February 16, 2023

BIRMINGHAM, Ala. — Longtime partners B.A.S.S. and Toyota, which has served as the exclusive Automobile/Truck and Mobility partner of B.A.S.S. for nearly 20 years, announced today that Toyota inked a deal to become the presenting sponsor of the 2023 Academy Sports + Outdoors Bassmaster Classic, sportfishing’s most iconic event. The 2023 edition of the Bassmaster Classic presented by Toyota will be held March 24-26 in Knoxville, Tenn.

“The Bassmaster Classic is not only the pinnacle of tournament bass fishing, it’s a celebration of the fans, the competitors, the sponsors and the sport itself. The three-day expo brings out thousands of avid fishing fans while anglers compete for fishing’s most coveted trophy. It is truly a world-class event year after year,” said Steve Appelbaum of Toyota Motor Sales North America. “We are extremely excited and proud to be the presenting sponsor of the 2023 Bassmaster Classic in Knoxville, Tennessee, and to continue celebrating our longstanding partnership with B.A.S.S. Toyota will not only be the presenting sponsor, but will have many of our latest vehicles in the Toyota booth space [at the Bassmaster Classic Outdoors Expo] with exciting games, awesome prizes and the chance to meet your favorite Team Toyota Anglers. We are honored to be such a large part of what will surely be another incredible Classic.”

The 100,000 or more fans attending the Bassmaster Classic Outdoors Expo can look forward to Toyota’s family-friendly activities, vehicle displays and the ultra-popular Toyota Ride & Drive course.

In addition to its strong presenting sponsorship of the Bassmaster Classic, Toyota is a platinum sponsor of the six-circuit Bassmaster Tournament Trail and will continue garnering prime visibility in B.A.S.S. multimedia platforms, magazines and on Bassmaster LIVE, which airs on FOX, FS1, Tubi and the FOX Sports digital platforms.

“Competing in the Bassmaster Classic is the dream of just about anyone who has picked up a rod to fish a tournament,” said Chase Anderson, CEO of B.A.S.S. “While many of our pro anglers already rely on Toyota’s quality to get them through the long Bassmaster season, we also know that many grass-roots anglers are dreaming about the sport’s biggest stage while hauling their boat to the lake with their trusted Toyota.

“We are thankful for Toyota’s longstanding partnership and support and welcome this tremendous opportunity to further associate our two brands at this year’s Classic.”