‘X Games League’: Iconic Action Sports Competition Reboots With a Slew of Changes
Few action sports competitions are as widely regarded as the X Games. Since 1995, this event has offered a platform for skiers, snowboarders, BMX riders, skateboarders, and other “action sports” athletes to flaunt their talent, push their limits, and raise the bar for what’s considered possible. It’s one of the biggest, most popular, and renowned sporting events in the world.
And beginning in summer 2026, the competition will take on a wild new look. The X Games League (XGL) will change up the format of the competition with club teams, sports betting and fantasy rosters, increased athlete prize purses, and more supporting events like festivals, concerts, and more.
Announced this month, X Games said this new competition will change the way athletes compete and amp up the experience for both viewers and attendees alike.
“X Games has always been where outsiders became icons and impossible became possible,” Jeremy Bloom, CEO of X Games, said in a press release. “This is more than a rebrand. This is the future of sports. And our athletes and partners are ALL IN.”
X Games League: The ‘Future of Action Sports’
Introducing Team Championships
Since its conception, the X Games has been a place for action sports icons like Tony Hawk and Sean White to compete one-on-one with other athletes of similar caliber. The XGL takes that format to a step further.
The new XGL will not only allow athletes to compete as individuals, but it will also be the world’s first team-based action sports league.
The competition will have two seasonal clubs (or “XCs”): a summer XC that includes skate and BMX teams, and a winter XC that includes ski and snowboard teams. Just as with the NBA, every club will be privately owned, regionally represented, and staffed by locals.
Rosters will feature 10 athletes (male and female). All competitors will compete solo, collecting points toward their individual score and their team’s overall score. At the end of the season, at the XGL’s final stop, judges will tally up the collective points and crown XGL discipline champions, and one lucky club as the XGL overall champion.
This 2026 XGL summer season will include three stops around the world. In 2027, that number jumps to six to include both summer and winter stops. Each stop will be 3 days jam-packed with action, live music, and more.
Cash Prizes and Sports Betting
The new competition format is just one piece of the sweeping rebrand X Games is debuting. It’s also increasing the prize purses for competitors and teams. Currently, the X Games distributes $2.4 million in prize money annually.
But the XGL will award even more cash, and it will offer “additional earning potential” for athletes and clubs, including a base athlete salary, win bonuses, and a benefits package.
One of the biggest changes, though, is the introduction of sports betting and fantasy sports leagues. Now, fans will be able to put skin in the game, bet on their favorite competitors or clubs, and build fantasy teams to compete with their friends.
In addition to all of this, X Games plans to launch more “festival-like” events in parallel with the sports competitions. There will be even more live music than before, as well as tech, culture, and community integrated into each of the XGL stops.
“We’re staying true to [our] DNA — pushing limits, celebrating individuality, and challenging the status quo — but we’re also reimagining what’s next,” Bloom said.
Over 150 athletes have already declared for the inaugural 2026 XGL Summer Draft. Stay tuned for more news as the first XGL competition draws nearer. The brand told GearJunkie that information on how to buy tickets, the full schedule, and event locations will be revealed in 2026.
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