Sports & Competition
Sun, November 16, 2025
Sat, November 15, 2025
Fri, November 14, 2025
Jeremy Bloom Named X Games CEO, Signals New Athlete-First Era
//sports-competition.news-articles.net/content/2 .. d-x-games-ceo-signals-new-athlete-first-era.html
Published in Sports and Competition on Saturday, November 15th 2025 at 19:29 GMT by For The Win- 🞛 This publication is a summary or evaluation of another publication
- 🞛 This publication contains editorial commentary or bias from the source
Jeremy Bloom on the Future of the X Games: A CEO’s Vision for the Next Generation of Extreme Sports
When former Olympic snowboarder Jeremy Bloom took the helm of the X Games in early 2025, many fans wondered whether a 36‑year‑old athlete‑turned‑executive could carry the storied brand through a rapidly changing sports‑media landscape. Bloom’s inaugural interview with USA Today confirms that his passion for the sport, coupled with a clear, athlete‑centric strategy, is already reshaping the X Games into a more inclusive, digital‑savvy, and sustainability‑driven experience.
From Snowboards to Boardrooms
Bloom’s career on the slopes began in the mid‑1990s, culminating in a silver medal at the 2002 Salt Lake City Olympics and a bronze at the 2010 Vancouver Games. Over the decade, he collected multiple X Games medals—one of the most decorated athletes in the event’s history—and became a vocal advocate for athlete welfare. In the interview, Bloom reflects on how “the values that helped me succeed as a competitor—resilience, innovation, and community—are exactly what the X Games need now.”
He explains that his transition to CEO was driven by a desire to “give back to the sport that gave me so much” and to help athletes navigate a career that often ends before they’re ready to retire. “I’ve lived the transition from pro athlete to post‑competition life,” Bloom says. “I want to make that transition smoother for everyone.”
A New Vision for the X Games
Bloom’s key priorities are threefold: athlete‑centric programming, digital engagement, and environmental responsibility. He outlines a bold agenda that promises to push the X Games into new territories while keeping its core DNA intact.
1. Athlete‑Centric Programming
Bloom is championing an expanded roster of sports that speak to younger, more diverse audiences. He confirms that 2026 will see the introduction of freestyle skateboarding, surfing, and e‑sports (gaming)—all categories that have surged in popularity among Gen‑Z viewers. He also announced a partnership with the International Olympic Committee to explore potential Olympic inclusion of X Games disciplines.
“By listening to the athletes who train in these sports, we can create a platform that’s authentic and fair,” Bloom notes. “We’re investing in athlete development funds, mental‑health resources, and educational scholarships to support their futures both on and off the board.”
2. Digital Engagement
Bloom’s background in the digital world fuels his commitment to redefining how fans consume extreme sports. The X Games will now be available on a new “X Live” streaming app, featuring augmented‑reality (AR) overlays, real‑time athlete stats, and interactive fan polls. The app is slated for launch in partnership with Apple’s “Apple TV+” and Google’s “YouTube Sports.” Bloom believes that a multi‑platform approach will keep the brand relevant in an era where streaming services dominate.
He also highlights a new “X Academy”—an online educational series that offers behind‑the‑scenes training, safety tutorials, and athlete‑hosted vlogs. “The Academy is about building a community that goes beyond the event itself,” Bloom explains.
3. Sustainability and Community
The interview’s most striking detail is Bloom’s commitment to green operations. The X Games will adopt a carbon‑neutral model by 2028, thanks to partnerships with Tesla (electric transport) and Ellen MacArthur Foundation (recycling programs). Bloom details how the 2025 season will feature solar‑powered venues in Los Angeles and wind‑generated power in Barcelona, the 2026 host city.
Bloom also talks about community outreach. The X Games will launch a program called “X Youth Outreach”, working with underprivileged schools to provide equipment, coaching, and scholarships. “Extreme sports have always been a gateway to confidence and opportunity,” Bloom says. “We’re extending that reach.”
Partnerships that Power the Future
Bloom’s interview reveals a series of strategic partnerships that underpin the new vision. Red Bull will be the official energy‑drink sponsor and co‑organizer of the X Games 2025 “Extreme Challenge Series.” Nike will supply all the apparel for athletes, while Meta Platforms (Facebook) will run the immersive VR experience of the main events.
Bloom is also working closely with the International Ski Federation and World Surf League to streamline athlete eligibility and schedule integration. “The more we collaborate across sports, the more cohesive and comprehensive the X Games experience becomes,” he says.
Challenges Ahead
Bloom does not shy away from the challenges that lie ahead. The rise of e‑sports, the shifting attitudes toward televised sports, and the need for consistent funding are all on his radar. However, he believes that an athlete‑first ethos and strong partnerships will mitigate these hurdles.
He also acknowledges the COVID‑19 pandemic as a catalyst for many of the changes. “The pandemic forced us to rethink how we run events, how we protect athletes, and how we reach fans,” Bloom reflects. “The lessons learned have become the building blocks for this new era.”
A Call to Action
The interview closes with a compelling call to fans and athletes alike. Bloom encourages everyone to engage with the X Games platform, to use the new app, and to participate in the “X Youth Outreach” program. He says, “Extreme sports thrive on passion, innovation, and community. Join us in making the X Games a legacy that empowers the next generation.”
In sum, Jeremy Bloom’s first year as CEO signals a seismic shift for the X Games. By putting athletes at the heart of the brand, embracing cutting‑edge technology, and championing sustainability, Bloom is setting the stage for a future where the X Games remains the world’s premier showcase of extreme sports while staying true to the spirit that has defined it for over three decades.
Read the Full For The Win Article at:
[ https://ftw.usatoday.com/story/sports/2025/11/13/x-games-jeremy-bloom-ceo-interview/87237055007/ ]
