Seven To Broadcast World Surf League In New Free-To-Air Deal

A new Landmark deal between the World Surf League and the Seven Network will see the Australian broadcaster televise all live WSL events and highlight shows throughout the 2020 season.

Seven’s coverage of WSL content will begin with the WSL Noosa Longboard World Tour event and continue into the Qualifying Series and then Challenger Series events in Sydney and New Zealand on 7plus.

All 12 stops of the elite Championship Tour will also be live on 7plus, beginning with the Corona Open Gold Coast in March and climaxing in Hawaii with the Hawaii Pro and Billabong Pipeline Masters in December.

“We see 2020 as a huge year for audience growth in surfing,” WSL Asia Pacific General Manager, Andrew Stark, said.

“With the introduction of the WSL Challenger Series and WSL Big Wave At Large, and a new exotic location on the Championship Tour, not to mention the Olympics — this will be the most exciting year in surfing, and we couldn’t be happier to have Seven onboard as a key partner for the ride.

“As Australia’s most iconic sporting broadcaster and an organisation with a passion for surfing, Seven are the perfect partner to bring our sport to the masses in a country that already has saltwater in its DNA.”

In addition to live events, 2020 will also see Seven launch World Surf News Weekly on 7Mate, which will feature event recaps, a pre-season preview show, weekly newsreels, and athlete profiles.

Managing Director Seven Melbourne and Head of Network Sport, Lewis Martin, added: “we’re thrilled to be showcasing the WSL on Seven.

“Surfing is one of Australia’s favourite sports, and 2020 is a marquee year for the sport, with its debut in the Olympics in Tokyo.

“As the home of Australia’s most-loved sports and Tokyo 2020, we’re delighted to be bringing the WSL to Australian audiences.”

The elite Championship Tour will kick off at the Corona Open Gold Coast on March 26.