I thought Bonus Ball was great. And I really hope it stays around and flourishes.
I really enjoyed the whole production of the three playoff matches I watched. Like Jay pointed out... great camera work, commentary, replays, eye candy, etc... And I especially liked the rules of Bonus Ball...
But, most of us here are versed / seasoned pool players and can see the elements of all the games cleverly incorporated. And having been able to see it played by professionals who were clearly "into" the game gave it a really good representation.
I'm not trying to be a devil's advocate here, but after some time to read what others have posted and think things through for myself, I am starting to think the game might be a bit too complex to truly capture a new audience...
Being on ESPN3 is a good start... but in my case I had register for a separate "services" log-in that is tied to my cable provider account in order to watch. My provider doesn't broadcast ESPN3... And I have a feeling many cable providers are like that.
And for the people who do have ESPN3 straight to their cable box, it's a very dedicated few who will tune in specifically for, and be ready at the beginning of the show... Probably the same group who made the effort to go to the web-stream and watch. And that same group will already know the rules to the game being played and not need a history lesson.
Most "new" pool-TV watchers who might generate interest and spend "new money" on pool, will be the channel-surfing crowd who's attention will (hopefully) be piqued when they see a pool table on screen. Now.... if that potential new group of viewers already knows the basic rules of the game being played, they may even stick around and get more into the match.
The only changes I'd like to see to BB (aside of some of the over-the-top uniforms) is:
1) Needs to be on ESPN2. Even if it's just in place of 1 hr of poker per week).
2) For televised matches, the WPBL should consider implementing a short series of singles 8-ball games or short-races to start the match. It doesn't have to be long, so that it maybe takes up only the first 1/5 or 1/4 of the broadcast time... Simply to capture channel-surfing newbies with a game they are at least somewhat familiar with. They can give the 8-ball games less weight in the match, but I think the game would be more likely to grab and keep newbie attention at the beginning of a broadcast before they move on to find their next show for that broadcast segment. Then, with a (hopefully) captive audience, explain the bonus ball rules and finish off the "meat and potatoes" with bonus ball. I'm thinking of 8-ball as a shrimp coctail appetizer for the genera public in this scenario...