The professional Rock League, organized by The Curling Group (TCG), has made adjustments to its initial travel plans for the upcoming debut season this spring. TCG, known for owning the Grand Slam of Curling circuit, has decided to limit the league’s events to North America, foregoing the previously intended European stops due to venue availability challenges.
The Rock League is set to showcase six global franchises, with notable captains including Rachel Homan from Ottawa leading Canada 1 and Brad Jacobs from Sault Ste. Marie, Ont., heading Canada 2. The league’s original plan last April included hosting events in Canada, the United States, and Europe; however, logistical issues in Europe prompted the decision to focus solely on North America for this season.
TCG’s CEO, Nic Sulsky, expressed ambitions for global expansion but acknowledged the complexities of logistics in ensuring a successful launch. Details regarding the Rock League’s first two seasons, such as locations, team names, dates, and rosters, are scheduled for release in mid-December.
The league will feature captains from various regions, including Bruce Mouat from Scotland (Europe 1), Alina Paetz from Switzerland (Europe 2), Korey Dropkin from the U.S., and Chinami Yoshida from Japan (Asia/Pacific), each leading a team comprising five men’s and five women’s curlers.
Amidst the anticipation for the Rock League, TCG aims to avoid disrupting teams competing in upcoming events like the Montana’s Canadian Curling Trials and the HearingLife Tour Challenge in Saskatoon. The series’ schedule adjustments reflect efforts to enhance the fan experience and athlete dynamics in an Olympic year.
As the Grand Slam season progresses under TCG ownership, new initiatives like wheelchair curling invitational and enhanced streaming services through the Rock Channel have been introduced. Despite some challenges with television ratings and attendance figures, TCG remains committed to elevating the sport’s profile and engaging fans worldwide.
The Grand Slam series faces competition from other sporting events, impacting viewership numbers and scheduling logistics. Despite these challenges, TCG continues to innovate and adapt, with the season culminating in the highly anticipated Players’ Championship in Steinbach, Manitoba, from Jan. 6-11.