be more different from stock car racing. But here's where it gets interesting: Allen's new gig reunites him with The CW, which now airs NASCAR's Xfinity Series, along with ACC and Pac-12 football and basketball, WWE NXT, and various other properties. This creates an intriguing situation where Allen is technically still connected to the motorsports world, even if it's not in the way he or NASCAR fans probably hoped. Allen's hiring comes after NBC declined to renew his contract following the 2024 season, ending his 20-plus-year run calling NASCAR races. The CW secured rights to 10 PBA telecasts starting in 2026 as part of a two-year deal, and with Allen's voice now soundtracking strikes and spares, it remains to be seen if this will lead back to a NASCAR booth. Allen has made it clear that he'd return to calling races if given the opportunity, and the CW relationship keeps him in the orbit. Whether this is a temporary detour or a permanent change of course remains to be seen, but for now, Allen's voice will be a familiar one to those who follow the PBA on The CW.
