Monster Energy Becomes Founding Partner of The X Games League!

MONSTER ENERGY BECOMES FOUNDING PARTNER OF  THE X GAMES LEAGUE

A GROUNDBREAKING MULTI-YEAR COMMITMENT TO ATHLETES AND THE FUTURE OF ACTION SPORTS 

BOULDER, CO — [November 11, 2025] — 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.” 

As founding athletes of the XGL, Monster Energy’s Nyjah Huston and Ryan Williams shared their excitement about what this moment means for skateboarding, BMX, and the future of action sports. 

“Monster Energy has supported me and so many skaters for years, not just at X Games but throughout our careers,” said XGL Founder athlete and legendary Monster Energy skateboarder Nyjah Huston. “They’ve always been about putting athletes first, and the X Games League is going to take that even further. It’s sick to see a format that gives us more opportunities to compete, tell our stories, and connect with fans all season long.” 

Huston spoke to skateboarding’s global reach, while Williams emphasized what the new model means for BMX progression. 

“Monster Energy has always been there for BMX and the athletes driving it forward,” added Monster Energy BMX freestyle phenom Ryan Williams, who is also an XGL founder athlete. “They’ve been behind the athletes pushing progression, and now with the X Games League, we finally have a platform built around us. It’s huge for BMX, huge for action sports, and I’m proud to be part of it from day one.” 

X Games League launches in 2026 with a multi-stop summer season and expands in 2027 with the addition of the XGL winter season. The league introduces a new layer of competition where each season athletes compete individually and as part of teams, creating new narratives and deeper fan connections. As an X Games League Founding Partner, Monster Energy will be integrated across the summer and winter athlete drafts, digital storytelling, and season-long broadcast programming—all designed to highlight the athletes at the center of the sport. 

The X Games League will give action sports athletes added structure, visibility, and earning opportunity. Monster Energy’s support represents the largest step forward in three decades of action sports—one built entirely around the athletes who make it possible. 

ABOUT X GAMES 
Since 1995, X Games has defined action sports—from Tony Hawk’s 900 to Shaun White’s halfpipe dominance to the rise of BMX and skateboarding as global forces. Over 30 years, it has become more than a competition: it’s a cultural touchstone, blending sports, music, fashion, and community. Learn more at www.xgames.com.  
 
ABOUT X GAMES LEAGUE 

Launching in 2026, the X Games League (XGL) brings an exciting new extension to the iconic X Games brand as the world’s first year-round, team-based, co-ed league in action sports. The League features eight city-based Clubs (four winter XClubs and four summer XClubs) comprised of the top athletes in the world competing for what will become the most coveted trophy in action sports. 

   

For the first time in X Games history, athletes compete in a season and team-based format, allowing for season-long storylines and deeper athlete-fan engagement across broadcast, streaming, live events, and digital platforms. This represents a fundamental shift in the world of action sports as XGL aims to build stronger global presence and regional connections for athletes, teams, fans, and sponsors. The formation of XGL greatly expands compensation opportunities for athletes far beyond existing prize purses, with additional earning potential as part of the league’s team model. To learn more, visit xgames.com/xgl/ or follow us on Instagram, X, Facebook, YouTube, TikTok, and LinkedIn

 

ABOUT MONSTER ENERGY 
Based in Corona, California, Monster Energy is the leading marketer of energy drinks and alternative beverages. Refusing to acknowledge the traditional, Monster Energy supports the scene and sport. Whether motocross, off-road, NASCAR, MMA, BMX, surf, snowboard, ski, skateboard, or the rock and roll lifestyle, Monster Energy is a brand that believes in authenticity and the core of what its sports, athletes and musicians represent. More than a drink, it's the way of life lived by athletes, bands, believers, and fans. See more about Monster Energy including all of its drinks at www.monsterenergy.com

 


14th Annual Exposure Skate Vert Photos and Results!

Arisa Trew

Photos by Lauren Brooke - please make sure to credit @lauren_brooke_photography if sharing on socials

Bowl on Saturday blew us away, so we should have known that it was simply a precursor for what was to come watching vert on Sunday. The tricks were varied and the height these skaters got was massive. We knew there had been a lot of progression, but we were not expecting what we saw!.

Big thanks to event co-founders, Amelia Brodka and Lesli Cohen, as well as all the volunteers and sponsors that make this huge event happen year after year!

Huge thanks to Lauren Brooke for sharing her amazing photos with us!

Keep scrolling and be prepared to be blown away!

Elizabeth Amador

Anna Shea

Kate and Riley

Juno Matsuoka

Lulu Johnson

Mayzie Feher

Lilly Stoephasius

Mazel Paris

The stoke was real!

Maria Luiza Pessoa

Nina Ye

Akari Takeda

VERT RESULTS

OPEN/PRO VERT

  1. Arisa Trew

  2. Mizuho Hasegawa

  3. .Nina Ye

INTERMEDIATE VERT

  1. Fuyuka Takano

  2. Kate Kuno

  3. Yuina Tachibana

BEST TRICK OPEN/PRO VERT

  1. Arisa Trew

BEST TRICK INTERMEDIATE VERT

  1. Riley Zhang

HIGHEST FRONTSIDE AIR

  1. Mazel Paris

HIGHEST BACKSIDE AIR

  1. Mizuho Hasegawa

14th Annual Exposure Skate -Bowl Photos and Results!

Mazel Paris

Photos by Lauren Brooke - please make sure to credit @lauren_brooke_photography if sharing on socials

This past weekend EXPOSURE SKATE held their 14th annual contest - this event is the largest and longest running skateboard contest in the world. Over 200 skaters (including Olympians) from 15 different countries competed in Bowl, Street and Vert. For all of us, this is the best weekend of the year!

