PUEBLO, Colo. – Prior to the start of Division B competition at the PBR Monster Energy Team Challenge, presented by U.S. Border Patrol, the league has announced new rosters following three bull riders testing positive for COVID-19 Wednesday afternoon in Las Vegas.

In an abundance of caution and consistent with PBR protocols, four additional riders are not allowed to compete due to exposure to those who tested positive. The seven athletes, one of whom was slated to be an emergency alternate, have entered isolation and will be traveling back home, in accordance with PBR’s COVID-19 protocols. The PBR is working with local authorities and medical professionals to assist all affected athletes and ensure compliance with CDC, local and state guidance and reporting requirements.

The new rosters for the six teams competing at the Pendleton Whisky Let ‘Er Buck Saloon at the South Point Arena in Las Vegas for the next two weekends can be found below.

Team Ariat: J.W. Hart (General Manager), Cooper Davis (Captain), Ky Hamilton, Tyler Bingham and Maverick Potter

Team Lucas Oil: Jerome Davis (General Manager), Matt Triplett (Captain), Dalton Kasel, Ryan Dirteater and Scottie Knapp*

Team South Point: Colby Yates (General Manager), Cody Nance (Captain), Shane Proctor, Ty Wallace and Cody Casper*

Team Boot Barn: J.B. Mauney (General Manager), Daylon Swearingen (Captain), Braden Richardson*, J.C. Mortensen* and Kache Moosman*

Team Pendleton Whisky: Justin McBride (General Manager), Marco Eguchi (Captain), Lucas Divino, Amadeu Campos and Junio Patrik Souza

Team Cat: Paulo Crimber (General Manager), Clayton Sellars (Team Captain), Ouncie Mitchell*, Kyle Jones* and Dakota Louis*

*New bull rider for the Monster Energy Team Challenge

All 24 riders set to compete this weekend have tested negative for COVID-19 as part of the PBR’s on-site testing protocols.

The PBR is also in the process of adding three riders to its emergency pool of riders available this weekend in the case that a team needs an injury replacement for its roster.

Earlier in the week, two riders – Taylor Toves and Dylan Smith – had to withdraw from the Monster Energy Team Challenge because of reasons unrelated to the PBR’s COVID-19 on-site testing in Las Vegas. 

The positive COVID-19 test results received Wednesday were among three asymptomatic competitors tested immediately upon arrival, who were entering PBR’s protocols for the first time since PBR resumed competition in late April.

PBR’s extensive protocols require testing on arrival to the event venue for every individual working or competing, as well as follow-up testing on a weekly basis. 

These are the first positive test results PBR has experienced in the five weekends of closed-to-fan events held under comprehensive, government-reviewed safety protocols during COVID-19. 

The Monster Energy Team Challenge is a televised tournament on CBS Sports Network and CBS running from June 5 – July 12. Forty-eight of the world’s top professional bull riders compete on 12 teams and in two divisions, all vying for their share of the $400,000 event purse and the title of PBR Monster Energy Team Challenge Champion.

The competition continues Friday night at 9 p.m. ET on CBS Sports Network and RidePass. On Sunday, CBS will air a Game of the Week on national television at 2 p.m. ET.

The Top 3 teams in the final Division B standings on June 28 will join the Top 3 teams from Division A – Team Cooper Tires, Team Las Vegas and Team Can-Am – in Sioux Falls, South Dakota, for Championship Weekend on July 10-12.

Every game in Division B in Las Vegas will be comprised of 12 collective outs, with each team attempting six bulls. The winner of each game will be the team with the top combined aggregate score from their six outs. Should the aggregate score be a tie, the game will be recorded as such in the teams’ overall win-loss-tie record.

As part of the event payout, the PBR Monster Energy Team Challenge, which will not offer points toward the 2020 world standings, will award one rider with a $10,000 Built Ford Tough MVP bonus. This individual honor will be presented to the rider with the top aggregate score at the conclusion of the series.