The World Surf League (WSL) is experiencing a significant boost in star power as several of surfing’s most prominent athletes are returning to the Championship Tour. This resurgence is widely attributed to the recent scrapping of the "Final 5" format, a change that appears to have appeased top competitors and is already showing positive signs for the league’s engagement and marketability.
Key Takeaways
- The return of John John Florence, Gabriel Medina, Carissa Moore, and Stephanie Gilmore is a major win for the WSL.
- These athletes collectively bring millions of social media followers, significantly increasing the tour’s reach.
- The shift away from the "Final 5" format is strongly suggested as the primary reason for their return.
- The change is expected to drive up viewership, social media engagement, and sponsorship opportunities.
A Strategic Shift Pays Off
WSL executives are likely celebrating the return of surfing’s biggest names to the Championship Tour. While strategic planning for revenue and sponsorships is crucial, the undeniable draw of athletes like John John Florence, Carissa Moore, Stephanie Gilmore, and Gabriel Medina is what truly captures attention. These four surfers command a massive social media following, far exceeding the WSL’s own accounts, representing a substantial influx of influence back to the tour.
Athletes’ Preferences Align with New Format
While no athlete has explicitly stated the format change as their sole reason for returning, the timing is highly suggestive. It’s widely believed that the WSL’s decision to abandon the "Final 5" format earlier this year played a significant role in their decisions. This implicit endorsement indicates that the WSL’s adjustment was a positive move for athletes, fans, and the league’s financial prospects.
John John Florence has previously expressed a preference for season finales at iconic locations like Pipeline. Carissa Moore, though never directly criticizing the "Final 5," experienced heartbreaking losses under that system, twice missing world titles despite leading the rankings. Stephanie Gilmore has consistently advocated for world champions to be determined over an entire season. Gabriel Medina, while his return was also influenced by a pectoral injury, also favored the previous points system.
Anticipated Upside for the WSL
The return of these star athletes is poised to resolve numerous challenges for the WSL. Projections indicate a rise in viewership and a surge in social media engagement as their dedicated fan bases re-engage with the Championship Tour. Furthermore, the presence of the league’s most marketable athletes is expected to instantly enhance sponsorship potential. The consensus is that this change offers only benefits, with no discernible downsides.
While the exact impact of the "Final 5" format on athletes’ decisions may never be definitively proven, if reverting to a season-long title race was the key to bringing them back, then the WSL has made one of its most straightforward and effective decisions in recent history. Under CEO Ryan Crosby, the outlook for competitive surfing appears notably optimistic.
