Major League Fishing (MLF), the world’s premier tournament fishing organization, is casting a wider net in 2025 after securing an exclusive broadcast deal with RFD-TV. The move brings MLF’s top-tier competitive angling to a broader audience, including cord-cutters and rural sports enthusiasts.
Beginning on Sunday, August 24, MLF programming will air every Saturday morning on RFD-TV, blending the excitement of elite bass fishing with the reach of a respected national network. For the first time, a national audience can enjoy the MLF Team Series Presented by Bass Pro Shops, with all 24 matches airing live on RFD-TV.
A Reel Good Catch: Major League Fishing Casts a Wider Stream
This collaboration marks a major win for outdoor sports fans who crave competitive fishing content on easily accessible platforms. With RFD-TV already widely available across traditional pay-TV and digital streaming providers, including DIRECTV and Sling, this new partnership ensures MLF events will be easier to find and watch than ever before.
“This partnership is a major milestone for Major League Fishing and for the sport of professional bass fishing,” said Jim Wilburn, President of Sales for MLF. “Our fans will now be able to watch live tournament action unfold on a national broadcast television network. RFD-TV’s reach and commitment to rural and outdoor programming make them the perfect partner to help us bring the excitement of the Team Series to more households than ever before.”
While fishing has long had a loyal following, consistent nationwide broadcast exposure has remained limited. With the MLF on RFD-TV, viewers have access to all four Cups that make up the MLF Team Series: Challenge Cup (Aug. 24–29), Heritage Cup (Sept. 14–19), Patriot Cup (Oct. 22–27), and Summit Cup (Nov. 16–21), making up the league’s most compelling series.
As part of the new agreement, RFD-TV gets exclusive linear broadcast rights during MLF’s live airing window. Fans can find the final period across numerous free ad-supported TV (FAST) streaming services. The final segments of each event will stream live on MajorLeagueFishing.com, the MLF and MyOutdoorTV (MOTV) apps, RFD-TV Now, Game & Fish TV, and Rumble.
“This is about more than live sports. It’s about honoring tradition while embracing what’s next,” said Raquel Gottsch Koehler, Chief Marketing & Creative Officer and Co-Owner of RFD-TV. “At RFD-TV, we’ve always been committed to amplifying voices and stories that too often go unheard, and the story of professional bass fishing is one of grit, strategy and relentless passion. We’re extremely proud that RFD-TV will bring that story live to a national broadcast audience.”
Casting Lines, Not Cables
The latest deal to bring MLF on RFD-TV brings viewers directly into the action with pro anglers, intense strategy, and real-time tournament coverage, which is ideal for the modern sports streamer seeking something fresh and off the beaten path. And for those who rely on FAST channels, skinny bundles, or digital platforms, this deal expands visibility for a traditionally underserved sport, making it easy for fishing fans to keep up with their favorite anglers without a cable subscription.
“This collaboration embodies what’s possible when tradition meets innovation,” Wilburn said. “We’re not just broadcasting bass fishing – we’re elevating the platform for anglers, sponsors and fans alike, and we’re doing it together.”
For sports fans seeking high-stakes competition beyond the typical ball-and-stick sports, Major League Fishing now offers a compelling and accessible option.
With 40% of sports fans watching digital-only, the latest alliance between MLF and RFD-TV isn’t just a distribution deal; it’s a strategic move to meet fans where they are by reeling in viewers who watch on streaming platforms, mobile devices, and connected TVs.