OKLAHOMA CITY, Okla. — Thursday, May 28, 2026 — The Oklahoma Wildcatters, presented by Auris, today announced the launch of The Wildcatters Million, a new performance bonus program that will award $1 million to a Wildcatters rider who finishes No. 1 in the official PBR Teams regular-season MVP standings.

The Wildcatters Million is designed to send a clear message across professional bull riding: Oklahoma is committed to building a championship-caliber roster, rewarding elite performance and creating one of the most rider-forward environments in PBR Teams.

In total, the program creates up to $1.3 million in annual bonus opportunities, including the headline $1 million MVP bonus, with additional opportunities available for Wildcatters riders who finish among the top performers in the official PBR Teams regular-season MVP race. The league MVP is awarded to the rider who accumulates the most points from qualified 8-second rides across the season with a minimum of 20 outs.

“This program is about setting the standard for what it means to be a Wildcatter,” said Brandon Bates, CEO of the Oklahoma Wildcatters. “We want the best riders in the world to know that if they come to Oklahoma, compete at the highest level and help build this team into a championship organization, we are going to reward that commitment in a major way. The Wildcatters Million reflects our belief in elite talent, our commitment to winning and our vision for building something special in Oklahoma.”

The Wildcatters Million is structured to reward top individual performance while reinforcing long-term commitment to the organization. The program further positions the Wildcatters as a premier destination for riders seeking competitive opportunity, organizational investment and a platform to perform on one of the fastest-growing stages in Western sports.

As part of the PBR Teams league, the Wildcatters compete in head-to-head team bull riding matchups against the top teams in the league. The Wildcatters Million will be tied exclusively to the official PBR Teams regular-season MVP standings, creating a direct performance incentive for Wildcatters riders throughout the regular season.

“This is a bold recruiting statement, but it is also a business statement,” Bates added. “PBR Teams is changing the way professional bull riding is built, marketed and experienced. We believe organizations that invest in riders, fans, partners and community will lead the next era of the sport. That is exactly what we intend to do in Oklahoma.”

Based in Oklahoma City, the Wildcatters continue to build their presence across the state through major events at Paycom Center and OG&E Coliseum, while representing Oklahoma’s deep connection to Western sports culture, competitive toughness and community pride.

The team’s 2027 homestand in their 12-event season is scheduled for July 31 – August 2 at Paycom Center. Tickets can be purchased at pbr.com or thewildcatters.com.

The launch of The Wildcatters Million continues the organization’s broader commitment to building a first-class team, elevating the rider experience and delivering high-energy sports entertainment to fans throughout Oklahoma and beyond.

Photo courtesy of Bull Stock Media