Frequently Asked Questions

Short answers for players, captains, and room owners about teams, costs, sessions, finals, and hosting.

General Questions

What is ABL?

America’s Billiard League (ABL) is a nationwide billiards league built for fair teams, weekly play, and meaningful cash prizes.

Who can play and who can I have on my team?

ABL is open to players across all skill levels. Teams can use any eligible league members, in any combination, as long as the team follows the roster limits and professional-player restriction. The GameChanger handicap system is designed so teams can compete fairly even when players have different experience levels.

How much does it cost?

ABL membership is $49 per year (waived first season, a savings of $294 a team!). Weekly team play is $14 per player, per league night. Confirm the active session packet with your local room or ABL representative before play begins.

What team formats are available?

We offer two core formats:

3-player teams, with up to 4 players on the roster.
5-player teams, with up to 6 players on the roster.

How many sessions are there per year?

The first year may include four sessions. Standard league years have three sessions. Sessions usually run 15-16 weeks.

What game does ABL play?

ABL is currently an 8-ball league. Additional formats may be added in the future.

How do I join ABL or host a league?

Players can use the Join ABL links on this site or contact the league office. Room owners and bars can visit our Host Rooms page to inquire about requirements, host-location incentives, and bringing ABL to their venue.

Finals And Prize Money

Where are the Grand Finals held?

The Grand Finals are held in Orlando, Florida.

How much is the grand prize?

The first-place grand prize is a minimum of $100,000.

How does a team qualify?

Teams earn session points during weekly play. Qualifying teams enter the session playoffs. Teams that qualify through at least one session playoff can compete for a place in the year-end finals.

Does a team get more chances if it qualifies more than once?

Yes. A team that qualifies in two sessions gets two chances to post a qualifying score for the finals. A team that qualifies in all three standard sessions gets three chances.

How do payouts work?

ABL promotes session playoffs every 15 weeks, minimum first-place session payouts, and a Grand Finale path. Eligibility, prize details, and timing are governed by the active session packet. Confirm active session packet details with your local room or ABL representative.

Room Owners

How many teams does a room need?

A room needs four 5-player teams or six 3-player teams to sign up for ABL league play.

What tables can be used?

Regular league play can use 3.5 x 7 ft bar tables, 4 x 8 ft tables, or 4.5 x 9 ft tables. The main event finals are played on 3.5 x 7 ft bar tables.

Does the app replace manual match setup?

Yes. The ABL app supports secure payments, schedules, score tracking, live updates, random team and player matchups, and handicap updates every two weeks.

Eligibility

How old do players need to be?

Age limit 16+, under 16 can play with location approval and parental consent.

Do players need to be league members?

Yes. A player must be an active league member before playing in league matches.

Are professional players allowed?

No. Professional players are not allowed in the league. The rules define this as including players who compete, or have competed, in professional tournaments, with ABL board review if the player’s status is unclear. We generally consider players over a Fargo Rate of 680 to be professional players. If you are unsure about your status, please contact us for clarification.