Jessi Miley-Dyer has recently been named the new commissioner of World Surf League (WSL), marking a significant milestone in her career. The former professional surfer announced her promotion during Sportico and SheMedia’s “Winning: Women & Sports” event, making history as the league’s first woman commissioner. This appointment signifies a step forward in gender equity within the sports industry, with Miley-Dyer taking on a leadership role that she has been passionate about for years.
Miley-Dyer’s focus on promoting equal prize money has positioned WSL as the first North American sports league to implement this policy, making it clear that women’s sports are not a charity but rather a high-yielding investment opportunity when given the proper support. During her announcement, Miley-Dyer emphasized the importance of recognizing the financial potential in supporting female athletes and leagues, challenging longstanding stereotypes and misconceptions surrounding women’s sports.
Miley-Dyer’s promotion comes after Ryan Crosby assumed the role of CEO at WSL, with Erik Logan departing suddenly last year. These changes were accompanied by an exciting media rights deal with ESPN earlier this year, which will see ESPN+ streaming men’s and women’s championship tour competitions. With these developments in place, WSL is now poised for a new era of growth and innovation in surfing.