Major League Fishing

What Major League Fishing does

Major League Fishing (MLF) is a privately-held professional bass fishing tournament organization founded in 2012 and headquartered in Tulsa, Oklahoma. MLF operates the largest tournament fishing network in the world, running 150+ live events annually across an integrated circuit structure that spans from youth (Abu Garcia High School Fishing) and collegiate (Columbia PFG College Fishing) through amateur (Phoenix Bass Fishing League), semi-pro (Toyota Series), and professional tiers (Tackle Warehouse Pro Circuit and the premier Bass Pro Tour). The organization also runs team-format competitions (Starlink Team Series), a season-long points championship (Fishing Clash Angler of the Year with a $100,000 prize), and marquee events including REDCREST ($300,000 first prize) and the newly inaugurated The Champions tournament ($3.25M purse, $1.25M first place).

MLF's underlying technology platform centers on SCORETRACKER® LIVE — a proprietary real-time tournament scoring system with 91,000+ hours of field testing on Bass Pro Tour events, now extended to consumer use through a partnership with BUBBA. MLF deploys Starlink technology to support real-time data transmission across its event footprint and operates MLFNOW!, a multi-day livestream platform covering all circuits. Content distribution spans Outdoor Channel, Discovery, Vice, CBS, MyOutdoorTV streaming, and a robust digital ecosystem including Fantasy Fishing, Major League Lessons, Mercury Pro Tactics, and the No Limits podcast.

MLF's revenue model is diversified across four primary streams: event sponsorships from a roster of 15+ major brands (Bass Pro Shops, Mercury, Toyota, Suzuki Marine, Starlink, Yuengling, BUBBA, Lowrance, Phoenix Boats, OFF!, Black Buffalo, Cigars International, and others); membership subscriptions (free Fan Pass, $25 High School, $70 High School + MOTV, $85 Premium, $130 Premium + MOTV); broadcast and media rights; and tournament entry fees. In 2019 MLF acquired Fishing League Worldwide (FLW), consolidating competing bass circuits under one banner. MLF International operates in 11 countries across North America, Europe, Asia, and Africa.

Name

Major League Fishing

Legal name

Major League Fishing

Website

https://majorleaguefishing.com

Company type

Private

Founded year

2012

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

1–10 employees

Short description

Major League Fishing operates the world's largest professional bass fishing tournament network, running 150+ live events annually across eight circuits from youth through professional levels. It monetizes through event sponsorships, tiered memberships ($25-$130/year), broadcast rights, and proprietary SCORETRACKER® technology.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Professional Fishing Tournament Organization & Media

NAICS

Spectator Sports (71121), Other Spectator Sports (711219)

SIC

Services-Membership Sports & Recreation Clubs (7997), Services-Amusement & Recreation Services (7900)

akta.pro primary industry

Professional Live Sports Leagues & Tours (MPAGAMAA)

akta.pro secondary industry

Fishing Charters & Angling Experiences (Deep Sea, Sportfishing, Fly Fishing) (THAJAJAC)

Keywords

• Professional bass fishing
• Fishing tournament circuits
• Tournament scoring technology
• Fishing media streaming
• Angler memberships

Headquarters

HQ city

Tulsa

HQ country

United States

HQ region

North America

Markets served

GTM type

B2C

Offering type

Services

Cost components

Operations, Marketing or Sales, Technology or R&D, Personnel, Infrastructure

Revenue model

1. Event Sponsorships: MLF generates revenue through title and presenting sponsorships for events across all circuits including Bass Pro Tour, Team Series, Pro Circuit, Toyota Series, BFL, College, and High School Fishing. Major sponsors include Bass Pro Shops, Mercury, Suzuki Marine, Starlink, Toyota, Phoenix Boats, and others.
2. Membership Subscriptions: Revenue from Premium Membership ($85/year), High School Membership ($25/year), and High School + MOTV Fishing ($70/year). Includes tournament eligibility, MOTV Fishing subscription, SCORETRACKER Insider access, and merchandise discounts.
3. Broadcast and Media Rights: Television broadcasts on Outdoor Channel, Discovery, Vice, and CBS. Streaming on MyOutdoorTV (MOTV). MLFNOW! livestream coverage across all events.
4. Tournament Entry Fees: Revenue from tournament entry fees across all circuits. For 2026, MLF announced lower entry fees and bigger payouts for Phoenix Bass Fishing League.

