The vibrant world of extreme sports is set to gain a new digital heartbeat, as the Roku Channel emerges as the exclusive U.S. streaming destination for the highly anticipated X Games Aspen, alongside a thrilling summer edition yet to be detailed. This development signifies yet another bold endeavor in Roku’s ambitious quest to amass a diverse collection of live sports rights.
In recent times, Roku has been no stranger to the sports scene, having streamed an impressive lineup of events, including weekly Major League Baseball games, the electrifying NBA G League, and the adrenaline-pumping Formula E racing circuit. Moreover, the platform has ventured into the realm of sports commentary with engaging shows like GMFB: Overtime and The Rich Eisen Show, enhancing its portfolio and engaging audiences.
Born out of ESPN’s vision in the ’90s, the X Games were designed to draw in a younger demographic, offering an Olympics-like showcase of exhilarating sports often categorized as “extreme.” From motocross and skateboarding to freestyle skiing and snowboarding, these events have become integral to the ESPN lineup, saturating the airwaves even when blockbuster ratings eluded them. The transition of the X Games to private equity firm MSP Sports Capital in 2022 marked a pivotal moment, infusing fresh potential into the brand.
But there’s more on the horizon! Roku isn’t merely satisfied with streaming rights; it’s elevating the X Games experience through the launch of an X Games TV FAST channel. Additionally, the creation of the X Games Zone promises an immersive sanctuary for fans seeking connection to the thrilling action.
“This partnership with X Games is the perfect marriage between content and distribution,” expressed Joe Franzetta, Roku Media’s Head of Sports. “More than half of The Roku Channel’s monthly FAST audience falls within the 18 to 49 age bracket, making the X Games a brand that quintessentially intertwines sports with youth culture.”
Mark your calendars! The X Games Aspen is set to dazzle audiences from January 23 to 25 in the scenic realm of Aspen, Colorado. As for the summer X Games? Buckle up, as details are on the way!
Jeremy Bloom, the newly appointed CEO of X Games, shared his excitement about this collaboration. “As the new CEO of X Games, I’m thrilled to announce this partnership with Roku, a platform that shares our commitment to delivering the best possible experience for our athletes and fans,” he stated passionately. “This collaboration ensures that the world’s premier action sports events will reach a broader audience, while celebrating the brilliance, creativity, and passion of the incredible athletes who make the X Games the ultimate stage for action sports.”
Exciting times lie ahead for action sports enthusiasts, with Roku leading the charge into a new era of accessibility and engagement!
