All eyes are on Sioux Falls, South Dakota, as the final days of the 2026 PRCA regular season bring some of the biggest payouts, and biggest stakes of the year. For athletes still fighting to secure a spot at the 2026 Wrangler National Finals Rodeo (NFR), the Cinch Playoffs and Governor’s Cup represent one final opportunity to make a move in the standings.
The Professional Rodeo Cowboys Association (PRCA), the state of South Dakota, Experience Sioux Falls and Cinch are bringing the Cinch Playoffs to Sioux Falls Sept. 25-27 at the Denny Sanford PREMIER Center.
PRCA athletes will compete for the Governor’s Cup and more than $1.5 million in prize money. The inaugural event will be the richest rodeo in South Dakota history.
The Cinch Playoffs provides one final opportunity for ProRodeo athletes to qualify for the NFR. The field includes the top four finishers from each event at the Cinch Playoffs in Puyallup, Washington, earlier this month, along with the top eight athletes from the Playoff Series standings.
Governor’s Cup Payouts
The payout structure gives athletes multiple opportunities to earn, with the top performers advancing through the weekend toward the Governor’s Cup finals.
Rounds 1 and 2
- First place: $12,533.40
- Second place: $9,400.05
- Third place: $6,266.70
- Fourth place: $3,133.35
Following the first two rounds, the top eight athletes based on their average advance to Sunday’s semifinals.
Semifinals
- Fifth through eighth place: $4,500 each
The top four athletes from the semifinals advance to the Governor’s Cup finals.
Finals
- First place: $34,000
- Second place: $26,000
- Third place: $17,000
- Fourth place: $9,000
With athletes such as bareback rider Clayton Biglow and saddle bronc riders Damian Brennan and Zac Dallas on the cusp of qualifying for the 2026 NFR, the Governor’s Cup could play a significant role in the final push toward Las Vegas.
In team roping, brothers Dawson and Dillon Graham also enter the weekend on the bubble, currently ranked 15th in the world in their respective team roping standings.
For these cowboys and many others, the 2026 PRCA regular season comes down to one final weekend in Sioux Falls.
Fans can follow the action through Cowboy Plus’ digital, social and broadcast platforms as athletes compete for the Governor’s Cup, valuable earnings and a final chance to punch their tickets to Las Vegas.