Our team rider, Mazel Paris, entered pro bowl this year and at just eleven years old took the win, competing against some of the best pro skaters in the world! From prelims to finals, her runs were solid and a mix of back to back tricks that wowed the judges.

One of our newest team riders, Coco Waldo took 1st in Advanced women’s Bowl and Intermediate Street - a big achievement!

We are super proud of all eight of our team riders who showed up, skated hard, made finals, wowed the crowd and cheered everyone on! Congrats Anna Shea, Mayzie Feher, Kaylee Chen, Emma Sue, Klara Kaermoade, Brooke Benton, Mazel Paris and Coco Waldo!

Big thanks to event co-founders, Amelia Brodka and Lesli Cohen, as well as all the volunteers and sponsors that make this huge event happen year after year!

Huge thanks to Lauren Brooke for sharing her amazing photos with us!

Scroll on for more visual goodness!

Mayzie Feher

Bryce Wettstein

Harlow Johnsey

Klara Kermoade

Lilly Erickson

Arisa Trew and Jada Ward

Anna Shea

Coco Waldo

Joey Yarbrough

Ruby Lilley

Mizhou Hasegawa

Kate Kuno

Hedda Hjertgerg

Mayzie Feher

Riley Zhang

Riona ito

BOWL RESULTS

OPEN PRO/BOWL

  1. Mazel Paris

  2. Yvonne Lin

  3. Lilly Erickson

ADVANCED BOWL

  1. Coco Waldo

  2. Louise Pages

  3. Tilda Will

INTERMEDIATE BOWL

  1. Lydia Areschoug

  2. Emma-Victoria Smets

  3. Nayla Romy

LONGEST SLIDE

  1. Jordan Santana

LONGEST FRONTSIDE GRIND

  1. Ruby Lilley

LONGEST BACKSIDE GRIND

  1. Harlow Johnsey

X GAMES LEAGUE TO HOLD INAUGURAL SUMMER DRAFT

X GAMES LEAGUE TO HOLD INAUGURAL SUMMER DRAFT ON THURSDAY, MARCH 5, 2026 AT COSM LOS ANGELES

- World’s top skateboarders and BMX riders will be drafted to four teams ahead of the inaugural X Games League (XGL) season -
 
- Launching a new era in action sports, a select number of fans can experience the draft LIVE at Cosm Los Angeles in Hollywood Park -
 
- The event will be streamed LIVE on ESPN+ on the ESPN App and via YouTube on March 5, 2026, from 6:30-8:30pm PT -

[LOS ANGELES – NOVEMBER 5, 2025] The 2026 X Games League Summer Draft will take place on Thursday, March 5, 2026, at Cosm Los Angeles in Hollywood Park when the world’s top skateboarders and BMX riders, both men and women, are drafted to teams for the first time. The event will stream LIVE on ESPN+ on the ESPN App and via YouTube from 6:30 - 8:30 p.m. PT.
 
The inaugural 2026 XGL Summer Draft will pull from a list of more than 150 elite skateboard and BMX athletes from around the world, with general managers of the four teams selecting ten athletes each (five men, five women) to complete their rosters ahead of the 2026 XGL Summer Season.   
 
“Draft night plays a pivotal role in any professional athlete’s career, and the XGL draft will mark the beginning of a new era for our athletes, teams, and fans,” said Annie Lokesh, Head of X Games League. “Transitioning from invitation-only events to a draft-based co-ed professional league is a major step forward for the next generation of action sports athletes. Holding the draft at Cosm – a venue as iconic and innovative as the athletes being called to the stage – adds to the excitement and anticipation around the X Games League.”
 
The evening will kick off with a red carpet arrival for the select group of invited athletes to showcase their individual style.  In the weeks leading up to the draft, the X Games social and digital platforms will spotlight draft-eligible athletes through content and highlights from major global competitions.
 
Fans will have the opportunity to attend in person and experience the draft in Cosm’s state-of-the-art immersive venue, which will showcase live action and behind-the-scenes X Games access in a completely new way. A limited number of “Superfan” tickets will be available for purchase and fans can sign up for alerts on xgames.com/xgl to be the first to know when tickets are available. 
 
X Games League Summer Draft Format Overview:

  • The athlete ‘opt in’ window took place earlier this year, which was open to all athletes. 

  • The team general manager will choose the roster.

  • The draft will consist of five rounds and eight athletes will be drafted in a “snake” order. Each team makes two selections per round.

  • At the end of five rounds, the team’s ten roster spots will be filled by five women and five men, bringing the total to 40 drafted athletes.

  • Both sports (Skateboard + BMX) must be represented on the team.

  • Early rounds will be presented live on stage. Later rounds will be revealed via draft boards.

  • Athletes who declared for the draft but who are not selected on draft night will be eligible to compete as free agents at X Games or be called up as injury replacements.

The 2026 XGL summer season schedule and four inaugural Clubs will be announced at a later date. For more details about XGL, click here.
 

++

 
 About X Games League (XGL)
Launching in 2026, the X Games League (XGL) brings an exciting new extension to the iconic X Games brand as the world’s first year-round, team-based, co-ed league in action sports. The League features eight city-based teams (four winter XClubs and four summer XClubs) comprised of the top athletes in the world competing for what will become the most coveted trophy in action sports.
 
For the first time in X Games history, athletes compete in a season and team-based format, allowing for season-long storylines and deeper athlete-fan engagement across broadcast, streaming, live events, and digital platforms. This represents a fundamental shift in the world of action sports as XGL aims to build stronger global presence and regional connections for athletes, teams, fans, and sponsors. The formation of XGL greatly expands compensation opportunities for athletes far beyond existing prize purses, with additional earning potential as part of the league’s team model. To learn more, visit xgames.com/xgl/ or follow us on Instagram, X, Facebook, YouTube, TikTok, and LinkedIn.
 

