NFL Stars Propel Rock League’s Mission to Popularize Curling Globally
In Nashville, Tennessee, a new movement is taking shape to introduce curling to a broader audience, led by NFL stars. Current and former players George Kittle, T.J. Hockenson, and Jared Allen are championing this initiative through “Rock League,” the world’s first professional curling league.
NFL Stars Embrace Curling
Located just a few miles from Nashville’s lively Broadway strip, Tee Line is a facility where the NFL athletes are honing their curling skills. During the offseason and after retiring, they trade footballs for brooms on the curling sheets. Allen, a Pro Football Hall of Famer, picked up the sport after a bet in 2018. What began as a challenge quickly evolved into a passion.
The Rock League Vision
Rock League aims to modernize curling and attract a younger, diverse audience worldwide. The league is set to launch in April 2026, two months after the Winter Olympics, with a seven-day event in Toronto. Following this, a five-stop season is planned for 2027, leading to a fully operational schedule by 2028.
League Structure and Teams
The inaugural season will feature six global franchise teams. Each team will consist of equal numbers of men and women, promoting mixed play. Notable captains include:
- Korey Dropkin (USA)
- Brad Jacobs (Canada)
- Bruce Mouat (Scotland)
- Alina Pätz (Switzerland)
- Rachel Homan (Canada)
- Chinami Yoshida (Japan)
A New Era for Curling
The founders, including entrepreneur Nic Sulsky, aim to redefine curling’s image. Unlike traditional curling events, which are often quiet and subdued, Rock League is envisioned as a festive atmosphere with music and lively crowds. Sulsky highlighted the importance of transforming the spectator experience to make curling more engaging.
Celebrity Influence and Growth Potential
Curling struggles to find a mainstream footing in the U.S., and the NFL stars recognize an opportunity to change that. Their involvement aims to elevate the sport’s profile and professionalism, capitalizing on the star power of Kittle, Hockenson, and Allen. With 18 athletes from the Beijing 2022 Olympic medal-winning teams expected to participate, the league promises exciting competitions.
Allen believes that while curling requires intricate skill and strategy, it also holds immense potential for growth. He emphasized that participation by high-profile athletes can make the sport more relatable and interesting to fans.
Long-Term Goals and Olympic Synergy
As Rock League aims for a substantial fanbase, they are keen to maintain the sport’s integrity while innovating its appeal. The league’s opening prize pool is set at $250,000, reflecting its ambition to establish itself as a lucrative professional circuit.
The synergy with Olympic events is crucial. Successful Olympic performances can boost interest and engagement, which Rock League aims to capitalize on. With aspiring stars like Dropkin and his teammate, Cory Thiesse, poised for Olympic glory, the potential for curling’s growth as a mainstream sport is greater than ever.
The future looks promising as Rock League gears up to invigorate the world of curling, aiming to create a vibrant, engaging environment for both participants and fans alike.
