Snowboarding legend Shaun White’s new league secures major backing, including a deal with NBC Sports.
Shaun White’s Snow League has taken a significant step forward, raising $15 million in a funding round led by Left Lane Capital. The league, which debuts this March in Aspen, aims to revolutionise snowboarding by connecting fans with the sport year-round while boosting opportunities for athletes. Notable investors include private equity leader David Blitzer and Will Ventures, co-founded by former NFL player Isaiah Kacyvenski.
White, a three-time Olympic gold medalist, created the Snow League to address a key challenge: maintaining fan engagement beyond the Winter Olympics. “We’ve been desperate for something new that’ll elevate athletes, get them paid, and put them on the pedestal they deserve,” White said.
The league hopes to expand the sport’s fanbase by linking events and fostering continuity. Unlike traditional formats where competitions are scattered globally, the Snow League will provide a cohesive narrative that keeps fans engaged between Olympic cycles.
A newly signed media rights deal with NBC Sports adds momentum to the league’s debut. The partnership will align the Snow League with Winter Olympics coverage, building visibility for athletes likely to compete in Italy in 2026. White emphasised the importance of this collaboration, saying, “It helps to have something ongoing to keep people engaged between Olympics.”
The league’s first event in March will be followed by a December competition and a spring 2026 finale, further connecting fans with the sport.
Globally, there are approximately 125 million skiers and snowboarders, according to a report by Laurent Vanat. This broad participant base represents untapped potential for the sport. Harley Miller, CEO of Left Lane Capital, highlighted the sport’s visual appeal as a driver for fan engagement. “Participation as a proxy for viewership is super important,” Miller explained.
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