(September 9, 2017) AUBURN HILLS, Mich. — The World Surf League (WSL) and Jeep brand have announced a long-term renewal and expansion of their global partnership. With the extended partnership, the Jeep brand continues as the official and exclusive global automotive partner of the WSL and the naming rights partner to the WSL Jeep Leaders Tour Rankings for the men’s and women’s Championship Tour.
 
The partnership, which was first announced in May 2015 with the Jeep brand becoming the first-ever exclusive automotive partner of the WSL, has been renewed as part of a multiyear deal, which includes 2020, the year that surfing will make its debut on the world stage at the Olympic Games in Tokyo.
 
“The Jeep brand embodies the spirit and soul of surfing and surf lifestyle, which makes this partnership so special,” said Beth Greve, WSL Chief Commercial. “We are incredibly excited to continue working together to bring amazing competitions, more must-see stories of the Jeep Leaderboard and showcase the WSL's best in the Jeep Leader Jersey to our fans around the globe.”
 
“Extending our partnership with the World Surf League allows the Jeep brand to remain firmly immersed in a culture that shares a similar identity and core set of beliefs,” said Mike Manley, head of Jeep Brand.

“The convergence of these like-minded values — freedom, adventure, authenticity and passion – offers the Jeep brand the ability to connect globally with our fans and followers through on-site beach activations and live online streaming of worldwide surfing events over the next few years.”
 
The partnership will see the Jeep brand continue its sponsorship of surfing’s most sought-after properties, the Jeep Leaderboard and the iconic yellow Jeep Leader Jersey, with a refresh of the program. A new Jeep Leader Jersey, as well as new branding across both digital and broadcast Jeep Leader graphics, and a special locker room design for Jeep front-runners, has been unveiled at the Hurley Pro and Swatch Pro at Trestles (Sept. 6 - 17).

The refresh will also be complimented by a series of new content, including one piece that celebrates the incredible moments that have happened with the jersey over the past three years. Furthermore, the world’s best male and female surfers each year, the men’s and women’s WSL Champions, will be awarded a Jeep brand vehicle at the end of the season.
 
A number of on-site activations are planned throughout the year to showcase the ultimate surf vehicles supporting WSL event operations, as well as engaging fans on the beach at Championship Tour (CT) events and those watching around the world on the broadcast. The Jeep brand will also highlight its product portfolio globally via WSL's unique, geo-targeted digital and linear media solutions.
 
The partnership will see the Jeep brand expand its portfolio and support of professional surfing with sponsorship of six WSL Qualifying Series events in key markets around the world.