Monster Energy Partners with X Games League to Revolutionize Action Sports
In an exciting turn for the world of action sports, the X Games has officially announced a transformative three-year partnership with Monster Energy, marking the latter as the Official Energy Drink of the X Games and a Founding Partner of the X Games League (XGL). This partnership, the most significant in the history of both organizations, represents a commitment to athlete welfare and the establishment of a sustainable future for all action sports enthusiasts.
Cherie Cohen, Chief Revenue Officer at X Games, emphasized the importance of athletes in shaping the culture of this vibrant community. She stated, "Everything we do at X Games starts with athletes. This partnership ensures that our athletes who define our culture have more opportunity, more security, and more spotlight." Through this collaboration, Monster Energy aims to not only support athletes financially but to also enhance their visibility and engagement within the action sports ecosystem.
The foresight embodied in this union showcases Monster Energy's history of championing athletes, extending beyond mere sponsorship. Dan McHugh, Global CMO of Monster Energy, stated, "For more than a decade, Monster Energy has backed the athletes who define X Games and push progression in action sports. This new partnership builds on that legacy, giving athletes bigger stages, stronger support, and the recognition they deserve."
As part of this initiative, Monster Energy will invest in increased prize purses, engaging storytelling about the athletes, and on-site global event activations, placing the spotlight firmly on the world’s most talented riders and skaters. The partnership is designed to transition from a traditional event model to a professional sports league, thereby augmenting the athletes' brand visibility worldwide.
The excitement within the athlete community is palpable, particularly from key figures such as Nyjah Huston and Ryan Williams—founding athletes of XGL. Huston, a legendary skateboarder backed by Monster Energy, expressed gratitude for the continued support: "Monster Energy has supported me and so many skaters for years. They’ve always been about putting athletes first, and the X Games League is going to take that even further. It’s incredible to have a format that gives us more opportunities to compete, tell our stories, and connect with fans all season long."
Ryan Williams, known for his BMX freestyle prowess, echoed this sentiment, noting, "Monster Energy has always been there for BMX and the athletes driving it forward. 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."
The X Games League is set to launch in 2026, featuring a multi-stop summer season and expanding with a winter season in 2027. This innovative league will introduce a new layer of competition, allowing athletes to compete both individually and as part of teams, fostering deeper narratives and connections with fans. As a Founding Partner, Monster Energy's integration will span athlete drafts, digital storytelling, and comprehensive broadcast programming, all crafted to keep athletes at the forefront of action sports.
This partnership also signals the largest step forward in the evolution of action sports over the last three decades, paving the way for athletes to receive enhanced visibility, increased earning opportunities, and a structured platform that recognizes their impact and talent.
Since its inception in 1995, the X Games has not only been a competitive platform but a cultural phenomenon, shaping the landscape of action sports and bringing together diverse elements like music and fashion. With the introduction of the X Games League, the community anticipates a paradigm shift that promises to enhance the global presence and connection for athletes, teams, fans, and sponsors alike. As the sporting landscape evolves, so too will the narratives surrounding these athletes who continue to inspire and innovate.
In a world where athletes play pivotal roles in their sports, the partnership between Monster Energy and the X Games League exemplifies collective progress, igniting a vision for the future of action sports that is authentic, inclusive, and ultimately driven by those who live and breathe these thrilling disciplines.