Team Rider, Mazel Paris, Drops Her "This is Eleven" Part!

Team rider, Mazel Paris has had a banger of a week! She just took 1st place in Pro Bowl at Exposure Skate on Saturday, and that evening her “This is Eleven” part dropped at the La Paloma Theater in Encinitas, CA.

If you missed the premiere, you can watch it here on REPEAT!

We are so hyped for you Mazel!

Video film and edit by Josue Sanchez

Music: “witches” by Alice Phoebe Lou

This Alexis Sablone Mini Doc is a MUST-WATCH!

This Epicly Later’d episode with Alexis Sablone is a MUST watch - she paved the way for so much in skateboarding and her story is unique!

Alexis Sablone’s story is unlike any other in skateboarding. From Boston’s early 2000s scene and her breakout part in PJ Ladd’s Wonderful Horrible Life, to earning a degree in architecture and stepping away from the spotlight, Alexis always did things her own way. Her return to skating led to turning pro, competing at the highest level, and helping open the door for a new era of women in skateboarding. This is her story.

X Games Names Leticia Bufoni as Newest Founder Athlete of X Games League!

Leticia Bufoni is the newest founder athlete of X Games League

X Games Names Leticia Bufoni as Newest Founder Athlete of X Games League

The Brazilian skateboard phenom joins previously announced X Games League Founder Athletes Ryan Sheckler, Nyjah Huston, and Ryan Williams

BOULDER, COLO. (September 29, 2025) — Leticia Bufoni, one of the most decorated and influential athletes in skateboarding, has been named a Founder Athlete of the X Games League (XGL), the first, global, team-based action sports league that is set to debut in Summer 2026. Bufoni joins fellow skateboard pioneers Nyjah Huston and Ryan Sheckler, and legendary BMX rider Ryan Williams at the forefront of the groundbreaking league. As an XGL Founder Athlete, Leticia will contribute directly to league development—helping design formats, shape athlete experience and build a fan-first culture. 

“X Games has been a huge part of my journey since day one,” commented Leticia Bufoni. “To now be a founding athlete of the X Games League and help shape the future of action sports–it’s such an honor.” 

Bringing unparalleled competitive success, global influence, and leadership, Bufoni embodies the spirit and ambition of XGL’s athlete-driven future. Her contributions to the sport are legendary: 

  • A six-time X Games gold medalist with 12 total medals, the most in summer X Games history among female competitors. 

  • In 2013, became the only female athlete to win three X Games gold medals in a single year, earning an ESPY nomination and a feature in ESPN’s The Body Issue. 

  • The first female skater signed by Nike SB (2015), and a Street League Super Crown Champion—pioneering visibility for women in skateboarding.  

  • Holder of multiple Guinness World Records, including: “Most Women’s X Games Skateboard Street Wins,” “Most X Games Medals Won in Summer Disciplines – Female” and the jaw-dropping “Highest Skateboard Grind Outside the Back of a Flying Aircraft” at 9,022 ft. 

  • Represented Brazil at the Tokyo 2020 Olympics, served as the Executive Global Athlete

  • Ambassador for World Skate, and was named one of the most powerful and marketable women in sports by Forbes in 2018. 

  • Began skating at age nine in São Paulo, moved to the U.S. at 14 to pursue her X Games dream, and now resides in Miami.  

Starting Summer 2026, X Games League will transform action sports into a team-based, seasonal league format. Skateboarding and BMX will headline the inaugural X Games League summer season, with Snowboarding and Skiing events launching X Games League winter season in early 2027.  

XGL moves beyond standalone competitions, building season-long narratives, rivalries, and storylines that drive deeper fan connection. The format unlocks new earning potential and stability for athletes, delivers more compelling content for media partners and creates powerful new platforms for sponsors—while staying true to the roots of X Games.  

Over the next several months, X Games will announce additional Founder Athletes, new XGL clubs, season schedules and athlete drafts as momentum builds toward the Summer 2026 league debut.  

Follow @xgames and visit xgames.com for the latest on XGL—the future of action sports.  


###  

ABOUT X GAMES
Since 1995, X Games has defined action sports—from Tony Hawk’s 900 to Shaun White’s halfpipe dominance to the rise of BMX and skateboarding as global forces. Over 30 years, it has become more than a competition: it’s a cultural touchstone, blending sports, music, fashion, and community.
 
ABOUT X GAMES LEAGUE
Debuting in 2026, the X Games League (XGL) will reinvent competition with a team-based model, where athletes contribute both individually and to team championships. Beyond the $2.4M already distributed in prize money annually, the league unlocks new athlete earning potential and long-term stability for the sports they represent.

Anatomy of a Skateboard Workshop at The Hermosa Beach Museum!

This is a super fun eent for anyone in your family who loves skateboarding - it does sell out so RSVP now!

Explore skateboard art and construction over the decades then build your own miniature board in the Hermosa Beach Museum's Anatomy of a Skateboard Family Workshop! In this workshop, participants aged 7-13 and their families can see classic boards dating from steel wheels of the '50s to pro-boards of the '90s, then build and decorate a miniature fingerboard step-by-step alongside an instructor building a full-size board. This workshop has a very limited capacity and is RSVP only, so be sure to sign up to join us on Saturday, October 4 soon!

The workshop will begin at 11am, so please be sure to arrive by 10:45am.

RSVP: https://hermosabeachmuseum-bloom.kindful.com/e/anatomy-of-a-skateboard-family-workshop-1

X Games Launches New Visual Identity and Goes "ALL IN" on the Future of Action Sports.

Leticia Bufoni

X Games Goes “ALL IN” on the Future of Action Sports

 New visual identity, X Games League, AI judging, sports betting, and global expansion mark the dawn of a new era

[Boulder, CO – September 24, 2025] – X Games, the undisputed epicenter of action sports, today unveiled a bold new era defined by rebellion, creativity, and individuality.

