X Games League Holds First-Ever Draft to Build Franchise Rosters

The new extreme sports league taps into a pool of young, camera-ready talent to stock its inaugural teams.

Mar. 14, 2026 at 5:34pm

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The Moonpay X Games League held its first-ever draft this week, with the four initial franchises selecting 10 male and female skateboarders and BMX riders each to build their rosters ahead of the league's inaugural season starting in late June. The first overall pick was 16-year-old Australian skateboarder Chloe Covell, who has already won multiple X Games medals, showcasing the league's focus on cultivating young, marketable stars. Other top picks included veteran stars like 31-year-old Nyjah Huston, as well as rising talents from around the world like 15-year-old Arisa Chew from Australia and 17-year-old Gui Khury from Brazil. The league also announced a multi-year streaming deal extension with Roku to broadcast the first season's competitions.

Why it matters

The X Games League's first draft demonstrates its strategy to build a roster of young, photogenic athletes who can serve as both elite competitors and brand ambassadors for the new league. By tapping into a global pool of extreme sports talent, the league is positioning itself to attract a new generation of sports fans who are digital-first and streaming-focused.

The details

The draft took place at the Cosm immersive entertainment venue in Inglewood, California, with the league's four franchises - based in New York, Tokyo, Sao Paulo, and Los Angeles - each selecting 10 skateboarders and BMX riders. Notable picks included 16-year-old Australian skateboarder Chloe Covell as the first overall selection, 31-year-old skateboarding legend Nyjah Huston, and rising stars like 15-year-old Arisa Chew and 17-year-old Gui Khury. The league also announced a multi-year streaming deal extension with Roku to broadcast the inaugural season's competitions.

  • The X Games League's first season will start in late June 2026.
  • The league's first-ever draft took place on Thursday, March 14, 2026.

The players

Chloe Covell

A 16-year-old skateboarder from Australia's Gold Coast who was the first overall pick in the draft. Covell has already won three X Games gold medals and two bronze medals, despite only starting skateboarding at age 10.

Nyjah Huston

A 31-year-old skateboarder who has won 15 X Games gold medals over the past 20 years and was named as the official team ambassador for the league's sponsor, Moonpay.

Arisa Chew

A 15-year-old skateboarder from Australia who was the Tokyo franchise's first-round pick. Chew has already won 9 X Games medals.

Gui Khury

A 17-year-old skateboarder from Sao Paulo, Brazil who was the hometown pick for the Sao Paulo franchise.

Jeremy Bloom

The CEO of the Moonpay X Games League, who said the draft's production went well and that the league is building formidable lineups of talent for an incredibly competitive first season.

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What they’re saying

“It's such a weird feeling being drafted first. I'm just glad to be here, happy to take part.”

— Chloe Covell (Forbes)

“This league was built for the next generation of sports fans. Our audience is young, digital, and streaming-first. Roku has proven it can grow that audience in a meaningful way.”

— Jeremy Bloom, CEO, Moonpay X Games League (Forbes)

What’s next

The league will hold a separate draft in September for its winter sports season, featuring a different lineup of talent.

The takeaway

The X Games League's first-ever draft demonstrates its strategy to build a roster of young, photogenic athletes who can serve as both elite competitors and brand ambassadors for the new league. By tapping into a global pool of extreme sports talent, the league is positioning itself to attract a new generation of digital-first and streaming-focused sports fans.