The PBR was founded in 1992 when 20 top bull riders wanted to break free from the traditional rodeo scene. They felt that since bull riding was a popular part of the rodeo, they could be more popular in their own arena as their own sport.
Each rider pitched in $1,000. Several had to borrow the money, but each was committed to making their dream a reality. With that meager $20,000 investment, the PBR was born.
In 1995, 310,000 people attended a PBR event. In 2009, over 1.5 million people attended a PBR event with another 100 million watching it on television.
What does that explosive growth mean for the riders?? In 1995, Tuff Hedeman became the PBR World Champion and took home $123,000. In 2009, Kody Lostroh was PBR World Champion and took home $1.6 Million.
This success has not been missed by investors. In 2007, Spire Capital Partners purchased a majority stake for around $65 million. The remaining original investors saw their $1,000 investment turn into millions. Today, The PBR is now owned by 44 cowboys, management and Spire Capital.
The PBR World Finals is and always has been a reflection of the sport’s deeply embedded roots into the American culture. It is truly a captivating and adrenaline charged sporting event that features the greatest bull riders and bucking bulls in the world.
