CSP International has been appointed as the sales and sponsorship agency for the World Surf League (WSL) across Australia, New Zealand and the Asia-Pacific region, in a new commercial agency relationship focused on growing the partnership opportunities around professional surfing.
CSP International who are also based on the Gold Coast like WSL Australasia, will work closely with the WSL commercial team to identify, develop and secure new commercial partnerships across the region, connecting brands with one of the most recognised sporting and lifestyle properties in the world.
CSP International specialises in working with brands to identify aligned sports advertising and partnership opportunities across major sports properties in Australia including AFL, NRL, Cricket, Soccer, Motorsport, Golf, NBL and globally with the FIM World Supercross Championship and selected teams in the FIA Formula One World Championship.
The agency will bring that network, combined with its deep sponsorship experience and targeted approach to commercial sales to the WSL, qualifying brands where there is a genuine strategic and audience fit, along with developing partnerships with the WSL team that create meaningful value for both brands and the sport.
With its team based on the Gold Coast, CSP provides valuable local commercial expertise and resources in close proximity to the WSL Australasia office and the heart of Australian surfing. This strategic location enables a collaborative approach to partnership acquisition and development.
“We are very proud and excited to be working with the WSL and to have the opportunity to support the growth of its commercial business across Australia, NZ and the APAC region,” said Ryan Sanderson, managing director at CSP International.
“There is such a natural fit between CSP and the WSL. We have spent a large part of our careers working with brands across Australia in sports sponsorship and sales, including action sports and building bespoke partnerships that drive fantastic outcomes for partners. Surfing is a personal passion of ours and we are amongst over six million Australian’s that like to surf recreationally, and very lucky to live on the Gold Coast with some of the best breaks in the world.
“The WSL has an incredible global platform, world-class athletes and a hugely passionate audience. Our role is to support bringing new brands into that ecosystem and build partnerships that genuinely deliver growth and positive outcomes, for both the partner and WSL.
“We are looking forward to working closely with the WSL team ahead of 2027, which is shaping up to be one of the most exciting World Surf League Championship Tour seasons yet.”
“The WSL APAC team is excited to collaborate with CSP International to unlock new commercial opportunities ahead of the 2027 season,” added Scott Hargreaves, senior vice president of commercial at World Surf League.
“Global, regional and event-specific partnerships are fundamental to the continued growth and success of the WSL. We place a strong emphasis on shared values, with our most successful partnerships built alongside brands that are genuinely passionate about surfing, enhancing the surfing lifestyle and creating memorable experiences for fans.
“We look forward to working closely with CSP to identify like-minded brands, develop meaningful, long-lasting partnerships and create exciting new opportunities for the WSL and our partners.”
The agency appointment brings together two organisations with connections to surfing culture, aspirational lifestyle and action sports landscape, while providing the WSL additional commercial capability within ANZ and APAC regions. Sanderson will work alongside Jack Fox and Mark Galbraith, as well as the wider CSP team, in supporting the WSL’s commercial growth across the region.
