X Games — the world’s greatest action sports festival with a long and storied history. For athletes competing in BMX and skateboarding in summer, or snowboarding and skiing in winter, it has always been the ultimate stage to aspire to, and the most prestigious competition in the action sports world.
Now, X Games is launching a new chapter for the 2026 season: X Games League (XGL), a professional league born from X Games itself.
In this pro league, athletes compete not only as individuals in their solo disciplines, but also as members of a club team, battling across multiple events throughout the season with their sights set on the season championship. It is an entirely new competitive format and viewing experience brought to you by X Games.
This article introduces the overview of the X Games League, the X Games League Summer Draft through which competitors were selected, and the highlights of the league — including a breakdown of each club team.
What Is the X Games League (XGL)?
The X Games League (XGL) is a pro league in which athletes selected through a draft compete as members of one of several club teams. Alongside the traditional format in which individual athletes compete for medals at each X Games event, this league adds a team dimension — athletes earn points for their clubs while competing, with teams vying for the annual championship.
The league is the first of its kind in the action sports world — a year-round, team-based, co-ed league. Athletes who belong to a club receive financial support in addition to prize money and sponsorship fees, making this a significant benefit for competitors. The league’s overarching goal is to unlock new possibilities for the action sports scene.
Not every athlete is eligible for a club — only those selected through the draft qualify. Athletes who are not drafted will continue to compete as free agents, receiving individual event invitations as before. However, if a roster spot opens up for any reason, free agents may be offered that position to fill the vacancy.
The X Games League Summer Draft: Four Club Teams and Their Athletes Are Set!
As the opening act of the XGL, the inaugural 2026 MoonPay X Games League (XGL) Summer Draft was held on March 13, 2026, at Cosm Los Angeles in Hollywood Park, California.
In this draft, the four X Games Clubs competing in the summer season — XC New York, XC São Paulo, XC Los Angeles, and XC Tokyo — each had their General Manager (GM) select athletes from a pool of approximately 180 skateboarding and BMX competitors of all nationalities who had declared entry into the XGL. Each club chose 5 men and 5 women, for a total of 10 athletes per club, 40 athletes across all four clubs.
The clubs will make their season debut at X Games Sacramento 2026, held June 26–28 in Sacramento, California, then compete at X Games Chiba 2026, held July 4–5 in Chiba, Japan, before wrapping up the season at the X Games New Orleans 2026 final in New Orleans, Louisiana — three events in total to determine the season champion.
Below, the editorial team introduces each club’s roster and offers an original take on the distinct character of each team, along with what to watch for this season.
Each club has a completely different vibe from the others, so we hope this article helps you find not just a favorite athlete, but a favorite club to root for — and makes watching the season even more enjoyable.
XC Los Angeles — “Style Is Everything”: The Pure Spirit of Action Sports
【Team Members】 Tom Schaar (USA), Liz Akama (Japan), Felipe Mota (Brazil), Perris Benegas (USA), Lilly Eriksson (USA), Marcus Christopher (USA), Brady Baker (USA), Cocona Hiraki (Japan), Dashawn Jordan (USA), Mia Kretzer (Australia)
If we had to describe this club in one word, it would be “stylish.” This is a team of singular stylists at the very top of the world, truly embodying Los Angeles — the birthplace of street culture. Their talent goes without saying: members range from rising young stars to seasoned veterans, with numerous X Games and world championship medals between them.
From our editorial perspective, this club is full of riders who favor high-difficulty, technically refined tricks over flashy big moves — a connoisseur’s dream. That reputation is perfectly embodied by skateboarders Tom Schaar and Felipe Mota, and BMX rider Perris Benegas.
Japan is represented by Liz Akama and Cocona Hiraki — both known for their mastery of grind tricks and a silhouette-perfect riding style that looks stunning from every angle. We can’t wait to see the kind of action sports cool this style-forward club brings to the X Games stage.
【Who This Club Is For】 Perfect for fans who value style and aesthetic above all else. If you have an eye for the refined, one-of-a-kind cool that each athlete brings, this is your club. Ideal for the discerning fan who wants to enjoy action sports for the pure art of it.
XC Los Angeles General Manager Sherali “Haze” Hazen’s Comments
Q: Did you have a set concept or criteria going into the draft?
A: What XC Los Angeles was looking for was a team with undeniable skill and one-of-a-kind personality. Our goal was to bring together members that fans of both skateboarding and BMX could genuinely connect with. After the draft, we ended up with 10 athletes, each with their own unique story, and the founding roster of XC Los Angeles was born. I’m truly thrilled about it.
