X Games Launches Groundbreaking League with Crypto-Backed Salaries in 2026

A revolutionary shift in action sports is coming. The X Games' new league promises stable pay, team rivalries, and crypto-powered support for 150 elite athletes.

, and Administrator

2026 March 13 . 7:02 AM

1 min read

In the picture there is a sports player,he is posing for the photograph and on his shirt there are... — In the picture there is a sports player,he is posing for the photograph and on his shirt there are names of different sponsors companies.

X Games Launches Groundbreaking League with Crypto-Backed Salaries in 2026

The X Games is launching a new league format in partnership with crypto payments provider MoonPay. The MoonPay X Games League will introduce a team-based competition with paid salaries, travel expenses, and health benefits for athletes. The announcement comes as part of an eight-figure deal set to reshape action sports.

The league will officially debut in Los Angeles in March 2026 under a three-year marketing agreement. It will feature two sports: skateboarding and BMX, with 150 athletes drafted into four regionally based clubs. Each club will have 10 competitors—five men and five women—selected at a draft event in Cosm Los Angeles on March 12, 2026. Chloe Covell has been confirmed as the first pick, though full team rosters remain undisclosed.

Unlike traditional prize-money events, the league will operate on a **team-based points system**, similar to Formula 1. Athletes will earn **$30,000 base salaries**, along with covered travel costs and a health insurance stipend. MoonPay secures exclusivity in branding across finance and banking sectors, tying the league closely to crypto payments. The partnership marks a major shift in how action sports athletes are compensated. Instead of relying solely on competition winnings, they will now receive stable income and additional support.

The MoonPay X Games League will roll out in 2026 with structured salaries, team-based competition, and crypto-backed sponsorship. The deal ensures long-term financial backing for athletes while introducing a new format to action sports. The draft in March will set the stage for the league's first season.