Sponsorship · Guides
X Games and Stake: The Global Partnership around the X Games League
X Games, XGL and action sports: Stake's role since the global agreement announced on 23 January 2026 and confirmed activations.
Published by The Gambling Desk ·
- Origin
- X Games founded in 1995
- Stake agreement
- Global XGL partnership announced on 23 January 2026
- Role in July 2026
- Global Sports Betting Partner of XGL
- Status on 25 July 2026
- Active; duration not published
X Games refers to a brand of action-sports competitions, not a team or a single discipline. Founded in 1995, it has brought together skateboarding, BMX, Moto X, skiing and snowboarding depending on the location and season. In 2026, its move to a team-based league also changed the framework in which Stake is involved.
From Summer and Winter Events to a League Format
The first editions, then called Extreme Games, appeared in 1995. The name X Games was subsequently adopted, with summer events focused particularly on wheeled sports and winter editions devoted to snow. The programme is not fixed: disciplines, formats and host cities may change from one edition to another.
Since MSP Sports Capital acquired the brand in 2022, X Games has no longer been owned by ESPN. ESPN remains a media partner, but should not be confused with the owner or organiser. This new era led to the launch of the X Games League, or XGL, a seasonal format in which clubs bring together athletes from several disciplines.
Stake Joins the Global XGL on 23 January 2026
X Games announced a global agreement on 23 January 2026 designating Stake as the “Exclusive Online Casino and Sports Betting Partner” of the X Games League. The partnership began at X Games Aspen, held from 23 to 25 January, before the launch of the team-based summer season.
The published exclusivity concerns this commercial category within the XGL. It makes Stake neither the owner of X Games, the organiser of the events nor the league's title sponsor. In 2026, the latter role belongs to MoonPay.
Integrated Odds, Broadcast Drafts and an Athlete Fund
The release gives Stake an integration of real-time odds, supplied by official data provider Alt Sports Data, within the X Games ecosystem. It also announces global broadcasts of XGL events on Kick, as well as broadcasts of the summer and winter drafts. This presence on a Stake-linked platform remains a distribution agreement announced by X Games, not control of sporting operations.
An ambassador fund is also intended to support co-branded content creation with athletes. This does not automatically turn every X Games participant into a Stake ambassador. Individual agreements, such as those presented in the Stake ambassador guide, remain separate from the league partnership.
Aspen, Then a Summer Season across Three Cities
The launch in Aspen made Stake visible at skiing and snowboarding events. The summer XGL then brought together four clubs and skateboarding and BMX competitions in Sacramento from 26 to 28 June, Chiba on 4 and 5 July, then the championship in New Orleans from 24 to 26 July 2026. The final event also includes Moto X competitions outside the team-points framework alone.
On 21 July, X Games was still presenting Stake as the “Global Sports Betting Partner of XGL” for this championship. On 25 July, a skateboard park best-trick event also carried the Stake name. These elements confirm effective activation during the 2026 season, beyond the initial announcement.
An Agreement Active as of 25 July 2026, with No Public Duration
Stake still appears in the official X Games partner directory and in communications for the championship under way in New Orleans. The partnership is therefore active as of 25 July 2026 with a high level of certainty.
Its contractual duration has not been made public. It would therefore be excessive to infer a permanent presence or guarantee editions after 2026. X Games remains a broader brand than the XGL, while Stake's official role is formulated around the league.
FAQ
What Are the X Games?
They are action-sports competitions and a brand created in 1995. The disciplines vary between summer and winter editions.
Are the X Games Only a Skateboarding Competition?
No. Skateboarding is important in the summer editions, alongside BMX and Moto X in particular. Winter editions include skiing and snowboarding.
Is the X Games League the Same as X Games?
No. The XGL is the seasonal team-based format launched in 2026 within the X Games brand. X Games events and competitions may also exist outside the club standings.
What Is Stake's Official Role?
Stake was announced as the XGL's exclusive global partner in the online casino and sports betting category. Documented activations include live odds, broadcasts on Kick, drafts and a content fund with athletes.
Is the Partnership Still Active as of 25 July 2026?
Yes. X Games was still presenting Stake as the XGL's global sports betting partner during the New Orleans championship. However, no public contract duration supports a conclusion beyond the documented period.
The X Games case thus illustrates sponsorship of a multisport brand in transition. It differs from supporting an existing esports organisation such as Astralis and from co-producing a specialised circuit such as Stake Ranked.