Bassmaster and Marathon expand partnership for 2023 season

March 22, 2023

BIRMINGHAM, Ala. — B.A.S.S. and Marathon Petroleum Corporation (MPC), which operates the nation’s largest refining system and supplies fuel to thousands of retail locations from coast to coast, have expanded their relationship for the 2023 season, officials announced today. Not only will the brand continue to serve as the title sponsor for Bassmaster Studios and as a supporting sponsor for the Bassmaster Tournament Trail, but for the first time in the three-year partnership Marathon has now stepped up as the title sponsor for the Elite Series event on Lake Murray. The Marathon Bassmaster Elite at Lake Murray will be held April 20-23 in Columbia, S.C.

“Marathon is extremely excited to expand our sponsorship with B.A.S.S. to include the Elite Series event on Lake Murray,” said John Rice, Manager, Advertising & Brand Management at Marathon Petroleum. “Partnering with Bassmaster is a win-win for both brands and we look forward to rooting on some of the best anglers in the world at the Marathon Bassmaster Elite tournament.”

As a supporting sponsor of the Bassmaster Tournament Trail, Marathon will be heavily featured during the award-winning Bassmaster LIVE show. The show, which is broadcast on FS1 and streamed on Bassmaster.com and the FOX Sports digital platforms, is hosted from the Marathon Bassmaster Studios. In 2022, avid fishing fans watched more than 704 million minutes of Bassmaster LIVE coverage and — after two 2023 Elite tournaments — viewership is already on a record-breaking pace.

Additionally, Marathon will enjoy exposure in Bassmaster and B.A.S.S. Times magazines and across various social media platforms. Among the Marathon-sponsored content will be “Peak Performance” interviews, which focus on the pros’ winning ways and aim to help anglers of all levels improve their own techniques.

“We are proud to partner with Marathon to reach our anglers and fans,” said B.A.S.S. CEO Chase Anderson. “Whether anglers are traveling to a dream destination or hauling their boat to home waters, Marathon can help them reach their destination.”