New Deal Features 54 Hours of Weekend Elite Series Coverage on FS1.
Photo by B.A.S.S.
Sept. 19, 2024
Bassmaster expands LIVE coverage on FOX/FS1 for 2025 season
BIRMINGHAM, Ala. — Following a 2024 season of record viewership and increased interest in Bassmaster LIVE programming, B.A.S.S., FOX and FS1 have announced plans to expand Bassmaster’s live coverage in 2025. The new agreement sets the stage for a monumental surge in viewership for 2025.
“The demand for increased coverage of Bassmaster’s high-quality, professional fishing product is increasing, and FOX has recognized that desire and is stepping up to satisfy the fishing community’s rabid consumption of Bassmaster LIVE content,” said B.A.S.S. Chief Operating Officer Phillip Johnson. “The relationship between FOX/FS1 and B.A.S.S. has been exceptional, and we look forward to continuing to showcase even more tournament coverage from the worldwide authority on bass fishing.”
As part of the new agreement, the 2025 Bass Pro Shops Bassmaster Classic presented by Jockey Outdoors will now have six hours of broadcast coverage on FOX across Saturday and Sunday, as well as 54 hours of Elite Series coverage on Saturdays and Sundays featured on FS1 next year — with the potential for six additional hours on FOX each season.
“FOX and FS1 are thrilled to extend the relationship with B.A.S.S. and the Bassmaster brand,” said FOX Sports EVP/Head of Programming & Scheduling Bill Wanger. “The new deal with this best-in-class fishing organization continues to deliver unsurpassed action on the water from all over the country, highlighted by live weekend coverage of the Bassmaster Elite Series on FS1.”
The additional coverage follows a season of record-breaking viewership in 2024, with one event still to air. The previous high-water mark for Bassmaster LIVE viewership was 14 million in 2021.
This historic television agreement comes on the heels of B.A.S.S. announcing an Elite Series schedule that will feature diverse venues across the nation. Based on the passionate nature of the fan bases in these host communities, B.A.S.S. expects not only record-breaking viewership numbers, but record-setting attendance in 2025, as well.