WSL Records Massive Global Growth Ahead of 2026 Australian Season

The World Surf League (WSL) has reported a record-breaking 2025 season, with global viewership soaring by 39 per cent to reach a total audience of 80 million individuals.

Data released by Nielsen confirms professional surfing’s rapid cultural ascent, as fans consumed more than 20 million watch hours across both linear and digital platforms.

WSL CEO, Ryan Crosby stated that the sustained growth across broadcast and streaming underscores the sport’s meaningful commercial scale.

“Our audience is not only expanding; it’s engaging longer, sharing more, and returning event after event with even greater passion.”

“With the 2026 season now underway, the WSL builds on its most comprehensive year of audience and distribution growth and elevating the sport to new heights on the global stage,” Crosby said. 

The league’s digital ecosystem drove much of the surge, with peak engagement during the Championship Tour (CT) Finals reaching an audience of 45 million viewers.

Social media performance also saw a significant spike, generating 1.5 billion impressions, a 46 per cent increase from the previous year,  while YouTube subscriptions grew by 28 per cent.

The 2026 Championship Tour is poised to capitalise on this momentum, featuring the high-profile return of Australian icon and eight-time world champion, Stephanie Gilmore. She will be joined by fellow legends Carissa Moore and Gabriel Medina, as the elite field prepares for the season opener at the iconic Bells Beach.

The Rip Curl Pro Bells Beach is scheduled to commence on 1 April, marking a period for the league’s Australian commercial partners and local tourism. 

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