 

X Games announced a full visual rebrand—new logo, new identity, new look—designed for the next era of sport: rebellious at its core, global in its reach, and made to evolve as fast as the athletes who push it forward. The rebrand is just one piece of a sweeping vision that will define the next 30 years of action sports.

 

At the heart of this transformation is the X Games League, the first-ever year-round, team-based league in action sports, launching in the summer of 2026. The league represents a fundamental shift in how fans experience action sports—blending team rivalries, individual glory, and new revenue streams for athletes.

 

“X Games has always been where outsiders became icons and impossible became possible,” said Jeremy Bloom, CEO of X Games. “We’re staying true to that DNA—pushing limits, celebrating individuality, and challenging the status quo—but we’re also reimagining what’s next. This is more than a rebrand. This is the future of sports. And our athletes and partners are ALL IN.”

 

The Future of X Games: Key Moves

  • X Games League (2026): Led by Annie Lokesh, formerly of the WNBA, the world’s first team-based action sports league debuts Summer 2026 with drafted athletes competing at every X Games. Over 150 athletes have declared for the inaugural XGL Summer Draft. The league will have both summer and winter seasons. 

  • AI-Powered Judging (The OWL): Real-time, transparent scoring that ensures accuracy and trust for athletes and fans.

  • Sports Betting & Fantasy Sports: Entering a U.S. market already valued at $17B+, unlocking deeper engagement with fans under 35.

  • Year-Round Global Events: Expanding beyond the traditional summer/winter schedule, with more stops around the world and local-language broadcasts.

  • Athlete-First Model: Bigger prize purses, new compensation pathways, and deeper storytelling to elevate the athletes who fuel the movement.

  • Festival-Like Live Events: Blending competition with music, tech, culture, and community for unforgettable fan experiences.

  • Explosive Social Growth: Building on momentum that doubled YouTube subscribers to 2M and grew total reach to 16M+ across channels—with a sharper focus on two-way dialogue with fans.

 

ABOUT X GAMES

Since 1995, X Games has defined action sports—from Tony Hawk’s 900 to Shaun White’s halfpipe dominance to the rise of BMX and skateboarding as global forces. Over 30 years, it has become more than a competition: it’s a cultural touchstone, blending sports, music, fashion, and community.

 

ABOUT X GAMES LEAGUE

Debuting in 2026, the X Games League (XGL) will reinvent competition with a team-based model, where athletes contribute both individually and to team championships. Beyond the $2.4M already distributed in prize money annually, the league unlocks new athlete earning potential and long-term stability for the sports they represent.

GN4LW Founder, Cindy Whitehead, is on the "Carving it Out Podcast"

The CARVING IT OUT Podcast with hosts (and skateboarders) Heather Jennier and Paula MacDonald, is relatively new on the scene but has already made an impact on women’s skateboarding. While most skate podcasts are hosted by men in the industry, Heather and Paula strive to break that mold and have created a podcast that highlights women from all areas of the industry. They are also known for doing their homework on their guests, so you feel like it’s a really great free flowing convo between friends. We hope you will give this episode a listen and follow Carving it Out on Apple, Spotify YouTube, and Instagram!

“Cindy Whitehead is more than a pro skateboarder, and that’s just how she likes it. This legend is an activist, skate historian and founder of the nonprofit ‘Girl Is Not a 4-Letter Word’. In this chat with Cindy, we explore her deep connection to skate history through her involvement with Hermosa Beach Museum and the Smithsonian, and how she values activism in skate culture. Cindy also shares insights on the influence of her family on her confidence, the evolution of skate sponsorships, and the balance between competition and personal expression for young skaters. This discussion highlights the evolution of women’s roles in skateboarding since its early days and the importance of visibility and support for the next generation of girl skaters.”

Judi Oyama Achieves a Guinness World Record!

Image via World Skate Instagram

Badass Skate Mom, Judi Oyama was entered into the Guinness Book of World Records for her longevity in skateboarding. Judi has been skateboarding since she was 13 years old and is now a young 65. Her inclusion into Guinness is well deserved and an encouraging moment for all women to keep shredding for as long as they can! Judi is currently racing in slalom and continues to land on podium, while racing women a third of her age and younger - so keep reaching for those goals!! Judi is living proof that when you do what you love, age is just a number! Congrats Judi!!

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THE SKATE BOARD ASSOCIATION (SBA) ANNOUNCES LAUNCH OF FIRST-EVER PROFESSIONAL LEAGUE

THE SKATE BOARD ASSOCIATION (SBA) ANNOUNCES LAUNCH OF FIRST-EVER PROFESSIONAL LEAGUE

Co-Founded by NBA Champion Gary Payton II, Sheldon Lewis, and Royce Campbell, SBA Introduces Equal Pay, First-Ever True Co-Ed Professional Skateboarding to the Global Stage

Info via PR Newswire

LOS ANGELES, Sept. 1, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- The Skate Board Association (SBA) today announced the launch of the world's first co-ed, equal-pay professional skateboarding league, a groundbreaking initiative set to transform global sports, youth culture, and innovation. Co-founded by Sheldon Lewis, Royce Campbell, and NBA Champion Gary Payton II, the SBA reimagines what it means to be a professional sports organization, blending performance, immersive technology, and cultural relevance with a focus on equity, community, inclusivity, and storytelling.

Gary Payton II is not only a co-founder and investor, but also the league's first official team owner. Additional owners include Professional Brazilian skateboarder, Pamela Rosa, American professional skateboarder and model, Robert Neal, skateboard Olympian and musician, Samarria Brevard and legendary Puerto Rican professional skateboarder, Manny Santiago.

