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From slopes to the boardroom: U.S. Olympic gold medalist Shaun White on growth of The Snow League
CNBC Televisionยท 2025-11-12 13:01
Industry Opportunity & Vision - The snow league aims to fill the gap between Olympic seasons for free skiing and snowboarding athletes, similar to traditional sports with established tours [4][5] - The league recognizes a large potential audience in winter sports, with 130 million participants, exceeding golf's participation and having a higher household income, but lacking consistent engagement outside of the Olympics [6] - The goal is to elevate the athletes' profiles and create compelling narratives to foster consistent viewership and engagement, addressing the need for a structured season and athlete recognition [8][9] Financials & Investment - The snow league has secured funding, closing a second round of investment with support from sports backers and private equity firms [13] - The league is supported by investors such as 359 Capital, Wise Ventures, Bitcraft, and Left Lane [14] - The league aims to provide compensation to all participating athletes, including a $50,000 prize for first place in tournaments, addressing the financial challenges faced by athletes in the sport [15][16] Media & Sponsorship - The snow league has partnered with NBC and Peacock for broadcasting, leveraging the network's experience with other leagues and the upcoming Olympics [13][17] - The league is attracting major sponsors like Tiffany's and Marriott, aiming to create a high-end experience and elevate the sport's image [20] - The league is exploring opportunities for global expansion, including potential indoor events in locations like Dubai, and collaborations with countries like New Zealand and Chile [25]