The World Surf League has agreed a rights partnership with US pay-television broadcaster Universal Sports Network.
The deal gives Universal Sports exclusive TV Everywhere broadcast rights and event re-broadcast rights during the 2015-16 WSL Big Wave season, which commences today (Thursday).
The WSL’s Big Wave Tour comprises seven potential event sites across three continents. Through the partnership, Universal Sports will air four Big Wave Tour events either live or on delay during the October 15 to February 28 competition window.
The events are the Oregon Challenge in Lincoln City, Oregon; Punta Galea Challenge in Punta Galea, Spain; Pe'ahi Challenge in Haiku, Hawaii, and Todos Santos Challenge in Todos Santo, Mexico.
Peter Mel, commissioner of the WSL's Big Wave Tour, said: “The BWT is extremely excited that this deal gives us the opportunity – conditions permitting – to broadcast four heart-pounding Big Wave events to millions of fans, especially the Pe'ahi Challenge in Hawaii.”
Pe'ahi – commonly known as ‘Jaws’ – is widely regarded as the most challenging big wave in the world.