Major League Fishing (MLF) announced that boat manufacturer Bass Cat has extended its sponsorship of the Bass Pro Tour and Major League Fishing Cup events for a ninth consecutive year.
“Not many people realize that Bass Cat is the founding sponsor of MLF,” commented Rick Pierce, president of Bass Cat and Yar-Craft Boats. “We’ve enjoyed a lot of firsts in our 49 years of doing business, but nothing quite matches supporting MLF as it evolves into the exceptional television, livestream and league property it is today.”
Bass Cat first signed with MLF in 2011 as it prepared to launch a 24-angler, made-for-television tournament series in partnership with Outdoor Channel in early 2012. MLF Cup events premiered a fast-paced, catch-weigh-immediately-release format in which anglers compete in three periods each day with every fish over a minimum weight counting toward that day’s total. The MLF Cup events have grown into the highest-rated property on Outdoor Channel each quarter it’s aired.
“MLF offers the strongest broadcast presence in the industry to fans and sponsors,” said Jim Wilburn, president and CEO of Major League Fishing. “Bass Cat understands the value of taking a risk to invest in the future of our sport; we’re grateful for Rick’s vision, leadership, and friendship, as together our companies chart new opportunities for anglers at all levels.”
