Busch Light Joins The Bullpen & Announces Sponsorship of Professional Bull Rider, Derek Kolbaba

New York, NY – September 17, 2024 – Following the announcement of Anheuser-Busch’s multi-year partnership of the world’s leading bull riding organization, PBR (Professional Bull Riders), Busch Light is excited to sponsor World Championship-contending bull rider, Derek Kolbaba. The beer brand’s partnership with Kolbaba marks a new chapter in its commitment to creating thrilling opportunities for 21+ fans.  

“Busch Light has been able to offer some unrivaled experiences to 21+ fans while they’re taking in laps at the track, singing along with their favorite country stars and now watching fearless athletes and fierce bulls in the dirt,” said Krystyn Stowe, Head of Marketing for Busch Family & Natural Family at Anheuser-Busch. "We’re looking forward to stepping into the arena with Derek and know our fan base will join us in raising a cold one to him this season.”  

From finishing No. 2 in the race for the 2017 PBR World Championship at just 21 years old, to qualifying for the PBR World Finals nine times, to putting up points for the No. 1-ranked Carolina Cowboys in the new PBR Teams league, Kolbaba is a rising star in the world of professional bull riding and has already achieved remarkable feats in the sport. With his impressive performances, fearless riding style and unwavering dedication to the sport, Kolbaba has captured the hearts of fans, making him the ideal partner for Busch Light.  

“The past year has been quite a journey, and to be back in the arena with a brand like Busch Light supporting me this season is surreal,” said Kolbaba. “Busch Light is known for giving their fans epic opportunities, so being able to team up with them to create these moments for my fans is really exciting.”  

Busch Light has been dedicated to bringing sports and country fans unbelievable experiences from their favorite beer for years - from hosting exclusive ‘One Night Only’ intimate shows with top country music artists like Riley Green to being the official beer sponsor of NASCAR - and will continue to invest in experiences for its fans through its partnership with PBR and Kolbaba.  

 Busch Light has experienced upward growth over the past five years and earned its spot as the #1 selling value brand¹ by consistently showing up where fans already are with a Busch Light in hand - whether that’s enjoying the great outdoors, taking in a NASCAR race, or listening to country. Busch Light has also seen success exploring new opportunities to connect with 21+ fans in fresh places, and partnerships with PBR and Nitrocross are further solidifying the brand as the #1 selling beer in the Midwest Region². As a result of unwavering consistency over time, Busch Light is outpacing the country’s leading import pale lager in volume sales³ and showing no signs of slowing. 

For additional information about Busch Light, its involvement with PBR and what’s to come with Derek Kolbaba, 21+ fans can stay up to date by following Busch Light on X, Instagram and Facebook.    

¹: Circana TUS MULC, MULC States + Non-P States YTD / L4W WE 6/16/2024, FY 2018  

²: Circana Midwest Region MULC YTD 8/11/24 

³: Circana Total US MULC WE 8/04/24 

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ABOUT BUSCH LIGHT

Busch Light is made with exceptional ingredients and has a crisp, refreshing taste that is as cold and smooth as a mountain stream. The beer brewed for the great outdoors takes cracking a cold one and heading for the mountains seriously, with passion points rooted in fishing, hunting, farming, NASCAR and country music. With focus and investment on meeting fans where they already are with a Busch Light in hand, the brand has experienced consistent growth since 2019. The Busch brand name represents a family of products including Busch Beer, Busch Light, Busch Ice and Busch NA. For more information, visit www.busch.com and follow Busch Light on X, Facebook and Instagram.  

ABOUT DEREK KOLBABA

Growing up in the quaint town of Joseph, Oregon, Derek Kolbaba had ambitions to ride at just seven years old. Inspired by his father, epic bull rider Kyle Kolbaba, Derek was practically born into rodeo life and strived to follow in his footsteps. But after his dad had a gnarly injury that forced him into early retirement, he was hesitant about giving Derek the thumbs up. With a bit of convincing however, Derek was encouraged to jump into the arena. Turning to his father for help and guidance, he took his first shot by competing in local rodeos when he was 10 years old and showed a natural talent for the sport. By the time Derek turned 18 years old, he was already battling in the PBR (Professional Bull Riders) World Finals. And at 21 years old, he won the 2017 Reserve Champion Bull Rider title in the PBR. Derek is a nine time PBR World Finals qualifier and one of the fan favorites on the PBR Tour.

ABOUT ANHEUSER-BUSCH 

At Anheuser-Busch, our purpose is to create a future with more cheers. We are committed to earning our place in the moments that matter to our consumers and making a meaningful impact in our communities across the country. For more than 165 years, Anheuser-Busch has carried on a legacy of brewing great-tasting, high-quality beers that have satisfied beer drinkers for generations.    

Today, we own and operate more than 120 facilities, including breweries, wholesaler distribution centers, agricultural facilities, and packaging plants, and have a dedicated network of more than 65,000 hardworking Americans across the United States who bring our beer to life. We are home to several of America's most iconic beer and beyond beer brands, including Michelob ULTRA, Cutwater Spirits, Stella Artois, Budweiser, and Bud Light as well as regional brands that provide beer drinkers with a choice of the best-tasting craft beers in the industry. From our industry-leading efforts to support American farmers and our nation’s military, veterans, and first responders to emergency drinking water donations and responsible drinking programs, we are guided by our unwavering commitment to supporting the communities we call home – that’s who we are. For more information, visit www.anheuser-busch.com or follow Anheuser-Busch on LinkedIn, X, Facebook, and Instagram.