FLW vs. B.A.S.S by the numbers

I've heard the question asked many times, "Which ones better, FLW or B.A.S.S.?"  There's been varied response to this question.  Some say B.A.S.S. is better for sponsorships but FLW is better as far as the money goes.  It's tough to get an accurate answer when it comes to sponsorships because it's really unknown to most how FLW works its sponsorship contracts for anglers.  As far as the money goes, well, that question can be answered.  I ran the numbers from the 2012 season and this is what I found.

FLW Everstart Central division

Entry fees in 2012 were $1000 for pros and $400 for co's.
Pro division payout was 126% 
Co division payout 135%.
Each division paid out to approx. 33% of the field.

Bassmaster Opens

Entry fees were $1250 for pros and $350 for co's.
Pro division payout was 97%.
Co division payout of 141%.
Each division paid out to approx. 40% of the field.

FLW Tour Opens

Entry fees were $4000 for pro and $700 for co's.
Pro division payout was 131%.
Co division payout was 99%.
Each division paid out to approx. 48% of the field.

FLW Tour Majors

Same entries as FLW Tour Opens
Pro division payout was 131%.
Co division payout was 102%
Each division paid out to approx. 41% of the field.

Bassmaster Elite Series

Entry fees  $5200
Payout was 124%
Payouts to approx. 51% of the field.

Based on these numbers I'd have to conclude that FLW and B.A.S.S. were very similar.  FLW got the edge with payout percentages, however B.A.S.S. paid deeper into the field at the highest levels. 

It's worth noting that some significant changes have occurred for the 2013 season.  FLW has changed it's format for the top level and have done away with the Open/Major format and gone to a single six tournament tour schedule.  The payout structure has stayed much the same as in previous years.  B.A.S.S, however, has made some drastic changes to the Opens.  Entry fees have risen by $250 for the pro division and payouts have shrunk noticeably.

Bassmaster Southern Open #1

Entry fees are now $1500 for pros and $425 for co's.
Pro division payout dropped to 79%.
Co division payout dropped to 95%.
Payouts still go to top 40 anglers.

These are significant changes.  If the rest of the Opens follow this same trend it will result in a $580,000 rake imposed by B.A.S.S on the Open competitors.  Is this a sign of troubled times?  Or is it a "robbing Peter to pay Paul" scenario?  Either way, I think it's short sighted and ultimately will damage B.A.S.S.





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