FORT WORTH, Texas – Kansas City made waves during the 2026 PBR (Professional Bull Riders) Teams Draft with four draft picks, including three in the first round, to strengthen its roster ahead of the season opener in Fort Collins, Colo., July 10-12, the beginning of the PBR Teams league’s fifth season.
Owning the No. 1 pick of the draft, the Outlaws chose 20-year-old Gillette, Wyo., native Hayden Welsh. Welsh has been a strong performer in his rookie season at the PRCA (Professional Rodeo Cowboys Association), where he has climbed to No. 5 in the bull riding world standings. He finished fourth at the Fort Worth Stock Show & Rodeo in 2026, where he recorded a career-high 90.5-point ride (since tied) aboard Door Dash in Round 2. Welsh, who attended Odessa College in Odessa, Texas, was a standout bull rider on the Wrangler Rodeo team, competing for the college through the 2024–2025 and 2025–2026 seasons. Bull riding runs in his blood as the son of seven-time NFR qualifier Bobby Welsh.
“I was wanting to be a first draft pick, and the draft was like, man, that’s something pretty special; you better look into it and really give it deep prayer,” Welsh said. “Praise God this door is open, because I think it’s going to open a lot of good opportunity.”
With the fourth and ninth picks of the opening round, Kansas City chose Joao Paulo Alves Velasco and Trent Ferreir, respectively. Velasco, of Paranaita, Brazil, has competed on the PBR Brazil circuit, while Ferrier, of Loxahatchee, Fla. joins the Outlaws after competing collegiately at Western Texas College.
The Outlaws opened the second round with the 11th overall pick, selecting Luiz Gabriel Rosa, an 18-year-old from Baguacu, Brazil, who is expected to make his PBR debut in 2026. The Outlaws then passed on their fifth and final pick.
“We couldn’t be more excited about this group,” said General Manager Jon Williams. “Hayden Welsh brings elite talent and a competitive fire that elevates any squad. Joao Paulo Velasco’s skill and experience make him a proven performer on the biggest stages. Trent Ferrier adds dynamic ability and heart, while Luiz Gabriel Rosa represents the next wave of rising stars with tremendous upside. Together, these four riders give us a powerful mix of experience, athleticism, and potential that we believe will make the Outlaws a force to be reckoned with in 2026.
"The Outlaws organization is fired up about the upcoming season and the fresh energy these riders will bring to Kansas City. We look forward to seeing them compete in black and orange and delivering unforgettable performances for our fans."
The bull riding action for the 2026 PBR Team Series’ Outlaw Days presented by Bad Boy Mowers and Tractors at T-Mobile Center begins at 7:45 p.m. CT on Friday, Oct. 23; 6:45 p.m. CT on Saturday, Oct. 24; and 1:45 p.m. CT on Sunday, Oct. 25. Prior to each day’s action, the Outlaw Days Festival will open at 4 p.m. CT on Friday, 12 p.m. CT on Saturday, and 11 a.m. CT on Sunday.
Tickets for the 2026 Teams regular season finale in Kansas City are currently on sale and can be purchased HERE, online at KansasCityOutlaws.com, AXS.com, and PBR.com, at the T-Mobile Center Box Office, or by calling PBR customer service at (800) 732-1727.
Three-day ticket packages are available and offer fans a 15% discount on select price levels.
Connect with the Kansas City Outlaws on social media at @KCOutlawsPBR on Facebook, @KCOutlawsPBR on X,@KCOutlawsPBR on Instagram, and @KCOutlawsPBR on TikTok.
Photo courtesy of PBR social