What is the Professional Rodeo Cowboys Association PRCA?

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The Professional Rodeo Cowboys Association (PRCA) is the largest American rodeo organization in the world. Did you know it boasts 650 events every year in 38 American states and 4 Canadian provinces?

Impressive, right?

The history of PRCA reflects the spirit of struggle that was required to tame the untamed of a rodeo rider.

It traces itself all the way back to 1936 when a group of cowboys went on strike. Long story short, the strike was successful and seeing the results of banding together, they established an institution of sorts. It existed all the way up to 1945 after which it was converted into the PRCA.

The PRCA is the definitive representation of the sport of rodeo, a legacy and intrinsic part of what we call Americana. It allows generations now to see how America was built on the back and efforts of cowboys and broncos past.

Photo: Gretchen Kirchmann / Kirchmann Media Group – Miles Jones high flying bullfighter at Minnesota Horse Expo & Barnes PRCA Rodeo

The PRCA holds a number of championship events like ProRodeo Tour, All-American ProRodeo Series and Xtreme Bulls but the main event of the association, its very own vaunted super bowl is the Wrangler National Finals Rodeo (NFR).

Thomas And Mack Center WNFR 2018 Las Vegas

Taking place for 10-12 days straight in Las Vegas, Nevada, there is no bigger celebration of rodeo than this. Rodeo riders and cowboys compete in all kinds of sports for a chance to bag the grand prize of 10 million USD and title of PRCA World Champion.

There are 7 rodeo sports the PRCA recognizes and holds various competitions for, tie-down roping, bull riding, saddle bronc riding, bareback riding, barrel racing, steer wrestling and team roping.

These activities are what form the essence of what is called rodeo and which millions of people flock to see to attempt to recapture some memories of the good ol’ days.

Danny O'Donnell

Danny co-founded Cowboy Lifestyle Network (CLN), now a western media powerhouse with over 4 million fans. CLN’s success reflects his deep understanding of the western community—not just its spirit, but its economic heartbeat—connecting businesses, events, and enthusiasts in a thriving industry. With this massive reach, Danny has become a trusted voice on rodeo culture, horse care, and Western traditions, covering events from the Houston Livestock Show to the Super Bowl Party Trophy Bar. His journey to building this platform began in Arizona, where he spent eight years in Pinal County’s 4-H program, learning ranching by caring for lambs and getting to know the land like an old friend. At Arizona State University, Danny shone as a two-time "All American" diver and team captain, graduating with a business degree that sparked his entrepreneurial drive. After a decade in corporate management sharpening his leadership skills, he launched CLN. "Giving back has always mattered to me," Danny shares. His support for Horses Help, Harris Brothers Charity Foundation, and a 25-year CLN Christmas Toy Drive proves it, building community trust through action.