Everyone Says Women’s Sports Are Rising. The X Games Proved It Years Ago – Here are 7 Reasons That Prove it

When the sports world finally caught up to the women’s game, the X Games were already lapping the field. From equal pay before it was trendy to launching a brand-new league, the X Games have been setting the pace for women athletes for decades. Here are seven reasons that prove they’re the OG pioneers of women’s sports.

1. They Paid Women Equally… Back in 2008

While other leagues were still “studying the issue,” the X Games gave women equal prize money at Winter X Games 2008. That’s 15+ years before the current wave of equity pushes in soccer, tennis, and basketball hit the mainstream.

2. They Keep Expanding Women’s Events

At Aspen 2024, the number of women’s competitions jumped by a 67% increase year-over-year. That means more medals, more airtime, and more chances for women athletes to become household names.

3. They Built Global Icons Before “Global Icons” Was a Thing

Think Letícia Bufoni (6 X Games golds, 4M+ IG followers) or Chloe Kim (Olympic + X Games superpipe queen). These women didn’t just compete — they became global stars with crossover appeal, thanks to the X Games stage.

4. They Backed the Youth Movement Hard

X Games Salt Lake City 2025 saw a 328% year-over-year jump in viewers aged 12–17. That surge wasn’t just dudes watching skate highlights — young fans are locking in on women’s snowboard, skate, and BMX stars who feel authentic to their culture.

5. They’re Launching the First Action Sports League (And Women Are in From Day One)

The X Games League (XGL) kicks off in 2026. It’s year-round, team-based, and designed to give athletes real compensation beyond prize purses. Translation: women riders won’t just be chasing sponsorship crumbs — they’ll have steady league paychecks and recurring storylines.

6. They Made Streaming the Great Equalizer

With distribution deals through Roku and DAZN, X Games content is going everywhere — and women’s events aren’t shoved to the margins. Equal stage, equal streams, global eyeballs.

7. They’ve Always Been the Culture Setters

Women landing the biggest tricks, pioneering new formats (like Knuckle Huck and women’s park), and racking up medals isn’t just about sports. It’s about showing girls worldwide that “action sports” = “your sport too.” And the X Games have been loud about that from the jump.

The Bottom Line

When people talk about the “rise” of women’s sports in 2025, remember: the X Games have been about it. Equal pay since 2008. Massive event expansion in 2024. A league launching in 2026. The pioneers aren’t just part of the conversation — they’ve been leading it for almost two decades.