Bass Cat said it extended its sponsorship of the Bass Pro Tour and Major League Fishing Cup for a ninth consecutive year.

“Not many people realize that Bass Cat is the founding sponsor of MLF,” said Yar-Craft Boats and Bass Cat president Rick Pierce in a statement. “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, live stream and league property it is today.”

In support of MLF’s philosophy, Bass Cat first signed with Major League Fishing in 2011 as they prepared to launch a 24-angler, made-for-television tournament series in partnership with Outdoor Channel in early 2012.

In 2019, MLF expanded by launching the Bass Pro Tour featuring 80 of the most well-known professional anglers in the world.

Each stage includes six days of competition using MLF’s catch-weigh-and-immediately-release format. Each stage of the Bass Pro Tour is broadcast live on the Major League Fishing app, MyOutdoorTV, and MajorLeagueFishing.com.

Highlights from each stage of the 2020 Bass Pro Tour will air on Discovery Network beginning in July and the Sportsman Channel in early 2021.

“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.”