Big Bear will serve as the home of the SBA's flagship arena, training complex, and media hub. Additional launch partners include SBA's official recovery device partner Hyperice, a leader in recovery technology, and HYPERVSN, a London-based technology company bringing cutting-edge visuals to the league.

"As someone who's dedicated my life to sports, I know the power they have to inspire, unite, and transform communities. Skateboarding has always been a culture of creativity and resilience, and the SBA represents a new era where that culture is elevated onto a global stage. I'm proud to stand next to Sheldon Lewis and Royce Campbell as a co-founder, and team owner within the SBA because this league isn't just about competition, it's about opportunity, innovation, and giving the next generation of athletes a platform to shine," said Gary Payton II, Co-Founder, SBA.

The SBA isn't just launching a league, it's activating a global movement in sport, storytelling, and cultural equity. With year-round programming across SBA seasons, media, and commerce, Big Bear will serve as the global headquarters and creative playground for the SBA's mission to elevate skateboarding as a true professional sport while honoring its grassroots foundation.

"The SBA is about more than launching a league, it's about building a cultural movement that gives skateboarding the platform it deserves on the world stage," said Sheldon Lewis, Co-Founder, SBA.  "We're creating a space where athletes, brands, and fans can come together to shape the future of the sport," said Royce Campbell, Co-Founder, SBA.

The first-ever SBA Draft will take place in late Q4 2025, with the inaugural six-month season set to begin in spring 2026. The league in 2026 will feature 36 Skateboarding Athletes, (men and women). Annual Draft salaries are set to reach a six-figure guarantee, with equal pay for both men and women athletes.

The following 18 athletes are slated for the 2026 draft, with 18 slots still open to round out each of the remaining teams. Christiana Means, Pamela Rosa, Kylie Frank, Gabriela Mazetto, Isabelly Avila, Carlos Ribeiro, Dave Bachinsky, David Reyes, Robert Neal, Keelan Dadd, Micky Papa, Dashawn Jordan, Boo Johnson, Julian Agliardi, Leo Romero, Kevin Hoefler, Manny Santiago, Ryan Decenzo.

The SBA invites brands, innovators, and visionaries to join as founding partners of the first-true professional skateboarding league built for skateboarding, cultural relevance and generational global impact.

For more information, visit www.skateboardassociation.org and follow on Instagram at @skateboardassociation.

About the Skate Board Association (SBA)
The Skate Board Association (SBA) is the world's first professional skateboarding league built at the intersection of sport, culture, and innovation. Founded by Sheldon Lewis, Royce Campbell, and Gary Payton II, the SBA is redefining what it means to be a modern sports organization — merging world-class talent with immersive technology, media storytelling, and community engagement. With Big Bear, California as its flagship destination and year-round hub, the SBA is creating a global platform for elite athletes, cultural creators, and visionary brands to shape the future of skateboarding and youth sports. The SBA's inaugural season launches in Spring 2026.

Women's Park and Street Results From the Rockstar Energy Open in Portland!

Mizuho Hasegawa - Photo via Rockstar Energy / Durso

The Women’s Park Final started the day with an electric heat with Sky Brown, Bryce Wettstein and Mizuho Hasegawa upping the ante with every run. After the second round of runs, Bryce Wettstein and Sky Brown sat atop the leaderboard. However, last year’s champion Mizuho Hasegawa saved her best for the final run of the contest to jump from third to first place. Her unique line included a kickflip Indy over the hip and went alley oop to nosegrind on the vert wall and a crowd-pleasing stall on the Rockstar Energy logo feature. As Sky and Bryce lifted her onto their shoulders to celebrate, Mizuho yelled, “I’m so happy!”

Women’s podium - Photo via Rockstar Energy / Durso

Women’s Park Final Results

  1. Mizuho Hasegawa (JPN) 86.20

  2. Sky Brown (GBR) 84.66

  3. Bryce Wettstein (USA) 82.00

  4. Heili Sirvio (FIN) 77.00

  5. Ruby Lilley (USA) 76.83

  6. Lilly Erickson (USA) 76.83

  7. Minna Stess (USA) 75.50

  8. Hinano Kusaki (JPN) 74.33

  9. Jordan Santana (USA) 73.00

  10. Lady Meek (USA) 70.83

  11. Yurin Fujii (JPN) 65.00

  12. Aaliyah Wilson (AUS) 63.00

Coco Yoshizawa - Photo via Rockstar Energy / Ballard

Women’s Street Final

The Women’s Street Final saw a Japanese podium sweep led by Coco Yoshizawa. Ibuki Matsumoto laid down a heater in her first run to take the top spot ahead of the rest of the field by more than 10 points. But on her final run, Coco landed a run that included a kickflip frontside boardslide the handrail, gap to back 50-50 on the bump to hubba, backside tailslide on step-up wedge ledge, backside lipslide flatbar, frontside bluntslide the flat bar, 360 flip up the step-up and a bigflip frontside boardslide the handrail to take the win. Twelve-year old Mei Oseki, who was a VQS competitor in 2024, took the third place win. 

“I couldn’t land all the tricks I wanted to in practice, so I wasn’t expecting to win the competition. I had so much fun and I’m super happy I was able to pull it off,” said Coco Yoshizawa 

Women’s Street Podium - Photo via Rockstar Energy / Ortiz

Women’s Street Final Results

  1. Coco Yoshizawa (JPN) 92.46

  2. Ibuki Matsumoto (JPN) 90.66

  3. Mei Ozeki (JPN) 81.33

  4. Aoi Fukada (JPN) 76.63

  5. Paige Heyn (USA) 75.00

  6. Niko Sugimoto (JPN) 72.66

  7. Yuri Ashizawa (JPN) 65.50

  8. Secret Lynn (USA) 53.66

  9. Meagan Guy (USA) 48.66

  10. Valentina Petric (CHI) 41.50

 

Who's Rad? Emma Houlihan.