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion1 record

Distribution channels7 records

Marketing channels8 records

Core offering

Major League Fishing organizes and operates professional bass fishing tournaments across multiple circuits (Bass Pro Tour, Fishing Clash Team Series, Tackle Warehouse Pro Circuit, Toyota Series, Phoenix Bass Fishing League, Columbia PFG College Fishing, Abu Garcia High School Fishing), running 150+ live events annually. It produces and distributes related media content (MLFNOW! livestreams, Major League Lessons, Mercury Pro Tactics, Fantasy Fishing) and sells tiered memberships (Fan Pass free; Premium $85/year; Premium + MOTV $130/year; High School $25–$70/year) granting tournament eligibility and streaming access. Revenue is generated from event sponsorships, membership subscriptions, broadcast/streaming rights, and tournament entry fees, all enabled by proprietary SCORETRACKER® LIVE real-time scoring technology.

Product overview

Major League Fishing operates a comprehensive platform-plus-modules architecture centered on competitive bass fishing tournaments. The core platform encompasses multiple tournament circuits spanning all skill levels: the Bass Pro Tour (premier professional), Tackle Warehouse Pro Circuit (advancing professionals), Toyota Series (mid-tier), and Phoenix Bass Fishing League (amateur entry). Supporting the competitive ecosystem are Fishing Clash Angler of the Year (season-long points championship), REDCREST (annual championship event), Starlink Team Series (team competitions), and Heavy Hitters (special big-bass format). Youth and collegiate pathways include Abu Garcia High School Fishing and Columbia PFG College Fishing. The technology layer features SCORETRACKER® LIVE (real-time scoring technology integrated into BUBBA® app), MLFNOW! (livestreaming), and Fantasy Fishing (fan engagement game). Content products include Major League Lessons (educational series) and Mercury Pro Tactics (pro blogs/podcasts). Membership tiers provide access to SCORETRACKER™ Insider data, MOTV streaming, and tournament eligibility. Conservation efforts are managed through the Fisheries Management Division. International operations span 12 countries through MLF International.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Brands

• Bass Pro Tour: Premier professional bass fishing tournament circuit featuring top anglers competing for significant prize money.
• Fishing Clash Team Series
• Tackle Warehouse Pro Circuit
• Toyota Series
• Phoenix Bass Fishing League
• REDCREST
• Heavy Hitters
• Fishing Clash Angler of the Year
• Columbia PFG College Fishing
• Abu Garcia High School Fishing

Products and services

• Bass Pro Tour MLF's premier professional bass fishing tournament circuit. Features 51 top professional anglers competing in multiple stages across the country for $600,000 purses per event and $125,000 first-place prizes. Aired on Outdoor Channel, Discovery, CBS, and via MLFNOW! and MyOutdoorTV.
• Fishing Clash Angler of the Year Season-long points championship crowning the Bass Pro Tour Angler of the Year. Points accumulated across all Bass Pro Tour events; winner receives a $100,000 prize.
• REDCREST MLF's annual flagship championship event for the Bass Pro Tour. Top anglers compete for the title and $300,000 first-place prize at various U.S. venues.
• Starlink Team Series Team-based competition featuring Patriot Cup, Heritage Cup, Challenge Cup, and Summit Cup formats. Presented by Bass Pro Shops, the series uses elimination and knockout round formats.
• Tackle Warehouse Pro Circuit Professional circuit providing a path to the Bass Pro Tour. Features 16 stop events and an annual $300,000 Tackle Warehouse Pro Circuit Championship; top finishers earn Bass Pro Tour invitations.
• Toyota Series Mid-tier tournament circuit presented by Phoenix Boats with multiple regional divisions (Northern, Southern, Central, etc.) competing for divisional prizes and a Toyota Series Championship.
• Phoenix Bass Fishing League (BFL) Entry-level amateur bass fishing league presented by T-H Marine with multiple regional divisions, local events, and the All-American championship featuring a $200,000 top prize.
• Columbia PFG College Fishing Collegiate bass fishing competition presented by Abu Garcia, with conference events, the College Fishing National Championship, and the College Fishing Heavy Hitters special event.
• Abu Garcia High School Fishing High school bass fishing competitions presented by Tackle Warehouse, including the annual High School Fishing National Championship and World Finals.
• ICAST Cup Annual special event held in conjunction with the ICAST fishing industry trade show, featuring MLF pros competing while showcasing new fishing products and technology.
• The Champions Inaugural 2026 special tournament presented by World Bass Enterprises, featuring a record $3.25 million purse with $1.25 million for first place — the largest first-place prize in bass fishing history. Unites the top 25 anglers from the Bassmaster Elite Series and MLF Bass Pro Tour.
• MLFNOW! MLF's live streaming platform providing real-time coverage of Bass Pro Tour, Team Series, and Pro Circuit events with multi-day livestreams and post-game analysis.
• Fantasy Fishing Free-to-play fantasy fishing game allowing fans to draft anglers and compete for prizes based on real tournament performance. Includes the Beat JT Kenney contest and leaderboards with sponsor prizes (Phoenix Boats, 13 Fishing, Tackle Warehouse, BUBBA).
• Premium Membership Annual paid membership ($85/year; $130/year with MOTV Fishing) offering tournament eligibility, MOTV Fishing subscription, SCORETRACKER Insider access, 25% off MLF apparel, digital Bass Fishing magazine archives, MLF decal and membership card.
• MLF Fan Pass Free membership tier providing access to SCORETRACKER Insider, digital magazine archives, MLF e-newsletter, and entry to sweepstakes and giveaways.
• High School Membership Annual membership for high school anglers ($25/year, or $70/year bundled with MOTV Fishing); includes SCORETRACKER Insider access and eligibility for MLF & TBF tournaments.
• SCORETRACKER® LIVE Real-time tournament scoring technology that allows tournament organizers, competitors, and fans to track live catch data, standings, and angler performance during bass fishing competitions. Originally developed for MLF Bass Pro Tour events and field-tested over 91,000 hours; expanded to nationwide consumer use through the BUBBA® app.

