Shaun White, the legendary three-time Olympic gold medalist, has announced the creation of The Snow League, a season-long halfpipe competition series set to offer over $1.5 million in prizes. The inaugural season is scheduled to kick off in March, extending beyond the 2026 Winter Olympics, with five events featuring snowboarding and plans to incorporate freeskiing midway through the season.
White envisions The Snow League as a prestigious platform akin to winning Wimbledon or the NBA Finals, aiming to provide a more consistent and lucrative calendar for athletes in the sport. Historically, halfpipe contests have been disparate events with varying broadcast schedules, making it challenging for fans to follow their favorite athletes such as Chloe Kim, Scotty James, and Ayumu Hirano.
The league's chief operating officer, Ian Warda, emphasized the critical need for such an initiative in the current transitional phase of the sport, praising White for his commitment to nurturing the next generation of riders and enhancing the sport's foundation.
White clarified that The Snow League is not intended to overshadow existing events like the X Games but rather to complement them by offering larger cash prizes and contributing to the Olympic qualification process. The league's format will feature a season-long standings bonus and a bracketed championship day with quarterfinal, semifinal, and final rounds.
With endorsements typically constituting a significant portion of snowboarders' earnings, White aims to provide athletes with more substantial rewards for their global competition travels. The league plans to invite 20 men and 16 women to each contest, fostering a competitive environment that spotlights the athletes and their talents.
The Snow League is currently finalizing partnerships with resorts and exploring optimal media distribution strategies, receiving support from industry leaders like US Ski & Snowboard and top athletes such as Chloe Kim. Kim expressed gratitude towards White for his dedication to elevating the sport and providing athletes with enhanced opportunities to showcase their skills.
Shaun White's vision for The Snow League reflects his enduring legacy as a pioneer in competitive snowboarding, aiming to leave a lasting impact by enriching the sport for future generations and ensuring a brighter future for snowboarding competitions worldwide.
