The International Surfing Association has signed a three-year agreement with NBC Sports, one of the largest television networks in the United States, to broadcast to more than 35 million homes the highlights of the world championships supervised by the association, the organization announced in a statement sent today.

ISA programs will be broadcast on the Olympic Channel: Home of Team USA, in Spanish.

"Partnering with NBC Sports Group in the United States is an important part of the ISA's long-term commitment to the Olympic Movement and to showcasing our sport on this ever-growing platform. We are excited to be able to bring highlights of all major ISA events to viewers in the U.S. for the remainder of the Olympic cycle."

Commenting on the new partnership, ISA President Fernando Aguerre said: “Expanding the ISA’s exposure and reach around the world is a top priority as we look ahead to Tokyo 2020. We are proud to be working with these leading broadcast companies to bring increased visibility to surfing, our athletes and our mission in new territories and regions around the world.”

NBC President of Olympic Production and Programming Jim Bell said: "With surfing gearing up for its Olympic debut in Tokyo 2020, NBC Sports Group is excited to offer a wide variety of coverage of this exciting and visually compelling sport and showcase some of its daring athletes."

With this, the ISA has taken an important step towards the popularisation of the sport, which the authority explicitly seeks. According to the note, in 2018, more countries were reached than ever before with 12 international broadcasting companies reaching 143 countries in total.

According to the statement, ISA currently has partnerships with the following companies: