Fox Sports announced a multiyear rights deal in which El Nino promises to be a key player. The broadcaster landed the big wave surfing event Titans of Mavericks, set in the legendary surf spot Mavericks near Half Moon Bay, Calif.

“Fueled by the El Nino weather pattern, the contest is expected to be held in death-defying 40- to 50-foot surf this Friday and made into an exciting, 90-minute prime-time television show targeted for late spring,” Fox Sports said in its announcement.

Melissa Forman, Fox Sports SVP, Development, Original Programming, added: “This winter has already seen some of the biggest waves ridden around the world. We’re excited that the surfers will be ready to take on giant waves at Mavericks this week. It will be like no other sporting event ever presented on FOX Sports and we’re thrilled to be a part of the whole experience.”

Said Griffin Guess, Titans of Mavericks principal: “We’re delighted to have Fox Sports tentpole this fantastic franchise. Mavericks is one of the most thrilling action sports events on Earth and dominates the surf space. I look forward to Fox Sports bringing its excellence, edge and expertise to presenting the biggest waves in the world into U.S. homes. Viewers are going to love this.”