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Foxtel Group and World Surf League: A Partnership That Rides the Waves Into 2025

Surfers riding waves at a sunny beach.

Foxtel Group has officially renewed its broadcast rights deal with the World Surf League (WSL), extending their partnership for another two years through 2025. This renewal ensures that Australian audiences will continue to have access to live and on-demand professional surfing events across Foxtel, Kayo Sports, and, for the first time, BINGE.

Key Takeaways

  • Foxtel Group extends its partnership with WSL for two more years.
  • Coverage includes major events like the Championship Tour and Challenger Series.
  • Select events will be available on Kayo Freebies, enhancing accessibility.
  • The WSL Finals will be held at Fiji’s Cloudbreak for the first time.

The renewed agreement allows Foxtel to provide comprehensive coverage of significant WSL events, including the Championship Tour, Challenger Series, and the iconic Bells Beach Longboard Classic. Fans can also look forward to WSL-produced feature shows and event highlights available on Foxtel and Kayo Sports.

Adam Howarth, Foxtel Group’s Director of Content Acquisitions and Sport Partnerships, expressed excitement about the renewal, emphasizing the cultural significance of surfing in Australia. He noted that with three Championship Tour stops on Australian shores next year, the upcoming season promises to be thrilling.

“With homegrown heroes like Tyler Wright, Molly Picklum, Sally Fitzgibbons, Jack Robinson, and Ethan Ewing excelling on the world stage, we’re committed to showcasing their remarkable journeys,” Howarth stated.

Andrew Stark, WSL Asia-Pacific President, echoed this sentiment, highlighting the importance of having WSL events featured alongside other major sports in Australia. He expressed gratitude for the support from Fox Sports and looked forward to another exciting season.

Major Events Covered

  1. Championship Tour
  2. Challenger Series
  3. Bells Beach Longboard Classic

In a significant change, the WSL Finals will take place at Fiji’s legendary Cloudbreak, marking a new chapter in the league’s history. This event will feature the top five men’s and women’s surfers in a single-day, winner-takes-all showdown. This shift complements the return of Queensland’s Snapper Rocks to the Championship Tour after a five-year hiatus, alongside Victoria’s Bells Beach and Western Australia’s Margaret River, creating a robust three-stop Australian leg.

Looking Ahead

The partnership renewal comes at a time when Foxtel Group is undergoing significant changes, including a recent agreement to be sold to UK streaming company DAZN in a $3.4 billion deal. This transition positions Foxtel as a streaming-led business, with a focus on delivering premier sports content to Australian audiences.

As the surfing season approaches, fans can anticipate a spectacular lineup of events, showcasing the best talent in the sport. With the renewed partnership, Foxtel Group and WSL are set to elevate the surfing experience for viewers across Australia, ensuring that the thrill of professional surfing remains accessible and engaging for all.

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