X Games Partners with Stake for XGL Launch

New league format to provide athletes more structure, visibility, and earning opportunities

Jan. 31, 2026 at 3:47pm

X Games has formed a global partnership with betting firm Stake to launch the new X Games League (XGL). Stake will serve as the exclusive online casino and sports betting partner of the XGL, providing real-time integrated wagering odds and collaborating with X Games athletes through an athlete Ambassador Fund. Stake's streaming service Kick will exclusively livestream all four global XGL events and the X Games drafts.

Why it matters

This partnership allows X Games to expand its reach and provide more opportunities for its athletes, while also tapping into the growing popularity of esports and online betting. The new XGL format aims to give athletes a more structured pathway to compete and earn, which could help grow the sport's fanbase and recognition.

The details

The X Games League (XGL) is a new league format designed to provide athletes with more structure, visibility, and earning opportunities. The inaugural XGL season is targeted to launch in Summer 2026, with a winter competition planned for 2027. X Games will also return to Buttermilk Mountain in Aspen, Colorado for the 25th consecutive year from January 23 to 25, 2026.

  • The XGL is targeted to launch in Summer 2026.
  • A winter XGL competition is planned for 2027.
  • The 25th consecutive X Games event in Aspen will take place from January 23 to 25, 2026.

The players

X Games

A popular annual extreme sports event featuring competitions in various disciplines such as skateboarding, BMX, and snowboarding.

Stake

A global betting firm that will serve as the exclusive online casino and sports betting partner of the new X Games League (XGL).

Kick

A streaming service owned by Stake that will exclusively livestream all four global XGL events and the X Games drafts.

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What’s next

The first XGL season is targeted to launch in Summer 2026, with a winter competition planned for 2027. The 25th consecutive X Games event in Aspen will take place from January 23 to 25, 2026.

The takeaway

This partnership between X Games and Stake represents an exciting new chapter for the iconic extreme sports event, as it looks to expand its reach and provide more structure and earning opportunities for its athletes through the new XGL format. The integration of online betting and streaming will also likely help grow the sport's fanbase and recognition.