Busch leaves BASS

Anheuser-Busch chose not to renew its contract with BASS, and is no longer a sponsor of the league. The company's involvement with BASS has been significant – it once sponsored the Angler of the Year program, and most recently underwrote the Busch Shootout, through its Busch beer brand.

BASS senior director of sales and sponsorships Michael Cassidy told BassFan: "They have not renewed. They've officially decided to move in a new direction. They've been a tremendous supporter of ours for years, and we're wishing them well in their new endeavors."

On whether the Shootout program would continue, perhaps under a new title sponsor, Cassidy said: "Right now, the whole program is currently under review, and we're discussing it with a number of different folks."

Cassidy added that Busch had been happy in its relationship with BASS, but has "changed strategy" and is becoming more involved with local distributors. "They've changed their position with NASCAR and some other things too," he noted.

Denny Brauer is still sponsored by Busch.