TBL Season 4 Tryouts: Inside Team Boxing League's Revolutionary Format

What Is Team Boxing League? The Complete Guide to TBL's Rules Format Weight Classes and How Team Based Boxing Works

Team Boxing League (TBL) is revolutionizing professional boxing with its team-based ownership model that features 24 three-minute rounds of non-stop action across 12 city-based franchises. The league's unique scoring system adds up all 24 individual round scores, with the team accumulating the highest total winning the match.

TBL Season 4 tryouts are being held January 16-18, 2026 at Bally's Atlantic City, with over 100 fighters expected for the televised combine. The three-day event will feature 9 different evaluation stations where emerging talent can showcase their skills for roster spots on the 12-team league.

The TBL Format: 24 Rounds of Non-Stop Action

The league's format is described as "the TikTok of boxing" due to its fast-paced, one-round format where fighters have 30 seconds to figure out opponents before going all out. Unlike traditional boxing where competitors have multiple rounds to feel out their opponent, TBL fighters must adapt quickly and fight at maximum intensity for their single three-minute round.

"It's a little bit different in team boxing," said TBL CEO Kevin Cassidy. "They train to go all out in one round. So, they could either fight one or two rounds in an event. That's the most."

Weight Classes and Team Structure

TBL features 8 weight classes for men and 3 for women:

Men's Weight Classes:
- 126lbs
- 135lbs
- 147lbs
- 154lbs
- 160lbs
- 168lbs
- 175lbs
- 199lbs
- 205lbs+

Women's Weight Classes:
- 118lbs
- 126lbs
- 140lbs

Each team fields 2 fighters per weight class, creating 24 total fighters per match. The league is divided into four divisions (West, Southwest, East, Southeast) with 3 teams per division.

Scoring System and Rules

TBL uses a unique scoring system where all 24 individual round scores are added up:
- 10-9 for round winner
- 10-8 for knockdown
- 3 judges per round (licensed by State Athletic Boxing Commission)

This cumulative scoring system means every round matters equally, creating constant action throughout the 24-round match. Fighters switch on and off after each one-round match, maintaining high energy and intensity.

TBL Season Structure

The season runs from mid-March to September, featuring 56 events scheduled across the country. Each event showcases multiple team matchups, with fighters competing for their city-based franchises rather than as individuals.

"The last two years, when we did different tryouts in different cities, we would get a line around the block from the gym that we would do tryouts in," Cassidy explained. "So, we decided we would do kind of America's Got Talent style, open casting call."

TBL Season 4 Combine Details

The first-ever televised open boxing combine represents a groundbreaking opportunity for emerging talent. The January 2026 event at Bally's Atlantic City will feature:
- 3-day combine format
- Over 100 fighters registered
- 9 evaluation stations
- Televised coverage
- Open casting call format

"The TBL Boxing Combine represents a groundbreaking opportunity for emerging talent across the East Coast to showcase their skills in a high-energy, fan-driven environment," according to TBL officials.

Why TBL Matters for Boxing's Future

TBL is positioned as bringing back excitement to boxing with a fresh approach that appeals to a new generation of fans. The team-based format allows fans to rally behind their cities, similar to other major sports, while the fast-paced action keeps viewers engaged throughout the entire event.

The league's innovative approach addresses several challenges facing traditional boxing:
- Creates consistent matchups and schedules
- Builds team loyalty and city pride
- Provides more opportunities for fighters
- Delivers non-stop entertainment

What to Watch

• January 16-18, 2026: TBL Season 4 Combine Tryouts at Bally's Atlantic City
• Mid-March 2026: TBL Season begins
• September 2026: TBL Season concludes

With 56 events scheduled across the country and a revolutionary format that's being called "the TikTok of boxing," TBL represents the future of combat sports entertainment. The league's team-based approach and fast-paced action could attract fans who haven't traditionally followed boxing, potentially expanding the sport's audience significantly.

The upcoming Season 4 tryouts mark a crucial moment for TBL as it continues to grow and establish itself as a legitimate alternative to traditional boxing promotions. With over 100 fighters competing for roster spots and the first televised combine, TBL is positioning itself as the next evolution in professional boxing.