Quantifiable outcome

• Jacob Wheeler's dynasty: 12 Bass Pro Tour wins and 4 Angler of the Year titles (2021, 2022, 2024, 2025)
• +4 more outcomes

Named customers10 records

Segments4 records

Ideal customer profiles3 records

Technology focussed Yes

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Integration2 records

AI capability2 records

Feature3 records

Partnerships

26 partnerships are on record, tiered core and minor.

• BUBBA®coreTechnology or Integration · 14 July 2026BUBBA® and MLF partnered to launch SCORETRACKER® LIVE for consumer use, making real-time tournament scoring technology available nationwide through the BUBBA® app. Originally developed for MLF Bass Pro Tour events with 91,000+ hours of field testing, the platform allows tournament organizers, competitors, and fans to organize, compete, and spectate using live scoring. BUBBA® is also expanding its connected fishing ecosystem with new products including Pro Series Smart Bump Board and Tournament Weigh Station.
• Mighty River RecoveryminorStrategic or Co-development Partner · 2 July 2026MLF Fisheries Management Division partnered with Mighty River Recovery, providing $5,000 We Work For Water grant and conservation grants for St. Johns River habitat restoration. Partnership supports aquatic vegetation production (eelgrass, bulrush, coontail) to restore bass habitat in Florida waterways.
• Black Buffalo Inc.minorGTM or Marketing Partner · 31 March 2026Black Buffalo named Official Dip of Major League Fishing across Bass Pro Tour, Fishing Clash Team Series, Tackle Warehouse Pro Circuit, Toyota Series, and Phoenix Bass Fishing League events for 2026. Yearlong agreement includes marketing integration across MLF's digital and broadcast platforms, featuring Black Buffalo in social media, television broadcasts, e-blast newsletters, livestreams, boat wraps, and at Bass Pro Shops REDCREST 2026. Black Buffalo distributes tobacco alternative dip products in more than 15,000 retail locations nationwide.
• OFF!®minorGTM or Marketing Partner · 25 February 2026OFF!® brand named Official Mosquito & Tick Repellent for MLF beginning 2026. Partnership includes event activations, a branded angler team in MLF Team Series events, and presence across MLF's media platforms. OFF!® is also launching Deep Woods® MAX aerosol, a picaridin-based repellent offering up to 10 hours of protection designed for outdoor enthusiasts.
• Cigars InternationalminorGTM or Marketing Partner · 8 January 2026Cigars International renewed partnership as Official Sponsor for 2026 season. As an Official Sponsor across multiple MLF platforms (Bass Pro Tour, MLF Team Series, Tackle Warehouse Pro Circuit, Toyota Series, Phoenix Bass Fishing League), Cigars International presents champions with custom humidors and celebratory cigars. Partnership reinforces commitment to the fishing community and provides year-long sponsor integration.
• D.G. Yuengling & Son, Inc.coreGTM or Marketing Partner · 5 January 2026America's oldest brewery signed multi-year agreement as Official Sponsor of MLF beginning with 2026 season. Yuengling Light Lager serves as Presenting Sponsor of 2026 Bass Pro Tour Stage 5 on Beaver Lake. Partnership includes on-site activations, co-branded consumer promotions, multi-state retail sweepstakes campaign, and prominent brand visibility across MLF's television broadcasts, livestream coverage, and social media platforms throughout 2026 season.
• StarlinkcoreTechnology or IntegrationStarlink serves as Title Sponsor of MLF Team Series, now called Starlink Team Series Presented by Bass Pro Shops. MLF has deployed Starlink technology to support real-time data transmission across 150+ live events annually, enabling SCORETRACKER and MLFNOW! livestream capabilities.
• Bass Pro ShopscoreGTM or Marketing PartnerBass Pro Shops is Presenting Sponsor of REDCREST championship events and MLF Team Series. Major sponsor across MLF circuits with retail presence and brand association in the outdoor recreation market.
