Kona Big Wave and Street League Skateboarding (SLS) Announce Milestone Partnership

Island-Style Beer Brand and World’s Largest Competitive Skateboarding League to Collaborate Across In-Venue, Content, Fan and Athlete Activations with Additional Opportunities Aimed at Grassroots Skateboarding Communities

Las Vegas, Nevada, May 22, 2024 – Kona Big Wave and Street League Skateboarding (SLS) today announced a groundbreaking brand partnership. The milestone partnership will feature the development of unique skate content, innovative in-venue fan experiences, branding integrations and more while championing the authenticity and passion at the core of skateboarding culture and the explosive growth of SLS and action sports as a whole.

The Kona Big Wave partnership will kick off on May 25, 2024 at SLS UFC APEX, the fourth of eight total events across the re-envisioned and expanded 2024 SLS Championship Tour featuring four international Majors and three brand-new APEX spot-based events, all leading up to invitations for the SLS Super Crown World Championship. Well into the 2024 season, SLS has established itself among the fastest-growing sports properties in the world, garnering a 128% increase in impressions, 153% growth in interactions and 349% rise in followers across its social media platforms year-over-year to date. Similarly, broadcast viewership on the league's latest SLS San Diego Finals in April 2024 achieved 75% higher viewership than the SLS Chicago Finals in April 2023, representing just under one year of growth for the company and its viral, loyal following.

“Kona Big Wave's unwavering commitment to community and authenticity mirrors our drive to propel skateboarding to unprecedented levels worldwide,” said Matt Cohn, CEO of Thrill One Sports & Entertainment. “By uniting with a brand that shares our passion and vision, it allows us to craft even more dynamic experiences for our fans and offer unparalleled support to our athletes. This partnership isn't just about aligning values; it's about amplifying the skateboarding community, fostering connections, and elevating our collective culture."

In addition to enhancing the highest levels of skate competition, Kona Big Wave and SLS will “Bring the Aloha” to the entire skateboarding community through grassroots activations and local initiatives. Building off the brand's "Bring the Aloha" campaign, which celebrates the spirit of Hawaii through moments of connection and relaxation, the collaboration will shine a spotlight on SLS athletes and fans who live and breathe the Aloha spirit.

“Kona Big Wave has always been beloved for its authentic connection to our community," said Matthew Davis, VP of Partnerships at Anheuser-Busch. "This same community-first mindset is at the heart of skate culture. Our partnership with SLS will help us to celebrate skaters and their fans."