Major League Fishing announces historic changes to Phoenix Bass Fishing League for 2027

New team/solo format, five All-American Championships and exclusive $120,000 Phoenix Ultimate Tournament Rigs headline major transformation

BENTON, Ky. – Major League Fishing announced today a historic series of changes to the 2027 Phoenix Bass Fishing League Presented by T-H Marine, introducing a new team/solo format, five regional All-American Championships and significantly increased awards and advancement opportunities, including direct advancement to REDCREST for five anglers.

The changes represent the most substantial evolution of the BFL since the introduction of the boater/co-angler format in 2000.

Beginning in 2027, anglers may compete alone or with a teammate, allowing partners to share expenses and compete together throughout the season. The circuit will feature 20 divisions organized into five regions, with five one-day qualifying tournaments per division.

“This is one of the biggest changes in the history of the Bass Fishing League,” said Major League Fishing co-founder and CEO Boyd Duckett. “For more than 44 years, the BFLs have provided everyday anglers with the opportunity to compete close to home and work their way onto the sport’s biggest stages. The BFL format has, however, evolved over the years, from boat-on-boat draw, to boaters and co-angler and now team/solo. This latest evolution makes it easier to compete with a friend to share expenses, or fish solo to protect your hotspots, while offering more money, more championship opportunities and more reasons than ever to fish.”

Tournament winners and the Top 30 teams in each division will advance to one of five no-entry-fee All-American Championships that push life-changing rewards closer to home than ever before. Each winning team will receive an All-American limited-edition Phoenix powered by a 250-horsepower outboard valued at $120,000. The top-of-the-line 21-foot boats will feature custom All-American branding and will be built specifically for the five championship-winning teams as the ultimate fishing machine.

Each All-American-winning team will also earn advancement to two of MLF’s premier championships. The team captain will qualify for REDCREST and compete for a top prize of $300,000, while his or her teammate will advance to the Toyota Series Championship to compete for as much as $235,000, including a $35,000 Phoenix MLF Bonus.

Regular-season tournaments will feature a $500 entry fee and a $22,000 first-place award, including a $7,000 Phoenix MLF Bonus, at 150 boats. Twenty percent of the field will earn a paycheck, and the minimum first-place award is guaranteed at $10,000 regardless of field size. At the max field size of 225 boats, the winner will earn as much as $29,000, including a $7,000 Phoenix MLF Bonus.

All told, the 2027 BFL season will return more than 91% of entry fees to anglers based on an average field of 150 boats. When Phoenix MLF Bonus awards are included, the total season payout rises to 101%.

Teams must compete together in at least three of the five divisional tournaments to be eligible for an All-American Championship. The Team of the Year in each of the 20 divisions will receive $2,500, and anglers from the Top 30 teams in each division will receive priority entry into the Toyota Series.

Current year Bass Pro Tour, Tackle Warehouse Pro Circuit, NPFL and Elite Series pros will not be eligible to compete. The 2027 season will also feature unrestricted use of forward-facing and 360-degree sonar.

“These changes honor what has made the BFL successful for decades while creating an even stronger future for the circuit,” Duckett said. “We want anglers to grab a partner, fish the lakes they love and compete for prizes and advancement opportunities that can truly change their lives.”

Registration information, schedules and full program details for the 2027 MLF Phoenix Bass Fishing League Presented by T-H Marine will be announced later this year.

For complete details and updated information, visit MajorLeagueFishing.com. For regular Bass Fishing League updates, photos, tournament news and more, follow the MLF5 social media outlets on Facebook, Instagram and YouTube.