BASS has already said they are not gonna change to the weigh and release format exclusively. this was the first such event in 46 years of hosting events so I doubt they are scrapping their business model overnight to change. To date FLW still has not had a similar event so I don't see a mad rush for the 2 major trails to change to it.
Also do not see them charging for BASS Live content. Again 46 years of events and they have NEVER charged admission to any of it. If they did charge you would see viewership take a significant hit. Bass fishing fans are too fickle to pay anyway. I have no doubts they will keep tweaking Live to make it a revenue maker but that cost will be passed on to BASS sponsors. Much like commercials keep regular TV free I think paying sponsors will keep Live free.

I agree that they won't charge to view the content and didn't imply that they would. Sponsors, advertisers, and maybe exclusive content fees will generate most revenue.

A history of doing something one way means very little when it comes to finding a business model that generates the most success and profit. Countless examples in every industry in the world. It will change.

I agree on some points but BASS has already said they ain't changing over from the traditional format. At the end of the day sponsors still want to see their anglers on stage holding bass at weigh ins. If the argument that a weigh in generates little profit then not having one is not gonna increase profit either if its about the Live format being the revenue maker. You could argue that a regular format is a little more exciting as it keeps the audience in suspense etc moreso than the weigh and release. People will tune into a televised weigh in when the outcome is in suspense. That was one of the recurring dislikes about Rayburn event that I kept reading is how everyone knew the result.

One event with mixed reviews is not changing this whole sport. If that was the way of the future you would have seen MLF type events on larger scale already.

Eliminating the live weigh in totally would eliminate a lot of labor and expense. Just that right there is helping the bottom line.

I've never once wanted to attend a live weigh in. It appeals zero to me, but I'll watch the live broadcast for hours. Who wants to watch the end zone dances, the guy trot around the bases after he's hit a home run or see players spray champagne all over each other? I want to see the action of the game, not the after effects. Live is where it's at.