Bass Pro Shops (officially BPS Direct, LLC) is a privately held outdoor retail company headquartered in Springfield, Missouri, USA. It is widely known for its hunting, fishing, camping, boating gear, and outdoor sporting goods, and also operates under the Cabela’s brand after an acquisition.
Founded in 1972 by Johnny (John L.) Morris, Bass Pro Shops has grown into one of the largest outdoor retailers in North America. It operates over 170 stores and marine centers across the U.S. and Canada. As of September 2025, the company is led by Johnny Morris, who serves as the CEO.
Ownership Status of Bass Pro Shops
Bass Pro Shops is a private company, meaning it does not trade on the stock market and has no dispersed public shareholders. Instead, it is owned and controlled by its founder, Johnny Morris, who remains the majority owner and CEO.
Major Assets under Bass Pro Shops
While there are no public shareholders, the company owns and operates several major businesses:
| Subsidiary / Asset | Details |
|---|---|
| Cabela’s | Acquired in 2017 for about $4–5 billion. |
| White River Marine Group | Manufactures and sells popular boat brands (Tracker, Ranger, Nitro, Tahoe). |
| Resorts & Lodges | Includes Big Cedar Lodge, Top of the Rock, and other destination properties. |
Key Shareholder Highlights
Since Bass Pro Shops is private, there are no institutional shareholders. Ownership rests with Johnny Morris, who has expanded the company’s reach through acquisitions and diversification. His leadership also emphasizes conservation efforts and outdoor tourism development.
For example:
- Johnny Morris owns Bass Pro Shops outright and continues to expand its retail, marine, and hospitality divisions.
- His ownership also includes high-profile assets like Cabela’s and White River Marine Group, showing his influence across retail and outdoor recreation.
Bass Pro Shops Owner Net Worth
Johnny Morris, the founder and owner of Bass Pro Shops, has an estimated net worth of around $8–9 billion (as per Forbes 2025 billionaire rankings). His fortune comes mainly from the success of Bass Pro Shops, Cabela’s acquisition, and his White River Marine Group.
Recent Developments in Ownership
- In 2017, Bass Pro Shops completed the acquisition of Cabela’s, a landmark deal in the outdoor retail industry.
- Since then, ownership has remained unchanged, with Johnny Morris retaining full private control.
- There are no reports of Bass Pro Shops planning to go public or sell stakes to outside investors.
Bass Pro Shops Owner Resort
Morris owns Big Cedar Lodge, a luxury wilderness resort in Missouri. The lodge is famous for offering fishing, boating, golf, and family vacation experiences in the Ozarks.
Bass Pro Shops Owner Golf Course
Johnny Morris has invested heavily in world-class golf courses such as Top of the Rock and Ozarks National. These courses attract golfers from around the world and host prestigious tournaments.
Bass Pro Shops Owner Son
Morris’s son, John Paul Morris, is actively involved in the family business. He has taken leadership roles in the company’s hunting and fishing divisions, carrying forward the family’s outdoor legacy.
Bass Pro Shops Owner Daughter
Johnny Morris also has daughters who are less public, but they occasionally appear in family and conservation events associated with Bass Pro Shops.
Bass Pro Shops Owner House
Morris resides in Springfield, Missouri, where he owns private property near his businesses and resorts. His home is close to the Ozarks, reflecting his love for nature and conservation.
Bass Pro Shops Owner Sinkhole
One of Morris’s golf courses, Top of the Rock, gained attention in 2015 when a massive sinkhole opened up on the course. Instead of repairing it conventionally, Morris turned it into a geological and tourist attraction.
Johnny Morris has occasionally been linked to U.S. politics through charitable and business events, including appearances alongside figures like Donald Trump. However, his public image remains focused more on conservation, retail, and outdoor heritage.
FAQs
1. Who is the current owner of Bass Pro Shops?
The current Bass Pro owner is Johnny Morris, the company’s founder and CEO.
2. Is Bass Pro Shops publicly traded or privately owned?
It is a privately held company, not listed on any stock exchange.
3. Who founded Bass Pro Shops?
It was founded by Johnny Morris in 1972 in Springfield, Missouri.
4. Has the ownership changed recently?
No. Bass Pro Shops remains privately owned by Johnny Morris. The last major change was the acquisition of Cabela’s in 2017.
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