When a true giant of the game speaks, the pool world listens. In this episode of Legends of the Cue, Hall of Fame icon Mike Sigel joins us to unveil the most ambitious billiards initiative in decades—the launch of America’s Billiard League (ABL), coming January 5, 2026. After more than 13 years of development, setbacks, reinvestment, and relentless belief, Sigel pulls back the curtain on a league poised to reshape both amateur and professional pool.

Sigel reveals how the ABL was engineered from the ground up to solve the problems that have long plagued competitive leagues—unfair handicaps, intimidation of casual players, inconsistent structures, and stagnant prize pools. What emerges is a revolutionary system built for inclusivity, integrity, and massive upside. From a handicap model that truly allows weaker players to beat stronger ones, to an app that automates scoring, scheduling, and financials, the ABL removes barriers and opens doors for millions of everyday players.

And the money? Sigel doesn’t hold back. Early sessions will feature prize funds dwarfing anything in the amateur space—$25,000 per session, six-figure grand finales, and long-term projections climbing into the tens of millions. His bold prediction: within seven years, the ABL will crown a $50 million champion. Yes—fifty million.

But this isn’t just an amateur dream. Sigel outlines plans to elevate the professional game as well, from guaranteed appearance fees to entertainment-driven televised events that could bring celebrities, influencers, and top pros together in never-before-seen formats.

This is pool’s next era, and Mike Sigel is building it—big, bold, and unapologetically disruptive. If you love cue sports, buckle up. The ABL is coming, and it might just change everything.

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Music by Lyrium.

About

"Legends of the Cue" is a pool history podcast featuring interviews with Pool Hall of Fame members, winners of major championships and other people of influence in and around pocket billiards. We also plan to highlight memorable pool brands, events and venues. Focusing on the positive aspects of the sport, we aim to create and provide an engaging and timeless repository of content that listeners can enjoy now and forever. Co-hosted by WPA and BCA Hall of Fame member Allison Fisher, Mosconi Cup player and captain Mark Wilson, our podcast focuses on telling the life stories of pool's greatest, in their voices. Join Allison, Mark and Mike Gonzalez for “Legends of the Cue.”