#United States #Los Angeles #Equal Pay #Skate Board Association #Skateboarding League

The Skate Board Association Launches a Groundbreaking Skateboarding League

On September 1, 2025, the Skate Board Association (SBA) made waves in the sports world by announcing the formation of the world's first co-ed professional skateboarding league with equal pay for all its athletes. This pioneering initiative aims to redefine the landscape of professional sports, blending athletic performance with cultural relevance and equity.

Co-founded by former NBA champion Gary Payton II, alongside Sheldon Lewis and Royce Campbell, the SBA is not just launching a league but igniting a global movement. The association focuses on cultural impact and community engagement while emphasizing inclusivity, storytelling, and technological advancement in the sport.

A New Era in Professional Skateboarding

Gary Payton II, who is the league’s first team owner, expressed his commitment to enhancing the culture of skateboarding. "Skateboarding has always been a domain of creativity and resilience. The SBA symbolizes a new chapter, where we elevate this culture onto a global platform. It's more than just competition; it's about innovation and crafting opportunities for the next generation of athletes," he stated.

Additional notable owners in the league include elite skateboarders like Pamela Rosa, Robert Neal, Samarria Brevard, and Manny Santiago—all bringing an extraordinary breadth of talent and experience to the SBA.

Big Bear: The Heart of SBA

The SBA's headquarters will be situated in Big Bear, California, which will house its flagship arena, training facilities, and a media hub. This location serves as a creative playground for the league's mission of elevating skateboarding as a professional sport while honoring its grassroots history.

"We are not just creating a league; we are fostering a cultural movement that provides skateboarding the platform it fundamentally deserves on the world stage," said Sheldon Lewis, a co-founder of the SBA. Royce Campbell further echoed this sentiment by expressing the desire to cultivate a space where athletes, brands, and fans unite to shape the sport's future.

Looking Ahead: The First Draft and Season

In a significant development, the inaugural SBA Draft is slated for late Q4 2025, with the first season expected to kick off in spring 2026. This initial season will feature 36 athletes, comprised of equal representation from both men and women, ensuring financial parity with guaranteed six-figure salaries for all. As of now, 18 athletes—such as Christiana Means, Carlos Ribeiro, and Boo Johnson—are named in preparation for the draft, with additional spots to be filled.

An Invitation for Collaboration

The SBA is inviting brands, innovators, and cultural visionaries to join as founding partners in this unique, transformative league. As they build a new foundation for skateboarding, the SBA is determined to create generational impacts that reach far beyond the sport itself.

For more information, skateboarding enthusiasts and potential partners can visit www.skateboardassociation.org or follow the SBA on Instagram at @skateboardassociation.

About The Skate Board Association (SBA)

The Skate Board Association (SBA) stands at the intersection of sport, culture, and innovation. Established by visionaries Sheldon Lewis, Royce Campbell, and Gary Payton II, the SBA aims to redefine professionalism in sports by integrating world-class talent with cutting-edge technology and community involvement. With Big Bear as its central hub, the SBA aims to create a global platform for elite athletes and visionary brands in skateboarding, launching its first season in Spring 2026.