By Jack Burden

In a move that cements a dramatic reshuffling in tournament water skiing, Malibu Boats has secured the coveted IWWF towboat contract, ending Nautique’s decade-long run and beating out both Nautique and MasterCraft in the process.

The International Waterski & Wakeboard Federation (IWWF) has selected Malibu as the official towboat supplier for its World Titled Events beginning in 2026. The six-year agreement—renewable for another six—grants Malibu exclusive towing rights for all IWWF-sanctioned competitions in water ski and wakesports, from junior to elite-level world championships.

Malibu, once a cornerstone of three-event skiing, has dramatically scaled back its presence in recent years. The company no longer sponsors water skiers, hasn’t supported a pro event in years, and reportedly produced fewer than 50 units of its flagship TXi model in the U.S. last year. With recent layoffs and a 60% drop in stock price since 2021, many wondered if Malibu would exit tournament skiing altogether.

Instead, they’ve claimed their biggest prize yet.

“Malibu was founded by athletes who wanted something better. This partnership honors that legacy and pushes it into the future,” said Rachael Green, Senior Vice President of Engineering and Production at Malibu Boats. “We’re proud to support the best athletes in the world with Malibu boats—today that means the TXi and M230, and tomorrow it will mean the next evolution of innovation in competition performance.”

The message is clear: Malibu wants to be seen not just as a bidder with deep pockets, but as an innovator reclaiming its role at the sport’s core.

Still, skepticism remains. The company recently parted ways with two of the sport’s most iconic athletes—Regina Jaquess and Thomas Degasperi—effectively ending all athlete sponsorships. Its U.S. promo boat program has been uncertain since the departure of longtime director Dennis Kelley.

Yet signs of life remain. Malibu reaffirmed production of the TXi amid swirling rumors last year and extended support for Australia’s National Championships through 2030. Still, the scale of their IWWF bid—and their ability to outbid established rivals—raises eyebrows.

The IWWF’s call for bids emphasized not only on-water performance, but also financial contributions, logistical support, and marketing partnerships. In a challenging economic climate, Malibu may simply have put forward the most lucrative bid—padding the federation’s revenue stream for years to come.

Still, the contrast with the current landscape is stark. In 2025, Nautique is serving as the title sponsor for four major professional tournaments and three IWWF World Championships. MasterCraft is down to backing just one pro event. Malibu, by comparison, is sponsoring none.

This decision leaves Nautique—long regarded as the sport’s most steadfast financial backer—on the sidelines. Over the last decade, Nautique doubled down on water skiing, signing top athletes, hosting marquee events, and serving as the IWWF’s official towboat since 2016. For MasterCraft, which held the contract from 2009 to 2015, this marks another missed chance to reclaim its position at the sport’s forefront.

For athletes, the impact is immediate. The IWWF towboat sets the global competition standard—and by extension, the training standard. Skiers will need to adjust their technique, timing, and preparation behind a boat many elite athletes haven’t competed behind in years.

Whether this signals a Malibu resurgence or a high-stakes gamble remains to be seen. The company continues to face economic headwinds, and its recent reduced footprint in competitive water skiing raises questions about its capacity to support a global calendar. However, as a publicly traded company with substantial resources, Malibu has the potential—if it chooses—to back its bid with sustained investment.

The potential payoff is enormous. With the IWWF contract secured, Malibu immediately regains relevance and a seat at the head table of tournament water skiing, becoming the platform upon which world champions and the next generation of talent will be built.

The IWWF has not released full details of the agreement, and key questions remain about Malibu’s operational plans. But one thing is clear: Malibu Boats is back in the spotlight—and towing more than just skiers.

They’re towing the sport’s future.