For action sports fans, the Summer X Games represent the absolute pinnacle of competition. But the 2026 summer season marks a monumental shift with the official launch of the X Games League (XGL). For the first time in action sports history, four drafted clubs of elite skateboarders and BMX riders will go head-to-head across various disciplines, racking up points for a chance to qualify for the XGL Championship in New Orleans.
The action-packed schedule features a global tour that officially kicks off with XGL Stop 1 in Sacramento, California (June 26-28). The momentum moves rapidly across the Pacific the very next weekend for XGL Stop 2 in Japan (July 4-5), placing the teams directly in front of one of the world’s most passionate action sports fanbases.
Because the new league structure features rapid-fire weekend events and global travel, knowing exactly how to navigate the multi-platform broadcast is essential. Read on for everything you need to know to watch the Summer X Games this season.
What channel is the Summer X Games on?
ESPN and ABC hold the primary linear broadcast rights for the X Games League, delivering marquee coverage straight to your television. ESPN and ESPN2 serve as the main destinations for live afternoon and evening broadcasts, tracking the “XClubs” as they battle for crucial leaderboard points. Meanwhile, the highest-profile weekend finals and team showcases frequently air during major afternoon blocks on ABC.
For cord-cutters, the Roku Sports Channel is now the crucial companion for die-hard fans. Thanks to a multi-year streaming partnership, the X Games League streams for free on Roku, offering complete live coverage of every event without a subscription.
Fans can also stream free action on Kick.com, Amazon’s X Games TV FAST channel, and the X Games’ official YouTube channel.
2026 Summer X Games TV schedule
The inaugural X Games League summer season is built around a streamlined, high-octane three-stop calendar. With a cohesive global tour now on tap, athletes have a chance to rack up points for their XClubs and battle for the ultimate summer championship in New Orleans.
The X Games has yet to announce the exact network assignments for each daily block across ABC, ESPN, and ESPN2. But you can find the complete dates and broadcast windows below so you know exactly when the action goes down.
| Event | Day | Time (ET) | Channels |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sacramento 2026 | |||
| Day 1 | Friday, June 26 | 8:00 p.m.–11:00 p.m. | TBA |
| Day 2 | Saturday, June 27 | 3:00 p.m.–11:00 p.m. | TBA |
| Day 3 | Sunday, June 28 | 2:00 p.m.–10:45 p.m. | TBA |
| Chiba 2026 | |||
| Day 1 | Saturday, July 4 | TBA | TBA |
| Day 2 | Sunday, July 5 | TBA | TBA |
| New Orleans 2026 | |||
| Day 1 | Friday, July 24 | 7:00 p.m.–Midnight | TBA |
| Day 2 | Saturday, July 25 | 4:00 p.m.–11:30 p.m. | TBA |
| Day 3 | Sunday, July 26 | 3:00 p.m.–10:30 p.m. | TBA |
Best ways to watch the Summer X Games
Thanks to the league’s massive multi-year streaming deals, you don’t actually need a bulky cable package to enjoy the Summer X Games on TV. Cord-cutters can stream complete live digital broadcasts, event highlights, and team point breakdowns entirely for free via the Roku Sports Channel, Kick.com, and YouTube.
That said, if you want to watch the high-profile weekend finals and primetime broadcasts as they air live, you’ll need a paid TV subscription to access the ESPN family of networks. Here are my top provider recommendations for that coverage.
Best Overall: Hulu + Live TV
For action sports fans who want a complete entertainment package, Hulu + Live TV ($88.99–$99.99/mo.) takes the gold. Its base channel lineup includes your local ABC affiliate, ESPN, and ESPN2, giving you direct access to the biggest live X Games broadcasts. Plus, it features unlimited DVR storage, meaning you can record the entire global tour and fast-forward through the commercials on your own schedule.
Beyond the X Games, Hulu + Live TV is a powerhouse for general extreme sports enthusiasts. Every subscription includes full access to ESPN Unlimited via the ESPN app. Add in FS1, FS2, and NBC for extra supercross and motorsports coverage, and it’s the ultimate setup for adrenaline junkies who also want premium on-demand movies and shows.
Best Value: ESPN Unlimited
If you only care about catching the live X Games broadcasts and don’t want to pay upwards of $80 for a live TV package, a standalone ESPN Unlimited subscription is the way to go. At $29.99/mo., this direct-to-consumer service unlocks live feeds of every single ESPN linear channel. This means you get real-time access to ESPN, ESPN2, and even ESPN on ABC without needing a traditional TV plan.
The best part about the X Games League is that it runs from June 26 to July 26, so a single-month subscription is all you need. And trust me, that stretch of the calendar is packed with other events on ESPN, so you’ll have plenty of sports to watch when the X Games aren’t on.
Watch the Summer X Games FAQ
What is the new X Games League format?
The X Games League is a brand-new, team-based competition. Four drafted XClubs — featuring elite skateboarders and BMX riders — compete across a three-stop summer tour. Athletes rack up points both individually and for their teams to qualify for the final championship event.
Where will the Summer X Games take place?
The 2026 summer season hits three cities across June and July. Sacramento hosts Stop 1, Tokyo hosts Stop 2, and the season culminates with the XGL Summer Championship at the Caesars Superdome in New Orleans.
Can I watch the Summer X Games for free?
Yes, you can watch marquee weekend events for free on ABC using a digital TV antenna. Additionally, all coverage available on Roku Sports Channel, Kick.com, Amazon, and YouTube is free to stream.
How can I watch Summer X Games replays?
If you miss the live action, on-demand replays are made available via the ESPN app shortly after the broadcast ends. For free on-demand highlights, team point breakdowns, and individual winning runs, check out the Roku Sports Channel or the official X Games YouTube channel.
Why you should trust us
Our CableTV.com contributing writer, Ian McLaren, crafted this guide by closely tracking X Games TV coverage, media rights, and the competition’s new league format. He then compared his fresh research with CableTV.com’s existing TV resources to evaluate channel lineups and service availability. Ultimately, Ian came up with his top TV provider recommendations based on what gives fans the most bang for their buck.
Check out our How We Rank page to learn more about our methods.
