A New Era Begins for Action Sports
History was made at Cosm Los Angeles as the inaugural 2026 MoonPay X Games League (XGL) Draft ushered in a groundbreaking chapter for action sports. More than 50 elite skateboard and BMX athletes joined over 500 industry leaders, partners, and fans for a night that redefined competition—introducing a global, team-based league format.
At the center of it all was teenage skateboarding sensation Chloe Covell, who became the first-ever number one draft pick, selected by XC New York General Manager Steve Rodriguez.
Star-Studded First Round Picks
The opening round of the draft showcased some of the biggest names in skateboarding:
- XC Los Angeles, led by Sharalee Hazen, selected Tom Schaar, a 17-time X Games medalist.
- XC Tokyo’s Harumi Suzuki picked Australian prodigy Arisa Trew, an eight-time gold medalist.
- XC São Paulo, guided by legend Bob Burnquist, selected rising star Gui Khury, the most decorated teenage athlete in X Games history.
Covell, overwhelmed by the moment, described the experience as surreal, highlighting the hard work that led to her historic selection.
A League Built for the Future
The MoonPay X Games League introduces a year-round global format, shifting away from standalone events to a team-based structure. Each club features 10 athletes—five men and five women—competing together across the season.
The four inaugural teams representing global cities include:
XC Los Angeles
XC New York
XC São Paulo
XC Tokyo
Across five rounds, general managers selected 40 athletes from eight countries, ranging in age from 11 to 35, from a pool of over 180 competitors. Big names like Hannah Roberts, Kevin Peraza, and Nyjah Huston joined the historic roster.
Where Sports Meets Tech and Culture
The draft wasn’t just about team selection—it also highlighted innovation. League partner Exodus introduced crypto-based signing bonuses, marking one of the first integrations of digital assets into a professional sports draft.
With backing from MoonPay and partners like Monster Energy, the league is blending sport, technology, and entertainment in a way never seen before.
The night concluded with a rooftop celebration overlooking Hollywood Park, featuring a surprise performance by Grammy-winning producer BNYX.
What’s Next: The Inaugural Season
The MoonPay X Games League Summer Season kicks off on June 26 in Sacramento, followed by X Games Japan (July 4–5), and concludes with the championship at the Caesars Superdome in New Orleans from July 24–26.
The team with the highest cumulative score will be crowned the first-ever MoonPay X Games League champion, setting the stage for a new era of global rivalries and year-round fan engagement.
The MoonPay X Games League Draft has not only reshaped how action sports are structured—it has redefined how fans connect with athletes, teams, and the culture that drives the sport forward.
