Bass Pro Shops has elevated its sponsorship of Bassmaster events to the top level and enhanced its multifaceted marketing alliance with B.A.S.S. LLC. In an agreement announced by B.A.S.S. today, Bass Pro Shops becomes an official sponsor of the Bassmaster Classic, Bassmaster Elite Series and Bassmaster Open Series.
The retailer also will continue its title sponsorship begun in 2010 of all nine Bassmaster Open events within the Southern, Central and Northern divisions. The agreement specifies that Bass Pro Shops’ Nitro boat brand will continue as a supporting sponsor of the Bassmaster Elite and Bassmaster Open series.
“This agreement further unites the sport’s most respected brands,” said Don Logan, who with Jim Copeland and Jerry McKinnis purchased B.A.S.S. in late 2010. “Anglers everywhere, and especially our membership, will benefit from the offerings from Bass Pro Shops and B.A.S.S.”
New for 2011, the companies will provide Bassmaster University events as part of the annual Bass Pro Shops Spring Fishing Classic. B.A.S.S. created a new publication, “Bassmaster Techniques,” which was distributed to Bassmaster University attendees at the Spring Classic.
Said BPS founder and five-time Bassmaster Classic qualifier Johnny Morris: “Competing in Ray Scott’s B.A.S.S. tournaments many years ago helped lead to the starting of our company. It is fitting that we now join together in this partnership.”
