BPL Cup continues to grow as State and Territory Finals beckon
As the world’s biggest club-based competition, the BPL Cup continues to grow year on year, with more clubs and players getting involved to compete for a place on the national stage.
With State and Territory Finals fast approaching, the 2026 season has once again seen increased participation, highlighting a growing appetite for the fast-paced and exciting format.
Across the 2026 season, thousands of bowlers have battled it out to keep climbing the BPL Cup ladder, with the ultimate prize of national glory now within reach.
The State and Territory Finals are the final hurdle for these bowlers as they look to progress to the National Final, held in conjunction with BPL25 at Club Helensvale from 16 – 19 February 2027.
A competition that keeps growing
Nine seasons in, the BPL Cup shows no sign of slowing down, with more bowlers than ever taking to the greens.
This year, 1,182 teams competed across 139 Preliminary Rounds delivered across Australia.
This represents a 13.4 per cent increase on last year, with club bowlers continuing to embrace the opportunity to compete for a chance to play under the bright lights at the National Final.
New South Wales remains the biggest contributor to BPL Cup participation, recording 363 team entries across 42 events.
Victoria follows with 249 entries from 25 events, while Queensland recorded 171 entries across 23 events.
South Australia contributed 123 entries from 13 events, Western Australia 121 from 14, Tasmania 96 from 13, the Australian Capital Territory 37 from five and the Northern Territory 22 from four.
These numbers demonstrate the growing strength of the BPL Cup at grassroots level, with clubs from every corner of the country embracing the opportunity to provide their members with a taste of the BPL Cup action.
With players from every state and territory taking part, the BPL Cup continues to build a truly national footprint.
The road to the State and Territory Finals
After 139 Preliminary Rounds, 272 teams will battle it out in their respective Regional, State and Territory Finals to progress to the National Final at Club Helensvale.
For those who make it to Helensvale, they will be able to experience the BPL atmosphere first-hand, while watching some of the sport’s best players in action.
For many, the BPL Cup provides an opportunity to launch themselves onto the bigger stage and put their names in lights.
For others, it is a chance to test themselves against some of the best players in the country.
The first State Final gets underway at Pinjarra Bowling and Recreation Club in Western Australia on Sunday 13 September, with the last one being held on Sunday 4 October.
From there, the successful teams will turn their attention to the National Final and the chance to join the list of BPL Cup champions.
Women’s Only Rounds: A strong first step
One of the major developments of the 2026 BPL Cup season has been the introduction of Women’s Only Rounds, providing female club bowlers a welcoming entry point into the BPL Cup environment.
The initiative has added another dimension to the competition while also creating a dedicated pathway for more women to progress to the later stages of the BPL Cup.
The Women’s Only Rounds have been embraced by clubs and players throughout the season, with 7 events being held and 65 teams having competed.
In total, female participation in the event has grown from 476 to 791, which is a 66 per cent increase.
With the initiative expected to grow next year, it is another positive sign of the BPL Cup’s evolution and demonstrates the inclusivity of bowls in creating more opportunities for players of all backgrounds.
To see the fixtures and results for the 2026 BPL Cup State and Territory Finals, CLICK HERE