• Mercury MarinecoreGTM or Marketing PartnerMercury Marine sponsors multiple MLF events including REDCREST (Presented by Mercury & Lowrance), Stage 1 (B&W Trailer Hitches Stage 1 Presented by Mercury), and provides Mercury Pro Tactics content featuring pro angler blogs and tips.
• Suzuki MarinecoreGTM or Marketing PartnerSuzuki Marine sponsors Bass Pro Tour events including Stage 4 and Stage 7 (Suzuki Marine Stage 7 Presented by B&W Trailer Hitches), with significant brand visibility at tournament venues and broadcasts.
• Fishing ClashcoreGTM or Marketing PartnerFishing Clash is the title sponsor of MLF Team Series and Fishing Clash Angler of the Year competition. Partnership includes app integration with MLF content and fishing Clash AOY title sponsorship with $100,000 prize.
• Tackle WarehousecoreGTM or Marketing PartnerTackle Warehouse is title sponsor of Tackle Warehouse Pro Circuit, presenting sponsor of Fantasy Fishing platform, and sponsor of High School Fishing events. Major fishing tackle retailer integration across MLF properties.
• MillerTechminorGTM or Marketing PartnerMillerTech is presenting sponsor of Tackle Warehouse Pro Circuit (Tackle Warehouse Pro Circuit Presented by MillerTech) and sponsor of Bass Pro Tour Stage 3 (Champion Teamwear Stage 3 Presented by MillerTech).
• Phoenix BoatscoreGTM or Marketing PartnerPhoenix Boats is presenting sponsor of Toyota Series (Toyota Series Presented by Phoenix Boats) and provides contingency programs including Phoenix Bass Boat bonuses for anglers winning in Phoenix boats.
• T-H MarineminorGTM or Marketing PartnerT-H Marine is presenting sponsor of Phoenix Bass Fishing League (Presented by T-H Marine), providing support for the grassroots level of MLF tournament fishing.
• Columbia PFGminorGTM or Marketing PartnerColumbia PFG is presenting sponsor of College Fishing (Columbia PFG College Fishing Presented by Abu Garcia), supporting collegiate fishing competition and development pathway.
• Abu GarciaminorGTM or Marketing PartnerAbu Garcia is presenting sponsor of High School Fishing (Abu Garcia High School Fishing Presented by Tackle Warehouse) and co-sponsor of College Fishing, supporting youth fishing development.
• ToyotacoreGTM or Marketing PartnerToyota is title sponsor of Toyota Series and provides Toyota Bonus Bucks incentives for anglers. Major automotive partner supporting professional bass fishing competition.
• YETIminorGTM or Marketing PartnerYETI sponsors multiple MLF events including Stage 5 (Yuengling Light Lager Stage 5 Presented by YETI), providing coolers and gear for tournament operations and prizes.
• PlanominorGTM or Marketing PartnerPlano is presenting sponsor of Suzuki Marine Stage 4 (Suzuki Marine Stage 4 Presented by Plano), supporting tournament operations with tackle storage solutions.
• LowrancecoreTechnology or IntegrationLowrance is co-presenting sponsor of REDCREST (Bass Pro Shops REDCREST Presented by Mercury & Lowrance) and sponsor of Stage 2 (O'Reilly Auto Parts Stage 2 Presented by Lowrance), providing marine electronics technology.
• Wildlife ForeverminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerMLF partnered with Wildlife Forever to expand the Getting Families Fishing and Boating Initiative, promoting conservation and fishing participation.
• Zoeller PumpsminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerZoeller Pumps partners with MLF Fisheries Management Division on conservation projects, including $11,000 donation to James River Basin Partnership and $5,000 We Work For Water grant to Mighty River Recovery.
• Berkley LabsminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerBerkley Labs collaborates with MLF Fisheries Management Division on habitat enhancement projects, including Tournament Recovery Zones at Lake Brownwood.
• Kubota USAminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerKubota USA partners with MLF Fisheries Management Division on habitat enhancement projects at Lake Brownwood, supporting conservation of tournament fisheries.
• Piranh02minorGTM or Marketing PartnerPiranh02 renewed sponsorship with MLF Fisheries Management Division for fish care and tournament recovery zone products.

