Mark Ballas will serve as a judge on the new reality competition series "Dancing with the Stars: The Next Pro" [1].
The appointment marks a significant expansion of the Dancing with the Stars franchise as ABC seeks to diversify its competition formats. By placing a seasoned professional in a judging role, the network leverages Ballas's technical expertise to evaluate a new class of competitors.
Ballas enters the role as a three-time winner of the Len Goodman Mirrorball Trophy [1]. His transition from competitor to judge follows a career defined by high-level success in the ballroom. The new spinoff is designed to challenge the existing dynamics of the franchise by shifting the focus of the competition.
The series is scheduled to premiere on July 13, 2026 [2]. Viewers will be able to watch the competition on ABC and stream episodes via Hulu [3].
Ballas will join Shirley Ballas on the judging panel for the series [3]. The two will provide critiques and scores for the participants as they compete for a professional spot in the dance world. This strategic move by ABC integrates established stars of the original series into the leadership of the spinoff to maintain brand continuity.
While Ballas prepares for his new role, he has previously encountered challenges with his health. In a separate statement regarding a past absence, Ballas said, "Sorry I will not be able to perform again tonight. This illness has hit me and my whole household very hard" [4].
“Mark Ballas will serve as a judge on the new reality competition series 'Dancing with the Stars: The Next Pro'”
The launch of 'The Next Pro' indicates ABC's strategy to sustain the longevity of the Dancing with the Stars brand by evolving from a celebrity-amateur pairing into a professional-track competition. Utilizing Mark Ballas, a recognized champion, as a judge provides the show with immediate credibility and a bridge to the existing fanbase.
