The inaugural MoonPay X Games League (XGL) Winter Draft is set to take place on Wednesday, September 16, 2026, from 7 to 9 p.m. PT at Cosm Los Angeles. This highly anticipated event will be available for streaming across various platforms, including ESPN+/ESPN App, Roku Sports Channel, and the X Games YouTube channel. A limited number of “Superfan” tickets will also be up for grabs, with fans encouraged to sign up for alerts at xgames.com/xgl for the opportunity to attend in person.
During the event, four regionally-based X Games Clubs will each draft ten athletes—five men and five women—from the realms of skiing and snowboarding. The draft will consist of five rounds arranged in a snake order, with eight athletes selected in each round. Over 180 elite athletes have opted in for this competitive selection process, ensuring a thrilling event for fans and participants alike. Athletes who are not drafted will have the chance to compete as free agents or step in as injury replacements during the season.
Annie Lokesh, the Senior Vice President of the X Games League, expressed her excitement about the upcoming draft, stating, “The MoonPay X Games League Winter Draft marks the start of a new era for winter action sports, and we are all excited to see who is drafted to which Club. A team-based model across a set season gives the world’s best skiers and snowboarders a bigger, more consistent stage. Having your name called at Cosm Los Angeles will be a historic moment for every athlete who is able to be in that room and tuning in from around the world.”
Among the notable draft-eligible athletes are well-known figures such as Eileen Gu, Kelly Sildaru, Cocomo Murase, Alex Hall, Mark McMorris, Luca Harrington, Scotty James, and Zeb Powell. The XGL Winter Season promises to showcase an exhilarating lineup of talent.
Supporting the XGL Winter Season are esteemed sponsors, including MoonPay, Monster Energy, High Noon, Stake, and Amazon, underscoring the event’s ambition and significance in the realm of winter action sports. As the draft day approaches, enthusiasts and fans are brimming with anticipation, eagerly awaiting the moment when future stars are born in this dynamic winter sports league.
