MoonPay named Title Sponsor of the new X Games League
MoonPay has signed a multi-year, eight-figure agreement to become the title sponsor of the new X Games format. The league — which is shifting to a club-based model for the first time — will be called the MoonPay X Games League.
MoonPay named title sponsor of the new X Games League
The transition to a team structure begins in March, when 150 athletes will be assigned to regional clubs through a special draft in Los Angeles. The new name and partnership were officially presented at the final standalone X Games event in Aspen.
The X Games overhaul is the biggest format change in decades. The shift to club teams introduces salaries, support packages, and additional social protections for athletes. The plan includes covering travel expenses, offering stipends, and allocating funds for health insurance — a major change from the previous model built almost entirely on prize winnings and individual sponsorships.
MoonPay President Keith Grossman said the partnership aims to strengthen athlete support systems and explore ways to integrate decentralized finance into the sports industry. He noted that the X Games audience and MoonPay’s user base overlap significantly, creating strong potential for synergy.
The partnership also grants MoonPay exclusive branding rights in finance- and banking-related categories, extending to the company’s partner network. Organizers have also hinted at future opportunities for club-level governance participation, which could boost athlete earnings and expand monetization channels.
The new X Games format draws inspiration from traditional sports and esports. Organizers compare the league’s structural elements to NBA draft systems and team-based strategies from competitive gaming. Each athlete will receive a base salary of $30,000.
Analysts say the deal echoes the wave of crypto–sports partnerships seen in recent years, including major agreements between crypto platforms and organizations like the UFC. But MoonPay is positioning its model as more sustainable, focused not only on brand exposure but also on integrating Web3 products into the fan ecosystem.
The launch of the MoonPay X Games League will be one of the most prominent intersections of crypto and mainstream sports in 2026. The company plans to use the league format to promote partner initiatives and expand its reach across new user segments.
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