World's Largest Fishing Organization to Team Up with the Worldwide Leader in Sports

MONTGOMERY, Ala.- December 18, 2000 - Television's highly acclaimed, The BASSMASTERS tournament fishing series will be joining the ESPN2 lineup beginning with the airing of the Maryland BASSMASTER Top 150 from the Potomac River on Friday, January 12, 2001 at 6p.m. eastern.

"This multi-year partnership with ESPN allows us to further enhance the BASSMASTER® brand among loyal consumers and major sponsors," said Darrin Bryan, B.A.S.S. TV Advertising Director.

The Bass Anglers Sportsman Society is the world's largest fishing organization with over 600,000 members and over 2,800 local clubs merged into 51 federations in the United States and abroad. The BASSMASTER Tournament Trail, celebrating its 33rd year, continues to be the most prestigious fishing circuit in the country.

"We are thrilled to add the longest-running competitive bass fishing series to our extensive lineup of ESPN and ESPN2 outdoor programming," said Gary Morgenstern, Director, Brand Management, ESPN.

The first event to be televised promises not to disappoint. Tim Horton, winner of the 1999 Maryland BASSMASTER Top 150 and reigning B.A.S.S. Angler of the Year, seeks to defend both of his titles near the nation's Capitol.

"I look forward to the Potomac because it's still new to me. It's a great fishery and I like the way the fish bunch up in certain areas. To me, it's fun to fish," said Horton. "I'm thrilled about the opportunity to have our sport showcased on the worldwide leader in sports."

In addition to Horton, fans will have the chance to watch two of the top anglers in the business, Carl Maxfield and Rick Clunn, battle to the wire. Woo Daves, the 2000 BASS Masters Classic Champion, is also in action at the tournament.

"Having our sport televised on ESPN2 is great," said Daves. "B.A.S.S. teaming up with the top name in sports TV will allow more fans to experience what we live every day."

ESPN has televised outdoor programming for nearly 20 years, including a block on Saturday mornings. ESPN2 features a block on Sunday mornings as part of a weekly schedule of 14 hours. In addition, event programming in outdoor sports, such as The BASSMASTERS series, is aired in afternoon time slots. In June, ESPN2 became the fastest network to reach the 70-million household mark, reaching that milestone in 80 months, more than a year faster than any other network. ESPN2 is now seen in 70.5 million homes, nine out of 10 ESPN homes.

THE BASSMASTERS on ESPN2 is sponsored by Long John Silver's, Bass Pro Shops, Evercel, Kumho Tires, Berkley, Pennzoil Marine, Ranger Boats, Motorguide, GMAC and Flowmaster.

FOR ADDITONAL INFORMATION, Contct:
George McNeilly, B.A.S.S. Communications at (334) 272-9530 or
Dave Nagle, ESPN Communications at (860) 766-2000