Does it appear that bowler interest in the PWBA is starting to wane? 

In 2015, the first year, there was talk of capacity fields at each event. And the numbers appeared to be equally as strong, if not stronger, in 2016. But the field sizes are arguably lower in 2017.

Essentially, given the cash ratio is somewhere in the 2:1 range at most events, I don't see how those numbers justify any long-term viability and success. Eventually, the sponsors that the PWBA does have will demand a better return on investment.

Speaking to the OPs statement on viability and funds, I just did the math from the last stop. Only 72 bowlers, 18 of which entered as a Non PWBA member which is $400...that's a total of $7200 in entries. The other 54 entries were PWBA members @ $300 per entry for a total of $16,200....combined that is $23,400 for entries.

At least the college programs seem to have helped...I remember an event in the prior incarnation where we had a TOTAL of 32 entries...and that was a national stop. 

As to the chicken/egg argument of marketing/product/demand, there is a delicate balance in there that has to be maintained and that IS NOT being maintained.  While it is correct that there is not a lot of demand/interest in the PWBA, neither is there much for the PBA.  It is up to the marketing arm to chum the waters and make that interest, and once that is actually occurring, then sponsors return to the equation. 

I remember trying to bring a non-registered company into the equipment mix and there were so many obstacles that got thrown up that the equipment manufacturer decided it was not worth their effort, not even to register for the regional level.  My guess is that things have not changed much since the last time the PWBA folded (2003). 

I watched the Detroit open and I was more into it than the bullshot that the PBA is doing now. I'll watch the women all day long. They look like they actually want to be there.

I agree that the women are MUCH more approachable and seem like they want to be there rather than the "I have to be here" or the "I have to meet these requirements to be here" attitude you get from some of the PBA guys.

I was in Rochester for the PWBA stop and not once did I see or hear a lady turn down or be rude to any spectator.

I will be at pretty much every stop next year. I am sponsoring a lady for next season (the full national PWBA tour) and we decided to get her feet wet this year with this one stop before diving head first into next season. Probably going to be bowling a few of the upcoming regionals this year as well.

Yep I agree. There are mitigating circumstances around the reason to do this which is much greater than the cost to put her (and me going with her) on tour for the season.

I am doing this as a sponsorship for her and we are not splitting any of her winnings (if she ever cashes) as she will receive everything. Not doing this thinking I am going to get rich....heck, no matter how well she does I get zero back.

She has enough talent to cash, just a matter of putting together 2 good blocks with the mitigating circumstances she has.

All of the other stuff aside, did anyone catch the PWBA Regional this past weekend in New Jersey (Sunday only). 8 games of qualifying in the AM, cut to the top 1 in 3 based on entries for match play in the PM.

Total of 20 entries (more than I expected) so the cut was to 6 after 8 games. 6th place was under for the block.

Out of the 20 entries, only 2 PWBA regulars (CDB and Kuhlkin). The other 18 entries were all non-PWBA members.

I had no idea. I wish someone would publicize these other than the PWBA web site. I don't always look there for such. I live in NJ and would have loved to see it.

Actually I can't even find regionals on the PWBA web site, unless I missed it somewhere.