Launched in June by three-time Olympic gold medal winning snowboarder and entrepreneur Shaun White, the Snow League will feature the world’s top male and female athletes in snowboarding and freeskiing competing in multiple halfpipe events staged at iconic worldwide resorts. NBC Sports and Peacock will broadcast the competitions.
The Snow League is the first professional winter sports league dedicated to snowboarding and freeskiing, and today, January 15, the League announced a funding round of $15 million led by Left Lane Capital, with participation from existing investors including Will Ventures, Ares Management Funds, David Blitzer’s Bolt Ventures, and Ryan Sports Ventures. Rich Kleiman and Kevin Durant’s Boardroom Sports Holdings, Founder of League One Volleyball Peter Hirschmann and Kuvare Holdings also participated in the round.
According to a media release, the investment will “accelerate the League’s expansion, enhance fan engagement and set a new standard for athlete development and live entertainment in winter sports.”
“The Snow League represents the next evolution of global snowboarding and freeskiing competition,” said CEO of the Snow League, Omer Atesmen. “This funding validates the incredible potential of our vision and we are thrilled to have world-class investment partners to support the journey. Our mission is to create a league that prioritizes athletes, fans and innovation, setting a benchmark for the future of winter sports.”
The Snow League’s season opener is March 7-8 in Aspen, CO. Thirty-six athletes from nine countries will participate in four events. Confirmed competitors include:
- USA: Lucas Foster, Bea Kim, Maddie Mastro
- Spain: Queralt Castellet
- Australia: Valentino Guseli
- Japan: Ayumu Hirano, Mitsuki Ono, Sena Tomita
Said Shaun White, “I’m grateful to have so many renowned investors believing in our vision for this new league. This investment allows us to expand our reach, enhance the fan experience, and attract top-tier talent. We’re excited to have such incredible partners join us on this venture.”
CEO and Managing Partner of Left Lane Capital, Harley Miller, added, “Shaun and Omer are seizing a unique moment in time to transform snow sports into a premium competition experience for athletes and fans alike. With a visionary founding team, top-tier media rights, and blue-chip sponsors, we are confident that The Snow League will emerge as the leading brand in winter sports.“
The Snow League’s first season will feature a four-event global competition format, with the inaugural competition kicking off at Aspen Snowmass Buttermilk Mountain and continuing at top winter resorts worldwide. The first season will feature men’s and women’s snowboard halfpipe competitions at all four events. Freeskiing will be introduced during the League’s second event in late 2025 and included in all future events. Athletes will compete to accumulate points based on their results from each event, which the League will tally and a victor will be announced.
Image courtesy The Snow League
