World Surf League to expand elite women's competition for 2026 season

The World Surf League has announced that it is to increase the size of the women’s Championship Tour field from 18 surfers to 24 for each event as of its 2026 season.

The new format will include the top 14 surfers from the tour, the top seven qualifiers from the Challenger Series, two WSL seasonal wildcards, and one event wildcard.

A decision is still to be made on whether the women's mid-season cut will remain at just 10, which it will be reduced to in 2025 after the seventh tour stop in the 11-event schedule.

Announcing the expansion, the WSL said it would provide “more opportunities for women to compete at the highest level”. It follows the WSL having introduced equal prize money ahead of the 2019 season.

While recognising the growing depth in women’s surfing and continued improvement in skill level, the increase still leaves the women’s short of the men’s 36-strong field.

In a statement WSL Commissioner, Jessi Miley-Dyer advised “(this) incredible progression is a tribute to the dedication of every generation, and changes like this continue that work.

“Visibility matters, and it’s exciting to think of the impact the field will have on inspiring future generations who see themselves in these athletes.”

Sally Fitzgibbons, a 15-year Championship Tour veteran was among a number of female surfers welcoming the expansion, commenting "I couldn't be more proud of where the level of women's surfing is currently at.

"Growing the Tour is the next logical step in that natural progression. All over the world, women are stepping it up every time they hit the water, and on Tour, we're seeing intense heats and fierce rivalries. It's what everyone wants to see. I'm so stoked that it's happening."

Eight-time World Champion, Stephanie Gilmore added “this is great news! It's a sign of the times and reflects the depth of talent within female surfing.

"I'm constantly amazed at the progression and the growing number of women participating in surfing around the world. The future is bright!"

Since new ownership in 2013, the WSL has supported significant progress in women's surfing, from improving and increasing event locations across the women's tiers to awarding equal prize money in 2019 and implementing a combined schedule in 2022. This latest change reinforces the WSL's dedication to fostering talent and increasing opportunities in women's surfing.

The 2025 CT kicks off on 27th January in Hawaii.

Image: Stephanie Gilmore at the Corona Open J-Bay at Supertubes - World Surf League championship event - at Jeffreys Bay, South Africa in July 2019. Credit: Shutterstock.