Scottish world curling champion Bruce Mouat is set to embrace a vibrant new chapter in the sport with the launch of Rock League, a professional curling league that aims to captivate audiences with its unique blend of entertainment and competition. Premiering on Monday, this innovative league draws inspiration from the excitement of cricket’s The Hundred, darts, and even WWE, promising a spectacle filled with pyrotechnics, live music, and a lively atmosphere.

The inaugural tournament, a proof-of-concept event, features:

• Six mixed-nationality franchises from Europe, Canada, the United States, and Asia-Pacific
• A total prize pot of $250,000 (£189,000)
• A multi-format competition, including mixed fours

Mouat, who leads Northern United, emphasized the need for curling to evolve beyond its traditional roots, suggesting that the sport should embrace a more festive spirit. He noted, “As the sport evolves we need to evolve with it,” highlighting the influence of successful formats in other sports that have fostered a party-like atmosphere.

The league also offers a participation fee for athletes, a development Mouat described as unexpected in his career. The excitement surrounding curling has surged recently, particularly following the dramatic incident known as ‘Boopgate’ during the Milan-Cortina Olympics, which drew significant attention to the sport.

Early investors in Rock League include NFL stars George Kittle, TJ Hockenson, and Hall of Famer Jared Allen. Founder Nic Sulsky expressed his willingness to face criticism from traditionalists, stating, “Sport needs villains.” He believes that the changes being made are crucial for the future of curling, asserting that curlers deserve better financial support.