Q: What is your vision and goal for the club going forward?
“Putting athletes first.” That is the one goal that will never change for this club. As we reach more and more fans, we want to deliver positive experiences to the next generation and keep interest in action sports growing.
These athletes have the power to redefine what it means to be a professional in this sport. Our mission is to support them so they can perform at their absolute best, and to generate positive energy around everything they do.
XC São Paulo — Game-Changers Charged with South American Passion
【Team Members】 Gui Khury (Brazil), Sky Brown (UK), Ryan Williams (Australia), Ibuki Matsumoto (Japan), Queen Sarai (Colombia), Garrett Reynolds (USA), Giovanni Vianna (Brazil), Gabriela Mazzetto (Brazil), Luigi Cini (Brazil), Raicca Ventura (Brazil)
One word for this club: “Game-changers.” This is a team of athletes capable of flipping the script in any situation with the highest-difficulty tricks and the ability to shift momentum entirely in their favor.
Leading that charge in skateboarding are rising star Gui Khury and Sky Brown, while in BMX, Ryan Williams and Garrett Reynolds have long dominated X Games with overwhelming dominance.
True to the spirit of São Paulo, a major South American city, Brazilian riders make up half the roster — a lineup that will electrify fans across South America. Japan is represented by Ibuki Matsumoto, emerging as the new ace of women’s street skateboarding, who has already shown her game-changing ability at recent international events. Her performance this season is one to watch.
【Who This Club Is For】 Made for fans who love dramatic reversals and high-energy moments. The explosive power to change the flow of a match, combined with the presence to bring the whole crowd to their side, is this club’s defining trait. The energy of the Brazilian contingent gives this team a unique and passionate atmosphere — great for fans who want to feel the fire of South American culture.
XC Tokyo — A New Era of Action Sports, Powered by the World’s Best
【Team Members】 Arisa Trew (Australia), Sora Shirai (Japan), Kevin Peraza (Mexico), Mizuho Hasegawa (Japan), Rim Nakamura (Japan), Coco Yoshizawa (Japan), Moto Shibata (Japan), Miharu Ozawa (Japan), Toa Sasaki (Japan), Yumeka Oda (Japan)
In one word: a “powerhouse.” This team is built around Japan’s very best — athletes who rank among the world’s elite, just like the ever-evolving metropolis of Tokyo itself. Every member has won at world-level competitions, consistently delivers top-level performances, and continues to push themselves to the next level.
Their precise, exceptional skills speak for themselves, but the presence of Arisa Trew and Kevin Peraza — both deeply connected to Japan and possessing an overwhelming X Games legacy — only adds to XC Tokyo’s formidable reputation.
There are no weak links on this powerhouse roster. As a bonus, their second event of the season will be X Games Chiba 2026 — a home game in Japan. Will they harness the energy of the home crowd to claim the season championship in this very first year? That’s one of the biggest storylines to follow.
【Who This Club Is For】 As a club bearing the name “Tokyo” with many hugely popular Japanese athletes on the roster, it’s a natural fit for Japanese fans — but we’d recommend it to anyone around the world. The chemistry between a dream team of globally beloved Japanese athletes and international riders with strong ties to Japan is something special to witness, regardless of nationality.
XC Tokyo General Manager Harumi Suzuki’s Comments
Q: Did you have a set concept or criteria going into the draft?
A: Since this club carries the name “Tokyo,” I wanted to bring in not only Japan’s top athletes, but the world’s very best who could embody the spirit of Tokyo — a city that is constantly evolving. Tokyo is packed with elements like fashion, music, and cutting-edge technology, drawing people from all over the world.
I wanted to build a team where members from diverse backgrounds could inspire, learn from, and elevate each other. From experienced, influential veterans who lead the scene to energetic, up-and-coming talents, I believe we’ve created a club that is truly Tokyo.
Q: What is your vision and goal for the club going forward?
The concept of “teammates” has been very limited in action sports, so I’m incredibly excited to see what kind of chemistry emerges when multi-discipline athletes compete together as one team — something that has never been done before. First and foremost, I want athletes to feel that being part of this club was the right choice for them, so we will operate with an athlete-first approach.
As a club, I’m confident we have a roster capable of competing for the league championship across all three events. But fan support will be a huge driving force in making that happen. Growing this club into one that is cheered on by fans across Japan and around the world is also one of our most important goals.