Photo Ian Logan

We met Emma like a lot of meet-ups happen in Los Angeles - online. Instagram to be exact. We were intrigued by the fact that in a world full of bowl, park, vert and street skaters, Emma was doing freestyle. Not just doing it, but excelling at it, rapidly. Later we invited her to a skate jam we were helping throw, and even with her packed college schedule, she showed up (by herself) ready to skate and have fun. From there, we encouraged her to enter the US Open of Freestyle and she did, overcoming fears, and getting out there and skating in front of a crowd. Emma is a FORCE.

From her welcoming attitude and her huge smile, letting everyone know she is having a blast on her board, Emma is someone you will want to get to know - so please enjoy our interview with recent UCLA Grad and skateboarder, Emma Houlihan!

Name: Emma Houlihan

 Age: 22 years old

 Home: Newbury Massachusetts, a small coastal town just north of Boston.

 How long have you been skating? A little over 4 years

 What type of skateboarding do you do? I love all styles of skateboarding but I gravitate most towards freestyle. I love to combine freestyle with street, approaching it like a dance :)

Photo Ian Logan

 What got you into skateboarding? There was an after-school program at my high school, and our photography teacher, Max Nagel, just so happened to be a sponsored skater. The school had converted an old parking lot into a DIY skate space with quarter pipes and rails. I’d always been drawn to skateboarding but never had the confidence to try—or anyone willing to teach me. Getting such a warm welcome from Mr. Nagel changed everything. He helped me embrace the beginner kookiness and lean into the learning process. From the moment I stepped on a board, I was hooked. I’d practice late at night in empty parking lots and skate to school in the mornings. I’ve been on the board ever since.

 We know you came to So Cal and attended UCLA. Did being in California influence you as a skater?Absolutely, so much. LA has such a vibrant and inspiring skate scene. Skating at historic spots, meeting incredibly creative and passionate people… it really changed the game for me. You’ve got every kind of skater out here…people who’ve been skating their whole lives, pros at the skatepark, and folks with the most unique, artistic approaches to skating. Being surrounded by all of that energy pushed me to really step up my own game and get consistent. I started to see skating not just as a side hobby, but as something I could actually pursue seriously. And the momentum around women’s skateboarding in LA was especially exciting, it felt like I was part of something bigger.

 

Photo Julia Steinhouse

You also ran a skateboard club while at UCLA – how did that come about, and can you tell us what the club did together? The club originally started with a group of friends, and I was invited to the first session through an Instagram chat of UCLA skaters (maybe about 20 people at the time). I was one of only two girls there, and while I thought it was so epic what they were doing, I honestly felt like an outsider. Nobody said hi to me or even acknowledged me for the first fifteen minutes the first sesh. I just remember having this lump in my throat like I wanted to cry. But at the same time, I was amazed. I could see the potential, how special this could really be.

I was buzzing with ideas about events we could do and ways to bring people together. I kept going up to the guys leading it, offering to help however I could and pitching ideas constantly. I really shared their vision of a thriving skate community at UCLA and wanted to help in any way I could.

So, I started small. I made a group chat of girls and literally chased down every girl I saw on campus with a skateboard. At first, I felt awkward and nervous doing it, but I pushed through my discomfort. Eventually, I made it a habit to talk to anyone and everyone about skate club. What started as a small chat grew to over 150 girls by the end of my senior year.

We’d do skatepark trips, share tips, and cheer each other on (often it was girls’ first time ever setting foot in a skatepark!) We got them dropping in, doing rock to fakies, and pumping around. Through this involvement, I helped the club lead our first skate jam where we gave away prizes and equipment to help people keep skating. It felt like such a huge milestone.

The jams became a regular thing. One time, we even had a live band playing on the roof. We did potlucks, crafts, girls’ skate sessions, beginner nights… I once taught over 70 people in one night without a megaphone (which really tested my public speaking skills, hahah).

Photo Julia Steinhouse

The biggest impact I wanted to have was making it a truly welcoming place for everyone, no matter their skill level. Not just saying “all are welcome” but showing it. We greet every person with a smile and introduce them to others. We grew so much because of that intention, and people would tell me they felt welcomed and that the club didn’t feel intimidating at all. That meant everything.

We even collaborated with Nike SB, which led to me organizing a women’s skate event at the Primitive Skatepark—getting to invite and connect with women I had looked up to forever in the LA skate scene.

One of my proudest moments helping the club throw a full-on block party in Westwood. We had a live DJ, a student flea market, a graffiti artist, an art gallery, and live skating—all celebrating mental health awareness and the skate community. I really had to treat it like a full-time job: early mornings at the coffee shop sending emails, writing grant proposals, and going to meetings to pitch the vision. I had an amazing team of student leaders alongside me, and I learned how to rely on my people—how to lead by pushing others into their own passions and potential.

Being part of skate club helped me grow so much. I learned how to build community, connect with others, share my passion, and actually see what’s possible when people work together. The club has grown so much and is absolutely thriving now. I can’t wait to see how the next group of leaders make it their own!

 

Emma at UCLA - Photo Julia Steinhouse

What degree did you graduate with from UCLA? I graduated with a degree in sociology. It has entirely changed my perspective on the world, helping me to better understand people and society.

 

What is it that you like or enjoy most about skateboarding? Connecting with the community. There are so many different ways to skate, and I love watching how everyone brings their own style to it. People from all backgrounds and ages come together through skating, and I’ve found it to be an incredibly meaningful and transformative way to connect with others. I love organizing events that get people excited to skate, get involved, and give back. When I started out, I didn’t have a skate crew—and yeah, it takes time to find one—but now I really enjoy being the person who brings others in with open arms.

