First, Jeffrey Pollack has been elected to the PBR Board of Directors as Executive Chairman and will immediately take an active role in leading the PBR board and senior management team into a new phase of global competition, brand and business growth.

Most recently, Pollack was President and Commissioner of the World Series of Poker (WSOP). Under his leadership since 2005, the WSOP was fundamentally reinvented as a business, transformed into a worldwide sports and entertainment phenomenon, and crossed the $1 billion mark in total prize money awarded.

Pollack, a two-time Emmy® Award winner, has also worked in senior capacities for NASCAR and the National Basketball Association, and was founding President and Publisher of The Sports Business Daily.

“I’m honored to join the board of directors of this exciting sport,” said Pollack. “My goal is to help the PBR build on its proven track record of success, reach out to new fans globally, and further celebrate the world’s best bull riding competition.”

Second, Sean Gleason, a 10-year executive of the PBR and current COO, now adds the title of PBR President. Gleason’s new responsibilities will include Co-Chairing the PBR Competition and Conduct Committees. He will also represent the PBR on the board of directors of ABBI, the world’s leading registry and services organization for bucking bulls.

“The PBR is experiencing its 16th consecutive year of unprecedented growth and our future is very bright,” said Gleason. “I’m thrilled to be a part of that future and look forward to working with Jeffrey, Spire Capital and the board as we create new opportunities for the sport.”

Third, Ty Murray, one of the 20 original cowboys who founded the PBR in 1992 — and one of the sport’s most celebrated and legendary riders — has been named Co-Chair of the PBR Competition and Conduct Committees, along with Gleason. Murray, PBR co-founder and member of the board of directors, will continue to serve as a board advisor, global PBR brand ambassador, sport commentator and host of the annual Ty Murray Invitational. Cody Lambert, PBR founder, board advisor and executive, will also continue his active involvement with the Competition Committee.

“I’m extremely proud of what we’ve been able to do for this sport in the past 18 years, and I’m as passionate about it now as I’ve ever been,” said Murray. “There’s still enormous potential, and I believe with this team in place, we’ll continue to grow the sport, brick by brick, for both our fans and the riders.

“Cody and I are fully committed to the organization and its future, and are excited about the new leadership and the opportunities ahead of us,” said Murray

“These changes enhance and solidify the leadership structure of the PBR,” said Rick Patterson, Chairman of the PBR and Principal of Spire Capital Partners, the majority investor in the PBR.

“Jeffrey has a proven track record of innovation in the sports and entertainment industry and his insights and leadership will help guide the PBR’s continued growth in the U.S and abroad.” said Patterson. “Sean is a key leader of the PBR operations and his elevated position and board roles reflect our recognition of the growth of his broader executive responsibilities at the PBR. Ty continues to be the leading ambassador of the PBR around the world. His commitment to protecting the sport’s history and heritage have been invaluable to the PBR and he is a distinguished leader to each member of the board and sport.”

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The induction ceremony will be held in Pueblo, Colo., in conjunction with the Wild, Wild West Festival and the Pueblo Invitational, the 21st stop on this season’s elite Built Ford Tough Series.

The PBR Ring of Honor was created in 1996 to recognize those who have had the most profound impact on bull riding, both in and out of the arena. Its 30 members include such luminaries as the great Jim Shoulders, PBR founding fathers Ty Murray and Cody Lambert, and three-time PBR World Champion Adriano Moraes.

The Ring of Honor is far more than a fellowship: Each inductee is presented with a ring handcrafted of diamonds and gold bearing the PBR logo, the recipient’s name and the year he was honored.

Prior to 2010, the Ring included only former bull riders in its ranks. This year, by special dispensation from the PBR Board of Directors, and in recognition of his unique role in building the organization from a $20,000 enterprise into a multimillion-dollar global phenomenon, Bernard will become the first and only non-rider inducted.

An honor so well deserved.  Congratulations Randy!!

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Ty Murry who was one of PBR’s founding members, PBR President, and spokesperson and his wife, friend, and pop music sensation Jewel, quietly came into the back of the room to watch the interviews and congratulate the champion.

Ty is referred to as the “King of the Cowboys” for his many titles, records, and all around skills in the arena. He is also probably the most recognized man of the PBR, and in the world of rodeo and bull riding.

Retiring world champion Justin McBride won the sixth round with a 91.75 ride on Scene of the Crash. But, the night clearly belonged to Guilherme Machi, as the Brazilian became the uncatchable point’s leader and was crowned the new world champion with one day left in the finals.

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