ESPN Takes X Games To China In New Multi-year Deal With REnextop

US sports broadcaster, ESPN, has reached a multi-year agreement with Chinese action sports platform, REnextop Entertainment, to host the summer and winter X Games events in China beginning in 2019.

This new collaboration will see both summer and winter events staged within the same country in the same year under the X Games banner, for the first time in its 25 year history of international events.

The first X Games China event will feature summer sport disciplines and is scheduled for late May in Shanghai.

The inaugural X Games China winter event is slated for late November to early December and has begun seeking host city and venue partners in China.

X Games China competitions will be televised on ESPN networks around the world and distributed via other international media outlets and local television broadcasters in various markets.

“We are thrilled to announce the partnership with REnextop to produce both summer and winter X Games events in China,” ESPN X Games vice president, Tim Reed said.

“China is a significant global market and represents an exciting opportunity to connect the X Games brand to a country with such a profound history, culture and a love for sports.”

Along with world-class action sports competition and athletes, X Games China will feature musical performances, art installations and a festival experience.

X Games China will have a distinctly Chinese flavour, showcasing the beautiful country, cities and culture of China in everything from the course designs to the medals, and highlighting the youth and sports culture in Shanghai throughout the festival village and live coverage.

REnextop CEO, Lillian Chen, added: “We’re proud to work with ESPN to bring the X Games to China and produce world-class events showcasing the top action sports athletes in the world as well as the music, art and culture that connects so well with the youth and sports lifestyle.

“This is truly a unique opportunity to grow X Games in China, a country with a proven track record of embracing big sporting and cultural events.”