 

Emma at the Paliskate Fire Relief Jam - Photo Ian Logan

Who are your favorite people to skate with? There’s something really special about skating with other women. I often forget how male-dominated skateboarding still is… until I find myself at the park some nights as the only girl there. While I do love skating with the guys, it can sometimes feel isolating. I have to push myself not to shrink, to bring my full personality into the space, and not tone down my femininity just to fit in. And that’s not always easy.

The women I skate with approach skating in such a unique, light, and playful way. They help me take it less seriously, to fall and get back up without judgment. They’re incredibly supportive and make me feel strong.  I also love skating with women who challenge and push me. That healthy competition helps me grow and take things even further. We lift each other up while still pushing each other to level up, and that’s the kind of environment where I thrive.

 We’ve seen you skate with Andy Anderson – how was that? Ummm…maybe the highlight of my whole life!! Kidding. (or am i?)  Andy Anderson is one of my favorite skaters, someone I look up to for his creativity and even more importantly kindness. He really represents a lot of nontraditional skaters who are pushing boundaries and doing things their own way, which is something I deeply admire.

 We met during a group skate I was co-hosting with GirlSwirl, LMU Shred Sisters, and Skate Club UCLA (which in itself was a huge honor as GirlSwirl was a big influence on my skating journey and helped me meet some of my first female skate friends). Val, one of GirlSwirl’s riders, introduced me to Andy and I was like… okay, this is my moment!

 We were skating curbs, and I did a 540 revert near him, and he goes, “Whoa! I’ve never seen anyone do that before,” and asked me to teach him. We ended up spending like an hour exchanging tricks, and honestly I surprised myself with my ability to keep up! We even filmed a line together where we jumped up a curb on one foot—it was so silly but surprisingly super hard. I learned so many new tricks that night and it was just one of those magical sessions I’ll never forget.

 Favorite places to skate in and around Los Angeles? UCLA’s campus, Courthouse, Pedlow, Venice, and the Cove on adult nights!

Photo Ian Logan

 You skate freestyle, which is unusual, and we love seeing it!  What made you choose that direction? It honestly just came natural to me, it was the way my body wanted to move. I’d listen to music while skating and found myself timing my movements to the beat, almost like I was dancing. I’ve always loved to dance (especially solo dance parties in my bedroom at night!), and skating became another way to feel connected to my body, to express myself, and release energy. Freestyle lets me skate how I want to without rules, and really tap into the creative flow.

 You are known for your powerful and gorgeous 360-degree slides – what inspired you to start doing them? I learned how to do a revert and then would do them quite obsessively. I’d do them frontside, backside, over and over again. One day, a friend suggested I try looping them together into a full 360 spin. That little nudge out of my comfort zone made all the difference. From there, I started spinning all the time. It made skating feel way more fluid and feminine. Eventually, I realized I could add more rotations, landing 540s and then 720s. I especially love doing them downhill… it’s like skiing, being able to carve and control your momentum. It just feels so free!

 You entered the Freestyle Championships recently in Venice – tell us a little about your first big contest! (super proud of you for entering!) Thank you so much!! This was a really big deal for me. Honestly, I was super intimidated and almost didn’t enter because of imposter syndrome. That’s something I’ve struggled with in life and school—like many women, I think, we’re not always taught to recognize our own power and potential. When I saw the entry had closed online, my heart sank, and that’s when I realized how badly I wanted to be part of it. I emailed them on a whim, and thankfully, there was still space!

I practiced for hours leading up to it, even though my hip was injured I pushed through the pain. At the time, I was skating on these super tiny wheels that were worn down from all my powerslides and spins, which made it way harder. And the night before the competition, I took a gnarly slam from hitting a flat spot. That morning, I raced to the skate shop to swap out my wheels and only had about 30 minutes to feel them out before it was go time.

I knew adrenaline would be my friend, and I just tried to have fun with it. It was nerve-wracking but so exciting—a perfect way to get the competition jitters out. I skated to I Will Survive by Gloria Gaynor…my underdog anthem. It was disco, sassy, fun, and totally amped me up.

When I messed up a trick, my legs got super shaky. I had to take a deep breath, reset, and refocus on the rest of the run. And when I fell, I just laughed and smiled, reminding myself this was supposed to be for me, for fun. Imperfection is part of the process. I really tried to take up space out there and I threw in some big 540 revert spins and just went for it. I ended up landing two of my hail-mary tricks I’d thrown in last-minute.

I got to meet so many amazing skaters, many of them really young, which is soooo exciting for the future of skating. I learned a ton of new tricks and—shockingly—placed second in the rookie division!! That was huge for me. It taught me to push through my self-doubt and not count myself out before I even try. The point was to challenge myself and get outside of my comfort zone, and I’m really proud that I did. Half the battle was just showing up :)

 Any specific tricks that you want to learn this summer? It’s a huge goal of mine to learn to tre-flip this year!

 How is the East Coast skate scene where you live? I love skating at home. The skate scene is small but mighty and I’m a part of a big group chat of women that all meet up and go to different parks together around Massachusetts, New Hampshire, and Maine. It’s quite hot & humid in the summer so I like to skate at night with friends :) The community here is strong and has got grit. It’s cool to see the difference in style compared to the west coast.

 Can we expect you back out here on the West Coast anytime soon? Yes!! I'm applying for jobs right now and plan on moving back once I find one, hopefully early fall.

Photo Ian Logan

 

 Are there any women out there doing remarkable things (such as skateboarding or business) that inspire & motivate you? Definitely! Grlswirl has had a huge impact on me—they were one of my first windows into women’s skateboarding and really showed me what a supportive and welcoming skate community could look like. Concrete Queenz is also doing incredible work, empowering young girls through skating and mentorship. I am also really inspired by skaters who blend their art with skating. Like Bryce Wettstein. It's really cool to see the way that she expresses her femininity through her clothing, art, and music in a way that feels really genuine. I think she is the ultimate cool girl and is a great example of someone who expresses themselves authentically, paving the way for others to do the same.