XC New York — Action Sports’ Galaxy of Stars, Leading the Global Trend
【Team Members】 Chloe Covell (Australia), Nyjah Huston (USA), Hannah Roberts (USA), Logan Martin (Australia), Ginwoo Onodera (Japan), Momiji Nishiya (Japan), Daniel Sandoval (USA), Bryce Wettstein (USA), Tate Carew (USA), Heili Sirvio (Finland)
One word: “The Galácticos of action sports.” This team is stacked with athletes who currently wield enormous influence in the action sports world — individuals who are arguably the best in the world in both skill and renown, perfectly suited to New York, the city that sets global trends.
In the first two picks, they selected top young skateboarder Chloe Covell and the unshakeable superstar Nyjah Huston. Picks three and four brought in BMX park legends Hannah Roberts and Logan Martin, both multi-time world champions.
From Japan, Ginwoo Onodera and Momiji Nishiya were selected — two athletes whose influence spans both the competitive and street sides of skateboarding, matching the caliber of any teammate on this roster and adding even more firepower to XC New York.
With the rest of the lineup equally formidable, this team combines personality with world-class impact and sheer competitive force. They are very much the team to watch in the X Games League.
【Who This Club Is For】 The appeal here is undeniable — the biggest names in action sports, all on one team. Watching the trendsetters who shape the entire scene — across disciplines — perform together is essentially an experience of “the cutting edge of action sports right now.” Perfect for fans who don’t want to miss what’s current.
XC New York General Manager Steve Rodriguez’s Comments
Q: Did you have a set concept or criteria going into the draft?
A: Going into the draft, I wasn’t simply thinking about assembling the most recognizable names. My goal was to build a true team with the depth to compete across all disciplines, while embodying the spirit of New York. With that in mind, I prioritized athletes with versatility across multiple events, composure under pressure, and the ability to accumulate points across disciplines throughout the season.
I was also very careful about the balance between men and women, as well as between skateboarding and BMX. In a format that requires competitive strength in every category, a single weak spot can be fatal. Mentality was equally important — athletes who perform on the big stage without hesitation, with a strong sense of identity and personal style, were non-negotiable. Ultimately, every decision came down to building a team that is both statistically competitive and cohesive.
Q: What is your vision and goal for the club going forward?
What we’re building is a club that reflects what New York represents to the world: diversity, resilience, and the cultural influence to shape what’s next. New York has always been a place where people refined their personal style in public spaces. We want that energy to be the DNA of this team.
We’re not just trying to win competitions. We want to raise the standard for what an action sports team can represent — how athletes are supported, the moments we create for fans, and the lasting legacy we build beyond any single event.
From day one, XC New York should be a global team with a firm identity — a club that athletes are proud to be part of, and one where fans around the world feel a genuine connection to the culture.
What to Watch for in the X Games League
The X Games League kicks off this season for the very first time. Previously, fans would cheer on individual athletes at each event — but now, on top of that, you can follow the team battle across the entire season.
From a team strategy perspective, there are fascinating storylines to track: How will each club deploy athletes who compete in multiple disciplines to maximize points? What adjustments will teams make based on athlete conditions and current standings? There are countless angles to enjoy.
Athletes will also be required to wear their club’s team uniform and colors during competition, making it easy to see at a glance which team each athlete belongs to — and making it more exciting to follow the shifting momentum of the event in real time.
Beyond the competitive content, the editorial team also recommends keeping an eye on the interactions between teammates courtside and around the venue — the chemistry, the encouragement, the moments of connection between athletes from different disciplines. The stories and human drama that each club builds with its athletes, outside of the competition itself, are another layer that makes this pro league so compelling. We encourage fans who attend in person to experience the league from this fresh perspective as well.
In this article, we’ve introduced each club’s roster and highlights from our editorial point of view, so there’s much more to discover about each athlete. If any club caught your eye, be sure to follow their official Instagram accounts to stay up to date.
Looking ahead, the X Games League is expected to grow — more teams, more events — in the seasons to come. This season marks the dawn of a new era for action sports. We hope you enjoy it alongside us.
About X Games League (XGL)
Launching this year, the X Games League (XGL) brings an innovative update to the iconic X Games brand as the first-ever year-round, team-based, co-ed league in action sports.
The league features a total of eight X Games Clubs — four for the winter season and four for the summer season — where geographic identity meets the world’s elite athletes in head-to-head team competition.
The clubs are home to the top athletes in action sports, who compete as a team for the most prestigious championship title in the industry.
This structure enables season-long storytelling and creates deeper connections between athletes and fans through broadcast, streaming, live events, and digital platforms.
This new league model represents a major turning point for the action sports world, aiming to build both global reach and local community ties between athletes, teams, fans, and sponsors.
The XGL also provides athletes with earning opportunities beyond prize money alone, opening up additional income potential as members of a team.
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