X Games is redefining action sports competition this summer, starting in Sacramento with the debut of the MoonPay X Games League (XGL) spanning three days of elite Skateboard, BMX and Moto X competition, live music, and immersive festival programming, June 26-28 at Cal Expo. Sacramento serves as the opening stop of the inaugural MoonPay XGL Summer Season, positioning the city at the center of a new era for action sports.
In partnership with Visit Sacramento, MoonPay X Games Sacramento 2026 will bring together more than 100 of the world’s top Skateboard, BMX, and Moto X athletes, competing across 18 medal events. At the same time, Cal Expo will transform into a full-scale “X-Fest” festival village, blending action sports,
GLOBAL ACTION SPORTS TEAM ROSTERS OFFICIALLY LOCKED FOR FOUR X GAMES CLUBS AT FIRST-EVER MOONPAY X GAMES LEAGUE DRAFT
Historic event at Cosm Los Angeles brought together more than 50 athletes and 500 industry leaders, partners and fans to witness teenage phenom skater Chloe Covell take the first draft pick at the inaugural MoonPay X Games League Draft
History was made tonight at Cosm Los Angeles as the inaugural 2026 MoonPay X Games League (XGL) Draft brought together the world’s best skateboard and BMX athletes and more than 500 guests to witness the first X Games draft, marking a new era in action sports.
With a limited number of ticketed guests inside the immersive venue, the excitement kicked off as XC New York General Manager Steve Rodriguez selected sixteen-year-old Australian skateboard phenom Chloe Covell as the number one draft pick, XC Los Angeles General manager Sharalee “Haze” Hazen followed by choosing 17-time X Games skateboard medalist and Southern California native Tom Schaar. XC Tokyo General Manager Harumi Suzuki then selected record-setting, eight-time X Games gold medalist skateboarder Arisa Trew of Australia. Rounding out the first round, XC São Paulo General Manager Bob Burnquist chose Brazilian skater Gui Khury, the most medaled teenager in X Games history, with 15, and counting–officially forming the foundation of the four inaugural X Games Clubs.
X Games has announced a landmark three-year partnership with Monster Energy, establishing Monster Energy as the Official Energy Drink of the X Games and Founding Partner of X Games League (XGL). As the most significant deal to date between Monster Energy and X Games, it underscores a shared mission: to put athletes first and create a sustainable future for action sports. “Everything we do at X Games starts with athletes,” said Cherie Cohen, Chief Revenue Officer at X Games. “This partnership ensures that our athletes who define our culture have more opportunity, more security, and more spotlight. Monster Energy has stood beside these athletes for years, and now, as we launch the X Games League, they’re helping us build a platform that gives them year-round careers and global recognition.”
Monster Energy’s expanded role will fuel prize purses, double down on athlete storytelling, and offer on-site global event activations that elevate the world’s best riders and skaters. The partnership is rooted in core principles of athlete benefits and supporting the transition from a standalone event model to a professional sports league to grow athletes’ brands worldwide.
“For more than a decade, Monster Energy has backed the athletes who define X Games and push progression in action sports,” said Dan McHugh, Global CMO of Monster Energy. “This new partnership builds on that legacy, giving athletes bigger stages, stronger support, and the recognition they deserve. The X Games League is the future of action sports, and athletes are the ones leading it.”
X Games has appointed Annie Lokesh as Head of X Games League, bringing her expertise in business transformation, league operations and growth strategy to the highly anticipated launch of the world’s first multi-sport action sports league in 2026. Annie Lokesh will be responsible for overseeing XGL league operations, growth initiatives, and shaping the business model and competitive structure of this groundbreaking new format. “Annie’s experience leading large-scale transformations in professional sports makes her the perfect choice to helm the X Games League,” said Jeremy Bloom, CEO of X Games. “She has a proven track record of building sustainable business models, elevating athlete platforms, and expanding global reach.
After doing a BMX 'zine for ten years (1987 - 1996) FATBMX made it on the internet. The year was 1998. Here to stay.