Fishing For Sponsors

INDIANAPOLISó Davey Sports Management recently signed a representation agreement with Pro Fish Marketing, which maintains the licensing and marketing rights to several professional bass fishing celebrities.
The primary focus of the deal is Team ProFish, a segmented marketing program that features prominent sport fishing stars such as Denny Brauer, who won the 1998 BassMasters Classic, and Kevin VanDam, who is the 1999 B.A.S.S. Angler of the Year.
ìThese guys are like the [Dale] Earnhardt and {Jeff] Gordon of bass fishing,î said Kevin Davey, president of Davey Sports Management.
Under the terms of the agreement, Davey Sports will handle product licensing and marketing activities for Pro Fish Marketing and Team Pro Fish, with an initial emphasis on targeting manufacturers in apparel, accessories, toys and games, collectibles, interactive media and novelties.
ìWeíre going to focus on converting fishermen to fans of the sport through licensed sport products,î said Davey, noting the unlimited potential of a $38 billion bass fishing industry.
But some retail chains and licensees donít need any convincing at this point.
ìAs the sport continues to demonstrate growth, B.A.S.S. fishing will become a stronger licensed property,î said Nicole Doswell, a spokesperson for KMart, which is a title sponsor of the Bassmasters Classic and carries a variety of merchandise that highlight the B.A.S.S. Tour.
Davey Sports has already launched a new logo for the Team ProFish brand and its professionals. The Team ProFish product line will be available in early 2000. (Licensing)