 Dream job? My dream job is with a company like Nike, Skate Like a Girl, GrlSwirl, or LA 28. I’d love to do something where I can work directly with athletes, and contribute to something bigger than myself. I’m especially passionate about doing something that brings together skaters, artists, and youth to build meaningful, community-rooted experiences. I would love to work on events, help with creative direction, and contribute to shifting the culture for women’s sports.

 Any favorite foods or healthy eating habits you can share when you are skating all day? What a wonderful question. Well first of all, hydration is essential. I like to make a DIY electrolyte drink lemon juice water and a little bit of salt to replenish myself on hot days. My go to pre or post skate snack is a big bowl of plain greek yogurt with granola, frozen fruit, chocolate chips, and chia seeds DRIZZLED in honey.

Favorite place you've ever skated? This is so difficult to answer!! My favorite park of all time is probably Lynch Family Skatepark in Boston, they just have everything there.

Dream place to skate? I’m looking forward to visiting NYC for a bit and skating there while I’m home… it’s a dream of mine to skate the Brooklyn Banks. I also want to skate across Europe… particularly Barcelona and Copenhagen. Being on a board feels like speaking a whole different language—it’s such a powerful way to connect with people. I’d love to meet and skate with some of my mutuals overseas who inspire me so much.

Favorite Trick? 540 frontside revert.

 

Photo Ian Logan

Skate Sponsors: I am flow for S1 Helmets & Rusty!

 

Three things you don't know about me:

 1.    I’m a writer and aspiring author. I love to write short stories, essays, and poetry.

2.   I did theater as a kid and love musicals… and can rap the entire soundtrack of Hamilton at any moment.

3.   I can unicycle and also pogo stick while jump-roping. When I was little I wanted to run away and join the circus… being a skater might be the closest I’ll get to that haha!

 

Any advice for girls out there who want to get into skateboarding? Learn to fall in love with the learning process. Skateboarding has always been—and will always be—about learning and pushing yourself just outside your comfort zone enough to really surprise yourself. That might mean showing up to the skatepark for the first time and simply riding around, or it could be landing a 540 in the bowl. It’s all about the personal challenge it brings and how it helps you grow more connected to yourself.

Failure is the key to all of it. Learn how to turn it into fuel…something to be proud of: proof that you showed up and gave it a shot. Don’t compare yourself to anyone else, and celebrate your wins (and your slams!) as often as you can.

 What’s Next? I just finished writing my senior thesis on the Venice Skatepark, an ethnographic deep dive into the culture, gender dynamics, risk, and community that shape that space. It was such a meaningful project for me, and now I’m in the process of adapting it into a series of short essays that blend my personal skate journey with reflections on movement, identity, and what it means to carve out space as a woman in skateboarding. I’m hoping to publish them soon! Writing has always been a huge part of who I am, and it’s been really exciting to merge my love for skateboarding with storytelling.

 Make sure you follow Emma!

@Emmahouli on instagram

@skateclubucla on Instagram

Emma’s Website

Last Words of advice: Stay true to yourself! There is a place in the skateboarding world for you :)

 

 

Top Female Skaters Competing in Rockstar Energy Open 2025!

We’re excited to share the full line-up of pro and emerging park and street skaters for the second annual Rockstar Energy Open that will be taking place at Waterfront Park in Downtown Portland this weekend!

The dates are locked: August 15-17, and so are the skaters. The Rockstar Energy Open returns to Portland, Oregon, at Waterfront Park for FREE once again, and this year’s lineup has only gotten better!

Find the 2025 event details and everything you need on ThePlatfrm.com under RSEO. The location, daily schedule, official live stream, live music, VIP access and info, plus highlights from 2024 are all available.

Saturday - Women’s Park Final 12:00 PM – 1:15 PM - WATCH IT HERE

SUNDAY - WOMEN’S STREET FINAL 12:45 PM – 1:45 PM - WATCH IT HERE

Can Aoi Uemura repeat her win in 2025? Only time will tell, but for now, we know she is confirmed. Nothing is certain, though. Secret Lynn will be returning to Portland and sure to send it, plus additions to the lineup such as Paige Heyn and Ibuki Matsumoto make this year’s event anything but a safe bet. Check out the current confirmed women below.

Locked in to defend her title, Mizuho Hasegawa is confirmed for Portland along with 2024 third-place winner Yurin Fuji. But nothing is promised. Sky Brown will be joining the mix this year, as will X Games gold medalist Heili Sirvio, alongside other familiar ripping women. Read on below for the current list of women confirmed.

Watch The Women Compete Live at Tony Hawk's Vert Alert!

We are so stoked to be able to watch not only the finals but the semi-finals from Tony Hawk’s Vert Alert , starting TODAY! There are so many women out there competing, including our team riders Anna Shea and Mia Kretzer! We will be cheering them on as they compete in the vert contest and best trick!

FRIDAY

Women’s Semi Finals Group 1

4 PM MT / 3 PM PT / 6 PM ET

Women’s Semi-Finals Group 2

5 PM MT / 4 PM PT / 7 PM ET

Legends Demo - includes Lizzie Armanto and Lyn-Z Adams-Hawkins Pastrana

7:05 PM MT / 6:05 PM PT / 9:05 PM ET

WATCH IT ALL LIVE ——-> HERE!

SATURDAY

Women’s Finals

3:00 PM MT / 2 PM PT / 5 PM ET

Women’s Best Trick

4:50 PM MT / 3:50 PM PT / 6:50 PM ET

WATCH IT ALL LIVE ——-> HERE!