Major League Fishing (MLF) and Bass Pro Shops have announced an agreement that extends and expands their sponsorship deal. Bass Pro Shops will become the exclusive sporting goods retailer and White River Marine Group boat brands Nitro, Ranger and Triton will become the exclusive performance fishing boat brands for MLF events, including the Bass Pro Tour, REDCREST, the Heavy Hitters all-star event and the Team Series. Bass Pro Shops will also remain the title sponsor of the Bass Pro Tour through 2028.
"Bass Pro Shops was an original founding partner in our sponsorship family and their support of Major League Fishing has been unwavering as we’ve grown and expanded over the past dozen years," said Jim Wilburn, MLF President of Sales. "We’re extremely proud of our long-term partnership with Bass Pro Shops and we’ve enjoyed building the Bass Pro Tour, REDCREST, Heavy Hitters and the Team Series alongside them. If it weren’t for Johnny Morris’ support, the Bass Pro Tour would have never happened. We look forward to many more successful years to come working alongside Johnny and his teams, the unquestioned leaders in outdoor retail."
The sponsorship agreement marks an extension of the original five-year agreement that Bass Pro Shops signed in 2019 when the Bass Pro Tour was initially launched.
“When Bass Pro Shops became one of our initial sponsors back in 2011, we were confident this partnership would be an ideal fit,” said Boyd Duckett, MLF President and CEO. “Our two organizations have similar corporate values, and we are proud with the direction this relationship has grown. Partnering with a global leader like Bass Pro Shops has allowed us to make significant steps towards building the sport of competitive bass fishing, our conservation efforts and enhancing the overall tournament angler experience.”
Said Morris: “We are proud to stand alongside Major League Fishing to promote the great sport of fishing to fans around the world. Together we can do great things to support conservation while creating many positive opportunities for kids, families, professional anglers and the sport itself.”
