The countdown is on for the highly anticipated 2024 New Rider Draft as the Professional Bull Riders (PBR) league prepares for a pivotal moment in its season. Set to kick off at 6:00 p.m. CDT, the draft will see the league's 10 teams, including the reigning 2022 PBR Teams Champion Nashville Stampede, vying for top talent for the upcoming 2024 season.
Among the standout prospects is teenage sensation John Crimber from Decatur, Texas, currently ranked No. 2 in the 2024 PBR World Championship race. With his father Paulo Crimber serving as Head Coach of the Florida Freedom, who hold the coveted No. 1 pick, the Crimber legacy promises to make waves in the draft. Joining Crimber are rising stars Clay Guiton from Cherryville, North Carolina, and Marco Rizzo from Quitman, Georgia, adding to the buzz surrounding this year's draft class.
The talent pool extends beyond American soil, with champions from the Indian National Finals Rodeo (INFR) like Robbie Taylor Jr. and JaCauy Hale, along with international standouts like Australia's Donovan Rutherfurd and Brazil's Jose Alberto De Castro, among others, vying for selection.
With the draft deadline set for May 1, teams are gearing up to secure their picks and reshape their rosters for the upcoming season. Sean Gleason, Commissioner and CEO of PBR, expressed excitement about the influx of young talent, highlighting the league's commitment to fostering new stars.
The draft's venue in Nashville pays homage to the Stampede's dedicated fanbase and reflects the city's passion for bull riding. Tina Battock, General Manager of the Nashville Stampede, emphasized the team's eagerness to welcome new talent and pursue a historic second PBR Teams World Championship title.
Following the recent Expansion Draft, the draft order has been set, with the Florida Freedom holding the coveted No. 1 overall pick. The Kansas City Outlaws also boast multiple first-round selections, setting the stage for strategic maneuvers among the league's teams.
As the draft approaches, fans can catch all the action live on Cowboy Channel and PBR RidePass on Pluto TV. The excitement doesn't stop there, with a Rider Arrival Show kicking off festivities at Nashville Live!, featuring a blend of entertainment and anticipation as teams and prospects converge.
Looking ahead, the 2024 PBR Camping World Team Series promises a thrilling season, culminating in a revamped Championship tournament in Las Vegas. With an expanded format and high stakes, the stage is set for a showdown of epic proportions as teams vie for glory in the bull riding world.
For more information on the 2024 PBR Camping World Team Series, and to purchase tickets to one of the league’s upcoming events, visit PBR.com.
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