Polaris Industries Inc., a global powersports manufacturer, has acquired a minority stake in Fishing League Worldwide (FLW), according to a press release issued by FLW Thursday morning. Terms of the deal were not publicized. Polaris, known mainly for its extensive lineup of off-road recreational vehicles, has had a presence with FLW for the past two years as it has sponsored FLW Tour veteran David Dudley, who recently announced he'd be returning to the FLW Tour in 2019 after declining an invitation to join the Bassmaster Elite Series.
According to the release, FLW will continue to operate under its current executive team of Trish Blake (president of marketing) and Kathy Fennel (president of operations).
Polaris currently has four boat brands among its holdings: pontoon makers Bennington, Godfrey and Hurricane, along with Rinker, which specializes in fiberglass cruisers.
Below is the press release circulated by FLW today:
Fishing League Worldwide (FLW), the world’s largest tournament-fishing organization, and Polaris Industries Inc., the leading global powersports manufacturer, announced today a strategic partnership that will extend and expand the outdoor brands’ complementary relationship. The terms of the agreement were not disclosed.
The partnership leverages both companies’ consumer base, market presence and industry expertise, and will include collaboration across the organizations as well as enhanced activation and cross-marketing opportunities at select FLW and Polaris events. In particular, Polaris will have an increased presence at all FLW events and within the competition’s television programming.
“Our anglers, members, and loyal fans are always looking for more ways to enjoy the outdoors, and Polaris’ innovative products, along with their similar values and target audience make them a natural partner for FLW,” said FLW President of Marketing Trish Blake. “We’re excited to announce this partnership with Polaris and look forward to leveraging our respective customer bases, cross selling, and mutually growing our businesses.”
“Our portfolio of products offers an array of options for those looking to create lasting memories in the great outdoors,” said Bob Mack, senior vice president of Corporate Development & Strategy, and president of Adjacent Markets & Boats for Polaris. “With recreational fishing being a popular and growing sport in the U.S., this strategic partnership allows us to leverage insights and more deeply engage with FLW’s networks, fishing consumers, and outdoor enthusiasts across the globe to promote our products and brands.”
FLW will continue to be operated under the leadership of Blake and FLW President of Operations, Kathy Fennel, in their current Benton, Kentucky and Minneapolis, Minnesota locations.
Polaris will continue to be represented in FLW competitions by 23-year Tour veteran David Dudley of Lynchburg, Virginia, the 2003 Forrest Wood Cup champion and FLW’s all-time leading money winner with more than $3.6 million in career earnings. Dudley, who has represented Polaris on Tour for the past two seasons, is fresh off of a 12th place showing at the 2018 season-ending Forrest Wood Cup championship on Lake Ouachita in Hot Springs, Arkansas, and is already making preparations to kick off the 2019 season Jan. 10-13, on Sam Rayburn Reservoir in Brookeland, Texas.
For more information on Polaris or to locate an authorized Polaris dealer, please visit http://www.polaris.com. For more information about FLW, their tournaments and sponsors, visit FLWFishing.com.
