The.Team, the international sports agency formerly known as Wasserman, has continued its run of new deals after being appointed the exclusive global sales agency of record for the World Surf League (WSL) competition.
Under the agreement, The.Team’s rights sales group will look to secure a naming rights sponsor for the WSL and deliver new commercial partnerships, as the league looks to boost its revenue and increase surfing's reach in the run-up to the Los Angeles 2028 Olympic Games.
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The.Team said it will tap into the property's ability to blend elite competition with surf, lifestyle, and youth culture, as well as the league’s events in various iconic global destinations, to unlock commercial opportunities.
Chris Foy, executive vice president, North America rights sales at The.Team, commented: “With a young, wealthy, and deeply engaged audience, the WSL has a unique but powerful value proposition for brands to tap into.
“There is a tremendous opportunity for the right partner to help shape the next chapter of the League’s growth while authentically connecting with a global audience that values experience, sustainability, travel, and culture.”
The new partnership comes on the back of the WSL’s significant growth in 2025, securing a total global viewership of 80 million on linear and broadcast channels – a 39% increase from the previous year.
Earlier this year, the league secured Australian commercial broadcaster Seven Network as a free-to-air partner, adding to its growing list of media partners, including ESPN (US), BeIN Sports (Canada), Globo (Brazil), Sky NZ, Kayo (Australia), Premier Sports (UK), Sky Deutschland (Germany), Sport TV Portugal, and ESPN on Disney+ (South America).
Nicole Metzger, chief revenue officer at the WSL, added: “As we sought an entity to represent us on a global level and identify the right partner, the decision was clear from the onset. The.Team not only has a proven track record but has already jumped in to create value for our League, our fans, and our surfers.
“As we enter our 50th year, we are excited to collaborate with The.Team to unlock new commercial opportunities and continue building the global momentum behind the WSL.”
The 2026 WSL Championship Tour began on April 1 in Victoria, Australia, with the Rip Curl Pro Bells Beach. Comprised of 13 regular season events, it ends with the Lexus Pipe Masters in O’ahu, Hawaii, running between December 8 and 20.
It will be the first time in five years that the WSL Finals will not be held to decide the champion, with the competition format returning to a points system.
The new agreement, meanwhile, continues The.Team’s recent run of partnerships, most recently announcing a new agreement with US soccer franchise Angel City FC to secure a new front-of-kit sponsor and sell naming rights to its performance center.
Last month, meanwhile, the agency was appointed by Breeders’ Cup Limited to provide commercial support for the annual US-based thoroughbred event, adding to its portfolio of clients that also includes motor racing’s Formula 1 (F1), the WTA tennis tour, and the Association of Volleyball Professionals.
