X Games is set to launch a bold new global team-based format in 2026. Backed by MSP Sports Capital (MSP), a portfolio company of Najafi Cos., the new X Games League (XGL) will provide a year-round international competition calendar for the X Games that will allow athletes to earn compensation beyond the existing $2.4 million in prize money.
Jeff Moorad, Executive Chairman of X Games and Principal of MSP, explained that Formula 1 served as the model for the new X Games League. “To that end, we are creating a year-round calendar and introducing new commercial opportunities to accelerate the overall growth of X Games,” he explained. “These opportunities will provide a secure and sustainable future for our most important stakeholders – the athletes. By leveraging the incredibly valuable X Games brand, we will create a durable, global business that will be good for athletes, fans, investors and sponsors.”
Teams will be an important part of the new XGL and will consist of athletes from different disciplines competing for individual and team points to earn both individual and team prize money.
MSP and X Games will attract investors for these new teams. The team investors and the XGL athletes will have a platform from which to build and generate additional revenue streams through sponsorships and team-specific merchandise. For the first time in the industry, XGL athletes will be offered a level of stability that includes both guaranteed compensation and new commercial opportunities.
Founded in 1995, X Games will continue to embrace the seasonal nature of action sports. It will introduce a summer XGL and a winter XGL, each consisting of four global events and at least four teams, and grow from there. The competition schedules will include both X Games-style events and strategic collaborations with existing competitions.
“The athletes have always been at the heart of X Games,” said Scott Guglielmino, President & COO of X Games. “This new consistent league and team structure will provide more opportunities for athletes to compete and thrive commercially, and their fans will have more opportunities to see and support their favorite athletes and teams year-round. We’ve been developing this since MSP invested in the property and key stakeholders throughout the industry, including athletes, have been very supportive.”
“The long-term vision not only aims to grow action sports on a global level but also provide athletes with greater security than ever before. For the first time, we will be able to focus on performance while benefiting from a stable and sustainable career path in action sports,” added Scotty James, strategic advisor to the X Games and nine-time medalist.
In addition to James, current X Games investors include two-time Olympian and seven-time X Games gold medalist Chloe Kim, Grammy Award-winning producer and DJ Diplo and gaming superstar Ninja. Under MSP’s leadership, X Games has already seen significant audience growth over the past 12 months, including 113 percent growth in streaming viewers and 1.6 million new followers on social media.
