May 13, 2026

73 | World Bowls President Brett O’Riley Returns

1 hour 11 minutes

🎙️ Episode 73 - Guest: Brett O’Riley – President of World Bowls

World Bowls President Brett O’Riley joins us again for a massive update on the global game.

In this episode, Brett chats about the ongoing push to get bowls into the Brisbane 2032 Olympics, the rapid growth of World Bowls member nations, the importance of para bowls, and why data, AI and better digital systems could play a huge role in the future of the sport.

We also discuss the World Bowls Hall of Fame inductees, the World Bowls Series, new events including the Northern Rivers Open and World Bowls Prime, the growth of bowls in countries like Turkey, India and Brazil, and the World Indoor Championships at Ocean Grove.

This is a big-picture episode about where bowls is heading and why the sport might be in a stronger position than many people realise.

We dive into:

Brett O’Riley gives an update on the ongoing push to have bowls included in the Brisbane 2032 Olympics.

World Bowls has grown from 43 member nations in 2021 to 87, with a target of reaching 100.

Bowls is expanding into new regions, including Middle Asia, Eastern Europe and Latin America.

Para bowls is a major focus, with World Bowls aiming for every member nation to be para-capable by 2032.

The World Bowls Series continues to grow, with close to 60 events expected this year.

New events like the Northern Rivers Open and World Bowls Prime are helping create more opportunities for players.

Brett believes data, AI and better digital platforms can help bowls attract sponsors, improve administration and present the game better.

The World Indoor Championships at Ocean Grove has one of the strongest fields ever assembled.

Pro-Am style events are highlighted as a brilliant way to connect everyday bowlers with elite players.

The episode shows that bowls is changing, growing and thinking more globally than ever before.

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By DJ & Simon