2013 U.S. Open winners Liz Johnson and Wes Malott



ARLINGTON, Texas - The United States Bowling Congress and the Bowling Proprietors' Association of America have joined forces to secure the future of one of bowling's most important brands - Bowling's U.S. Open.



In an agreement announced Friday, USBC and BPAA have agreed to a three-year deal that will see USBC operate and conduct the U.S. Open for men and women in 2015, 2016 and 2017.



"USBC as the national governing body for bowling is committed to supporting competitive bowling and the U.S. Open brand plays an important role," USBC President Andrew Cain said. "We are proud to work alongside our partners at BPAA to secure a certain future for the U.S. Open."



As part of the agreement, USBC and BPAA each will contribute at least $100,000 annually toward operating the events; further details will be announced at a later date.



"BPAA and USBC are dedicated to working together to better the sport of bowling and this partnership is just another example of that cooperation," BPAA President Cathy DeSocio said. "BPAA is proud the U.S. Open brand can continue for years to come and that the sport's greatest athletes will have an opportunity to compete for this prestigious title."



The agreement does not include a broadcast television partner for the events. If a sponsor for television is not secured, live streaming coverage of the events will be provided.



"A television package is certainly not out of the question and something we will work to acquire moving forward," Cain said. "We will be re-engaging partners and other sponsors in an effort develop a model that will benefit the entire industry."



The U.S. Open has a rich tradition that dates more than 40 years and has been won by some of the greatest players in the sport's history.