NEW YORK--(BUSINESS WIRE)--The Snow League, the first professional winter sports league exclusively dedicated to snowboarding and freeskiing, announced today their funding round of $15 million.
The round was 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.
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.
Launched in June by legendary snowboarder and skateboarder Shaun White, The Snow League will feature the world’s top winter sports athletes going head-to-head in multiple halfpipe events at some of the most iconic resort locations in the world. The dramatic competitions, showcasing elite female and male athletes in snowboarding and freeskiing, will be broadcast on NBC Sports and Peacock.
The league’s debut season, set to launch on March 7-8, 2025 in Aspen, has already garnered significant attention within the sports community. With thirty-six athletes from nine countries around the world, all four events will feature top athletes from diverse backgrounds, giving fans a chance to see a new generation of stars.
Confirmed athletes competing in Season One include Queralt Castellet (ESP), Lucas Foster (USA), Valentino Guseli (AUS), Bea Kim (USA), Ayumu Hirano (JPN), Maddie Mastro (USA), Mitsuki Ono (JPN), Sena Tomita (JPN) and many more.
"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."
Shaun White adds, "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."
“Shaun and Omer are seizing a unique moment in time to transform snow sports into a premium competition experience for athletes and fans alike,” said the CEO and Managing Partner of Left Lane Capital, Harley Miller. “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.”
About The Snow League
Launched in June 2024, The Snow League is the first professional winter sports league entirely dedicated to snowboarding and freeskiing. Founded by three-time Olympic gold medal winning snowboarder and entrepreneur Shaun White, the league’s first season will feature a four-event global competition format, with the inaugural competition kicking off at Aspen Snowmass’ Buttermilk Mountain in March 2025, 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 will be included in all future events. Athletes will compete to accumulate points based on their results from each event to be tallied together at the end of the season to crown The Snow League World Champion.
About Left Lane Capital
Founded in 2019, Left Lane Capital is a New York and London-based global venture capital and growth equity firm investing in hyper-growth Consumer and SMB businesses with enduring customer relationships. Left Lane's mission is to partner with extraordinary entrepreneurs who create category-defining companies across growth sectors of the economy. Select investments include Kings League, LOVB, Freestyle Chess, Bilt Rewards, Blank Street, M1 Finance, Wayflyer, Holy, Talkiatry, Kittl, Ownwell, and more. For more information, please visit www.leftlane.com.
