Shaun White's Next Big Trick.

Shaun White, the five-time Olympic champion in snowboarding, is launching Snow League, a competitive federation exclusively for snowboarders and freeskiers. The goal of Snow League is to create an international year-round circuit that provides economic opportunities for athletes and showcases the next generation of talent. White aims to attract media deals and commercial partnerships similar to those in surfing and Formula One. Snowboarding participation has been increasing, and other entrepreneurs are also eyeing the space, but Snow League stands out by offering Olympic qualifiers and an annual world title for individual snowboarders to chase. The league has attracted investors and advisers, including Blackstone Inc.'s David Blitzer and former NFL star Larry Fitzgerald Jr. White believes that Snow League can attract luxury and fashion sponsors, as snowboarding has a market with disposable income. The league's inaugural season will offer a total prize purse of $1.5 million, the highest in the sport. White plans to be actively involved in the events and ensure the quality of the halfpipe. The success of Snow League depends on spotlighting the next generation of athletes and unlocking the long-term viability of the sport. [Extracted from the article]