• Loading stock data...
Thursday, September 11, 2025
Tuned In is Almost Sold Out! Limited Tickets Remain!

Inside the World Surf League’s “Digital First” Broadcasting Stream

The World Surf League has partnered with Facebook Live. Photo via Tav Calico.

The World Surf League has partnered with Facebook Live. Photo via Tav Calico

As a Clevelander, I am not normally exposed to the world of professional surfing. Believe it or not, the shores of Lake Erie are not exactly conducive to catching major swells — kite surfing during the windy weather maybe. After traveling to Hawaii on a family vacation and seeing how popular the sport is, as well as taking a surfing lesson, it is apparent why so many enjoy the sport.

When going to eat at local restaurants, instead of watching SportsCenter or a basketball game, surfing competitions are broadcast for patrons. While people on the mainland might follow any of the four major professional sports leagues (MLB, NBA, NFL and NHL) closely, a league that most might not be aware of is the World Surf League.

Unlike its mainland, more popular counterparts, the World Surf League flies under the radar in a variety of aspects. First, it acts as a niche league of sorts — only those who are very in tune with professional surfers and the sport are likely to know about it. Second, in a move seemingly unique to the league, the league has collaborated with Facebook to become a “digital first” organization.

Want more great content like this? Be sure to subscribe to our newsletter!

According to Mark Burns of SportTechie, the league has to be digital first, by default, based on how the events rely on wave patterns and weather conditions. Due to the fickle nature of the weather and wave patterns, although every day seems like paradise in Hawaii and other locations as to where the league holds competitions, it is next to impossible to create a normal broadcast schedule like that of other professional leagues.

Facebook made waves (no pun intended) in the sports industry over the past year or so with signing partnerships with leagues to broadcast select games and events via Facebook Live. Over the past few weeks, the social platform has struck a deal with the MLB to stream a few innings of select Spring Training games and is reportedly working on a deal with the league to stream full regular-season games. Additionally, Facebook has agreed to carry 46 Liga MX (Mexican soccer) games and NBA D-League games.

The World Surf League followed suit. After experimenting with Facebook Live, the two parties agreed to a partnership to stream every WSL event on the platform this year. According to the league’s website, “Fans can now watch all the action in real time on the WSL Facebook Page. All Championship Tour events and Big Wave tour events will be broadcast live, enabling followers to experience the sport’s top moments together.”

According to WSL’s Chief Community Officer, Tim Greenberg:

“As a truly digital-first league, streaming the entirety of our season on Facebook speaks to the pioneering nature of our sport. With Facebook’s scale, we can better serve even more fans by bringing the magic and drama of professional surfing directly to their feeds. It’s an incredible opportunity to be at the forefront of sports media distribution.”

Social media platforms (Twitter, Facebook, etc.) have been venturing more and more into live streaming sporting events. This past NFL season, Twitter made headlines by agreeing to a deal with the NFL to live stream Thursday Night Football games.

For the average fan, these games were often difficult to watch as they were mostly broadcast on the NFL Network. Now, however, fans could stream the games from anywhere with an Internet connection via mobile device, tablet or computer.

As more and more people and companies take part in “cord cutting,” the competition to secure live streaming deals is heating up.

Linkedin
Whatsapp
Copy Link
Link Copied
Link Copied

What to Read

Greg Norman Leaves LIV As Golf World Continues to Shift

Norman relinquished the league’s CEO role in January.
People congregate at Turning Point Headquarters in Phoenix after news that the founder, Charlie Kirk, was shot and killed at a rally in Utah on Sept. 10, 2025.

Panthers Staffer, Suns Reporter Fired for Charlie Kirk Posts

Conservative activist Charlie Kirk was fatally shot in Utah on Wednesday.

Fox Schedules Michigan State for 11 p.m. ET Kickoff vs. USC

Michigan State–USC will be played at 11 p.m. ET on Sept. 20.
Connecticut Sun

Connecticut Senators Rip WNBA Handling of Sun Sale

The Senators are urging the league to stay out of the negotiations.

Featured Today

Eagles-Chiefs Super Bowl Rematch Could Set More NFL Ratings Records

Fox will nationally televise Sunday afternoon’s matchup.
September 10, 2025

ESPN’s ‘MNF’ Ratings Up 8% As NFL Surges to Strong Start

ESPN posts its second-best Week 1 “Monday Night Football” audience.
Sep 7, 2025; Orchard Park, New York, USA; Buffalo Bills fans react during the fourth quarter against the Baltimore Ravens at Highmark Stadium.
September 9, 2025

As Bills Ascend, Their Next Frontier Lies in Canada

Buffalo and the powerful Canadian entity MLSE come together in a new pact.
opinion
September 9, 2025

The Good, The Bad, and The Ugly from NFL’s Week 1 Broadcasts

Many viewers decried the addition of ads to “NFL RedZone.”

How Rolex Paved the Way for Luxury’s Love Affair With Tennis

“It’s almost impossible to think about tennis without thinking about Rolex.”
Athlos
May 4, 2025

Nike Wants to Pull Off the First Women’s Sub-4:00 Mile

Experts speak on whether Nike’s “moonshot” is realistic or a gimmick.
Jul 19, 2024; Phoenix, Ariz., United States; Sheryl Swoopes hosts a WBNA All-Star brunch in honor of her former teammate, Nikki McCray Penson, at Thea in Phoenix on July 19, 2024
May 12, 2025

Sheryl Swoopes: A’ja Wilson Shoe Campaign Shows Nike Sea Change

Nike released the Air Swoopes in 1995.
Sponsored

How World Series Champ Dexter Fowler Became a Premier League Team Owner

Dexter Fowler discusses navigating retirement and embracing new roles as an owner & investor.
Apr 12, 2025; Cleveland, Ohio, USA; MLB umpire Ron Kulpa (46) calls a third strike during a game between the Cleveland Guardians and the Kansas City Royals at Progressive Field
May 4, 2025

Pro Refs Get Offered Free Lasik for Better Calls. Some Took It

Some pro officials have sprung for the offer for free corrective surgery.
January 15, 2025

State Farm Cancels Planned Super Bowl Ad Amid California Fires Controversy

State Farm’s Super Bowl ad last year featured Arnold Schwarzenegger and Danny DeVito.
Nov 25, 2024; Inglewood, California, USA; From left: Scott Van Pelt, Ryan Clark, Jason Kelce and Marcus Spears on the ESPN Monday Night Football Countdown set before the game between the Baltimore Ravens and the Los Angeles Chargers at SoFi Stadium.
December 17, 2024

A ‘Wave’ of Sports Content Is Coming to TikTok

The next generation is consuming sports in a different way.
Apr 7, 2022; Augusta, Georgia, USA; Rory McIlroy (left) and Brooks Koepka set up to putt on no. 9 during the first round of The Masters golf tournament.
exclusive
November 27, 2024

PGA Tour vs. LIV Golf TV ‘Showdown’ Will Pay Out $10M Crypto..

Two golfers from each tour will face off in Las Vegas.