Shutterstock, Inc. has announced that it has signed an exclusive global distribution deal with World Surf League (WSL) to market and license imagery from WSL’s Championship Tour and Big Wave Tour Events. The deal also includes WSL’s extensive archive, showcasing thousands of pivotal moments from competitive surfing history.
This partnership expands Shutterstock’s global editorial content offering, providing enterprise customers with immediate access to WSL’s extreme sports photography. Leveraging advanced camera technology for underwater and overhead shots, the collection features a diverse range of images including exotic surf locations and world-class athletes like newly crowned 2016 WSL Champions John John Florence and Tyler Wright, 11-time WSL Champion Kelly Slater, six-time WSL Champion Stephanie Gilmore and three-time WSL Champions Mick Fanning and Carissa Moore.
“The skilled photographers at World Surf League consistently capture the world-class athleticism, drama, and adventure of professional surfing," said Ben Pfeifer, Shutterstock's SVP of Editorial. "As Shutterstock customers seek to enhance their visual storytelling we are pleased to be chosen as the exclusive distributor for this breathtaking collection of athletic imagery.”
Founded in 1976, WSL celebrates the elite athletes, diverse fans and dedicated partners that embody professional surfing. WSL also organizes the annual tour of professional surf competitions in remote and exotic locations around the world.
“At WSL, we are privileged to work with some of the most talented athletes in the world,” said Dave Prodan, VP of Communications at World Surf League. “The ocean exists as the most dynamic field of play in all of sports and professional surfing produces exceptional imagery. We're excited to be working with Shutterstock to expand access to these images to people around the world.”