ESPN and the World Surf League (WSL) have announced a significant expansion of their broadcast agreement for the 2025 Championship Tour. This enhanced partnership will bring live coverage of all twelve Championship Tour events and the Lexus US Open of Surfing Challenger Series to a wider audience across the United States, Latin America, and the Caribbean. This move signifies a commitment to increasing accessibility and visibility for professional surfing.
Key Takeaways
- Live coverage of all 2025 Championship Tour events will be available on ESPN+ in the U.S.
- Latin America and the Caribbean (excluding Brazil, El Salvador, and Costa Rica) will receive coverage via Disney+.
- The WSL’s highlight show, "WSL Inside Pro Surfing," returns to ESPN2 and will be available on-demand on ESPN+ and Disney+.
- The 2025 season marks the second year of the WSL’s collaboration with ESPN, aiming for broader reach and enhanced fan access.
Expanded Streaming Access
The 2025 World Surf League Championship Tour will see its competitions broadcast live on ESPN+ throughout the United States. This streaming platform will provide comprehensive coverage, allowing American fans to follow their favorite surfers throughout the season. This builds upon the successful collaboration from the previous year, aiming to deliver an even more robust viewing experience.
Reaching New Audiences in Latin America
In a significant move to broaden the sport’s appeal, the WSL and ESPN are extending coverage to Latin America and the Caribbean through Disney+. This includes countries such as Mexico, Peru, Argentina, and various Caribbean nations, excluding Brazil, El Salvador, and Costa Rica. This strategic expansion via The Walt Disney Company’s direct-to-consumer platforms is expected to introduce professional surfing to a new and diverse fanbase.
"WSL Inside Pro Surfing" Returns
Fans can also look forward to the return of the WSL’s popular highlight show, "WSL Inside Pro Surfing." The show will air on ESPN2 for the entire season and will also be accessible on-demand through both ESPN+ and Disney+. This ensures that fans can catch up on the season’s highlights and in-depth stories regardless of their location or viewing preferences.
A Thrilling 2025 Season Ahead
The 2025 Championship Tour is set to kick off on January 27 with the Lexus Pipe Pro Presented by YETI at the iconic Banzai Pipeline on the North Shore of O`ahu. The tour comprises 11 regular-season events culminating in the one-day WSL Finals, where the top five ranked men and women will battle for the world titles. This expanded broadcast agreement promises to make the journey to the finals more accessible than ever before.
