X Games has made headlines with the announcement of a groundbreaking multi-year partnership with MoonPay, the leading player in crypto payments. This historic agreement marks the creation of the MoonPay X Games League (XGL), a category-exclusive partnership that signifies a major shift in the landscape of action sports.
The three-year deal positions MoonPay as the Title Partner of the newly formed XGL, reflecting a pivotal transition from individual events to a structured, year-round global league format. This transformation culminates with the upcoming X Games Aspen 2026, which will serve as the final standalone event in the franchise’s illustrious history. As X Games embraces this new chapter, it looks to establish a professionalized environment driven by team dynamics, rivalries, and a competitive season.
MoonPay will now be the exclusive partner for all financial, banking, and cryptocurrency-related interests within the league, utilizing an innovative pass-through model that expands engagement to MoonPay’s extensive network of partners. By integrating various activations and experiences, MoonPay aims to embed the broader cryptocurrency landscape into the action sports arena, leveraging this unparalleled partnership to unify all participants.
Jeremy Bloom, CEO of X Games, remarked on the significance of this collaboration, stating, “Today is not just about announcing a partnership. It’s about declaring the future of action sports.” He emphasized the transformation of X Games into a global co-ed league characterized by teams, salaries, and long-term rivalry narratives that will fundamentally alter the competitive landscape.
As the X Games begins to phase out its traditional events, it prepares to introduce the MoonPay X Games League—a permanent structure where athletes will compete in teams across multiple disciplines, including skateboarding, BMX, snowboarding, and freeskiing. This innovative setup is designed to enhance athlete earnings and benefits, open new avenues for team ownership, and weave compelling stories that enhance rivalries throughout the season.
Ivan Soto-Wright, CEO and Founder of MoonPay, emphasized the long-term vision behind this partnership, noting, “The MoonPay X Games League puts athletes first and brings crypto to a global audience, powered by our partner ecosystem, in a bold, new way.” This shift signifies that competitors will now vie for more than just medals; they will be part of a permanent, structured league design that redefines action sports.
As details around teams, athletes, and the inaugural season of the XGL are set to emerge, fans and participants alike can follow developments on the official X Games website. The initiative is designed not only to advance the sport but also to connect it with cultural and technological innovations, setting the stage for an exhilarating new era in action sports.
With roots dating back to 1995, X Games has long been a defining force in action sports culture, evolving alongside extreme sports and shaping various aspects of music, fashion, and community. MoonPay, founded in 2019, serves as a bridge between traditional financial systems and the burgeoning world of digital assets, with a presence in over 180 countries and more than 30 million customers.
The collaboration promises to elevate the profile of action sports while making cryptocurrency more accessible to a diverse audience, signifying a new beginning defined by collaboration, innovation, and excitement.
