San Diego Skaters Dominate Inaugural X Games League Draft

Three local talents, including Olympian Tom Schaar, selected in top picks for new team-based competition.

Apr. 12, 2026 at 7:05pm

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

A cubist, geometric painting depicting a fragmented skateboarding competition, with overlapping planes of vibrant blues, greens, and oranges conveying the dynamic energy of the sport.The new X Games League aims to bring a fresh, team-based dynamic to the world of professional skateboarding.San Diego Today

Three skateboarders from the San Diego area - Tate Carew, Bryce Wettstein, and Tom Schaar - were among the top picks in the inaugural draft for the new MoonPay X Games League (XGL). The league features a team-based format with 40 athletes competing across three X Games events. Schaar, who was selected 2nd overall by the X Games Club Los Angeles, called San Diego the 'mecca' of skateboarding and credited local legends like Tony Hawk for supporting the next generation.

Why it matters

The launch of the XGL represents a major shift in how action sports competitions are structured, moving from individual to team-based formats. This could help grow the audience and appeal of events like the X Games. San Diego's prominence in producing elite skateboarders also highlights the city's status as a global hub for the sport.

The details

The XGL draft saw 40 athletes selected to represent 4 franchises based in Los Angeles, New York, Tokyo, and São Paulo. Each team will field 10 athletes - 5 men and 5 women. Points will be awarded based on individual placements at the 3 XGL events, with the team accumulating the most points crowned champion and earning a $500,000 bonus. Schaar, a 26-year-old Olympian, said the new format is 'really new to us' but he's excited to be part of the pioneering league.

  • The inaugural XGL season kicks off on June 26, 2026 in Sacramento.
  • A winter league is set to debut in 2027.

The players

Tom Schaar

A 26-year-old skateboarder from Cardiff, California who was selected 2nd overall by the X Games Club Los Angeles. Schaar is an Olympian who has won medals in Big Air, Vert, and Park events at the X Games.

Tate Carew

A San Diego-based skateboarder who was selected by the X Games Club New York in the inaugural XGL draft.

Bryce Wettstein

An Encinitas, California skateboarder who was also selected by the X Games Club New York in the XGL draft.

Tony Hawk

A legendary San Diego-based skateboarder who has served as a mentor and supporter for the next generation of talent, including Schaar.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“It's still just the X Games, so not much has really changed in the way they're going to run it — same contests, same format, same people. But while the X Games are happening, the league points come into play. Most winners will be on teams, and points are awarded based on placement. At the end, the team with the most points across the three X Games events will be crowned champion. There's also a $500,000 bonus for the winning team, which is a pretty sick incentive.”

— Tom Schaar

“Tony's great. He's always looked out for me and given me opportunities I wouldn't have had otherwise. Even so, it's Tony Hawk, so I still have a hard time talking to him like he's a normal person, even though I consider him one of my friends. I live about five minutes away from him, and I skate at a ramp he has in Carlsbad all the time. He's always been a fan of skating in general, looking out for the next generation. I think he's one of the best ambassadors for any sport.”

— Tom Schaar

What’s next

The inaugural XGL season kicks off on June 26, 2026 in Sacramento, followed by events in Japan in July and the championship in New Orleans. The league is set to expand with a winter season starting in 2027.

The takeaway

San Diego's reputation as a global hub for skateboarding continues to be reinforced, with three local talents being selected as top picks in the new team-based X Games League. The league's innovative format could help grow the audience and appeal of action sports competitions beyond the traditional individual events.