Mercury and Triton sign on as BASS sponsors

MONTGOMERY, Ala. – Following the departure of Yamaha and Skeeter as sponsors, Mercury Marine and Triton Boats have signed a multi-year deal with BASS to be its exclusive boat and motor sponsors, effective June 16, according to a statement yesterday from BASS.

“Triton, Mercury and BASS share a powerful vision and passion for our sport and natural resources that make this a dynamic collaboration,” said Dean Kessel, vice president and general manager of BASS. “Triton and Mercury distinguish themselves in their respective product categories with dedication to, and support of, the BASS anglers, Federation, tournament trail, conservation, youth initiatives and other membership services.”

“This is a terrific opportunity for all parties involved,” Mercury Marine President Pat Mackey said. “We are convinced that BASS and ESPN Outdoors are focused on growing and strengthening tournament fishing — which is vitally important to our whole industry — and we are very pleased to consolidate our sponsorship with BASS.”

“Since ESPN joined forces with BASS, bass fishing is finally on a par with other professional sports in terms of prestige, payouts and popularity,” said Earl Bentz, president of Triton. “At Triton, we feel our new alliance with BASS complements our shared vision to positively change and grow the bass fishing industry even further.”

Yamaha Marine and subsidiary Skeeter Boats will each end its sponsorship of BASS this June, Yamaha said in a release yesterday.

“We would like nothing more than to continue sponsorship of BASS for many years to come, but unfortunately, we just could not come to agreement with BASS regarding the benefit enhancements and contractual details,” said Yamaha Marine’s marketing manager Dale Barnes in the company’s statement.

“Our involvement with BASS has been very good for our business, but we also have an obligation to make good business decisions,” said Skeeter Boats Senior Vice President Jeff Stone. “We could not agree to the sponsorship as it was presented. At Skeeter boats, competitive bass fishing is the passion behind everything we do. Like the folks at Yamaha, we are disappointed that the sponsorship will end.”

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