‘A very dangerous precedent for the wider industry’ – Super League react to Malibu Triathlon decision

Super League Triathlon say the decision not to award them a new permit effectively “ends 38 years of the Malibu Triathlon® as we know it” and sets a “very dangerous precedent for the wider industry”.

Late last year we reported the news that SLT had continued their US expansion by “assuming the operation” of the 2024 Long Beach Legacy Triathlon in partnership with USA Triathlon.

But that development also appeared to highlight potential new issues surrounding their Malibu Triathlon, which only took place last September after a protracted legal battle.

Long history

And things have now moved on significantly, with Super League seemingly now shifting the event from their perspective to nearby Long Beach.

An official statement posted on malibutri.com reads: “Super League Triathlon is extremely disappointed by the decision of Malibu City Council to award a permit for a triathlon to a former owner, who has sold the triathlon in the past for commercial gain.

“Super League remains the legal owner of the event’s IP, and this decision sets a very dangerous precedent for the wider industry and all who want to promote health and wellness by investing in sporting events.

“The decision not to award a new permit ends 38 years of the Malibu Triathlon® as we know it and its proven substantial fundraising for CHLA, which has brought in $18 million for pediatric cancer research, as well as being an important part of the community and delivering support for a significant number of local charities and businesses.”

CHLA is Children’s Hospital Los Angeles, for which well over $1million was again raised in 2023 by the Malibu Triathlon.

It will now be the fundraising focus for the Long Beach Legacy Triathlon, which takes place on July 20-21 at the proposed venue for the 2028 Los Angeles Olympic Games.

‘Exciting journey’

Super League Championship races, featuring the best short-course athletes in the world, have taken place alongside the Malibu Triathlon in each of the last three years.

A more detailed statement on the Malibu Triathlon Facebook page adds: “We will undertake all necessary measures to protect our IP and to robustly question both this process and the outcome, as well as to defend the wider sport event industry.

“We would like to thank all of the partners, staff, and supporters that have made this event such a huge success, and of course the many thousands of participants who have provided incredible inspiration for us to continue to deliver a world class event.

“We remain committed to our goal of growing short course triathlon in the USA for the benefit of all and our partnership with CHLA, and we are excited that this will continue with the Long Beach Legacy Triathlon.

“This event is in partnership with USA Triathlon at the proposed venue for the LA 28 Olympics, and continues the established legacy of racing that we have developed over many years at Malibu Triathlon.

“Set at a truly iconic venue that will soon be seen across the world as the pinnacle of triathlon, we are proud to confirm that the event will also continue our vital fundraising efforts for Children’s Hospital Los Angeles.

“We would urge all former participants and partners of Malibu Triathlon to come on this exciting journey with both us and USA Triathlon as we prove big event short course racing can thrive.”