Jessi Miley-Dyer Concludes Landmark Tenure as WSL Commissioner
Jessi Miley-Dyer, a trailblazer for women in professional surfing, stepped down as commissioner of the World Surf League (WSL) after 13 impactful years. Known for her commitment to gender equity in the sport, Miley-Dyer’s career began with her own professional surfing milestones, including a 2006 victory that highlighted the disparity in prize money—an issue she actively addressed during her tenure.
Miley-Dyer was instrumental in achieving equal pay for male and female surfers in 2019, marking the WSL as the first U.S. sports organization to do so. Prior to this, women often received significantly less prize money, a stark contrast illustrated when Courtney Conlogue earned just $10,000 for a 2009 win, while the men’s prize was $100,000.
Under her leadership, women began competing on equal footing with men at major events, including renowned surf spots previously restricted to male athletes. Her recent expansion of the women’s Championship Tour field is set to take effect in 2026, increasing competitors from 18 to 24.
Miley-Dyer leaves the WSL with a strengthened foundation for future generations, embodying a vision of fairness in the sport. As she prepares for new adventures, she remains a staunch supporter of the league and its athletes.
Note: The image is for illustrative purposes only and is not the original image associated with the presented article. Due to copyright reasons, we are unable to use the original images. However, you can still enjoy the accurate and up-to-date content and information provided.