The highly anticipated X Games League’s winter season is just around the corner. Its draft is coming even sooner.
On Sept. 16, 2026, the X Games League will hold its inaugural Winter Draft at Cosm Los Angeles, from 7 to 9 p.m. local time. There, the world’s best skiers and snowboarders will be selected by four regionally-based X Games clubs to compete in the X Games League’s first winter season. The event will stream on ESPN+, the ESPN App, Roku Sports Channel, and the X Games YouTube channel.
The winter draft will follow the same format as the league’s summer draft. Forty total athletes will be selected, with each club selecting 10 athletes (five men and five women). The draft will consist of five rounds, with eight athletes selected per round in a “snake” order. Each club will make two selections per round, selecting both a man and a woman. Clubs must have both skiing and snowboarding represented on their team. More than 180 athletes have opted into the draft, but only a handful will be selected for competition in 2o27. Athletes who are not selected will be eligible to compete as free agents or injury replacements.
Perhaps the most exciting aspect of the draft, selected athletes are are in attendance will be called up live to the stage, similar to NBA and NFL drafts. Attending athletes will also be treated to a red carpet arrival.
“The Moon Pay X Games League Winter Draft marks the start of a new era for winter action sports and we are all excited to see who is drafted to which Club,” X Games League Senior Vice President Annie Lokesh said in the League’s press release. “Having your name called at Cosm Los Angeles will be a historic moment for every athlete who is able to be in that room and tuning in from around the world.”
The draft will feature the biggest stars in snow sports. These include three-time X Games gold medalist freeskier Eileen Gu, five-time reigning X Games gold medalist halfpipe snowboarder Scotty James, and 26-time X Games medalist snowboarder Mark McMorris. Other notable athletes include freeskier Alex Hall, snowboarder Zeb Powell, and freeskier Kelly Sildaru.
The league will make tickets available for fans who wish to attend the draft, showcasing “live action and behind-the-scenes X Games access.” The league will also release a limited amount of “Superfan” tickets. Tickets will be released on the X Games website.
The winter season will begin in 2027, making three stops for competition. The winter season schedule has not yet been announced. A three-stop tour model will give athletes a more consistent stage and will allow for more competition and exposure to audiences.
The X Games League summer season will kick off in Sacramento, Calif., on June 28 to June 28 at the Cal Expo Center. This inaugural X Games League event features skateboard, BMX and Moto X competitions as well as a live music lineup.
