
Private equity strikes deal with bowling alleys, pricing out a middle-class pastime
Private-equity–backed Lucky Strike Entertainment has bought a large slice of U.S. bowling alleys, using scale to boost profits and pushing up costs for bowlers—evidenced by a price spike (Jell-O shots rising from $1 to $2.75) and higher league expenses. With Lucky Strike controlling more than a tenth of U.S. centers, independent alleys struggle to compete, illustrating how Wall Street capitalism is reshaping a once-affordable middle-class pastime as part of NBC News’ Unaffordable America series.