Scale indicators10 records

Recent moves6 records

Expansion highlights6 records

Direct peers

• B.A.S.S. (Bass Anglers Sportsman Society): The other dominant professional bass fishing tournament organizer in the US, running the Bassmaster Elite Series, Opens, and College/High School circuits. Directly comparable as a competing league with its own broadcast deals (ESPN), sponsor portfolio, and Angler of the Year race that mirrors MLF's structure.
• Fishing Clash (Ten Square Games): Title sponsor of MLF Team Series and 'Fishing Clash Angler of the Year' ($100K prize). Directly comparable as a fishing-themed digital product integrated with MLF's competitive ecosystem and serving the same enthusiast audience.
• MyOutdoorTV (MOTV): Streaming platform bundling MLF's content (Bass Pro Tour, Team Series, Heavy Hitters, Pro Circuit) into MLF Premium Membership. Directly comparable as a vertical streaming subscription product targeting the same outdoor enthusiast segment.

Emerging players

• World Bass: Operator of international bass fishing tournament formats and the 'The Champions' co-presenter with MLF in 2026. Comparable as a tournament organizer building cross-league championship events and aspiring to elevate bass fishing into a more mainstream spectator sport.

Broad incumbents

• Major League Lacrosse / Premier Lacrosse League: Niche professional sports league model with tour-based competition, broadcast partnerships, and sponsor-driven revenue. Comparable as a privately-held league business sharing revenue mechanics (gate, sponsorship, media rights) with MLF, despite operating in a different sport.
• Outdoor Channel / Outdoor Sportsman Group: MLF's primary broadcast partner airing Bass Pro Tour content. Comparable as a broader outdoor recreation media platform whose linear and streaming distribution economics underpin much of MLF's broadcast value.

Others

• Bass Pro Shops: Largest retail sponsor of MLF (Presenting Sponsor of REDCREST and Team Series). Comparable as a vertically integrated fishing/outdoor retailer whose brand association and retail reach materially amplify MLF's commercial footprint.
• Tracker Marine / Bass Cat Boats: Bass boat manufacturer whose products are central to competitive bass fishing. Comparable as an ecosystem participant — Phoenix Boats is already an MLF sponsor — that competes for the same sponsor slots and angler loyalty pool.
• ICAST / American Sportfishing Association: Industry trade body running the ICAST fishing trade show where MLF's ICAST Cup is held. Comparable as a fishing-industry ecosystem organizer whose events overlap with MLF's audience and sponsor base.
• Tackle Warehouse: Title sponsor of MLF's Tackle Warehouse Pro Circuit and High School Fishing, and presenting sponsor of Fantasy Fishing. Comparable as a vertically integrated fishing tackle retailer deeply embedded in MLF's competitive and youth development stack.

Market position

Strengths4 records

Weaknesses4 records

Competitive moat5 records

Key risks5 records

Key highlights6 records

Customer concentration

• Xx.com/majorleaguefish
• YouTubeyoutube.com/channel/UCQF_5AVYaUcnRFJ_UmMgKTw
• Facebookfacebook.com/majorleaguefishing
• Instagraminstagram.com/majorleaguefishingofficial
• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/major-league-fishing

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles1 record

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A1 record

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about Major League Fishing