One Hot Investment: The Snow League Closes on $15 Million

The Snow League, the world’s first professional winter sports league, has closed a $15 million funding round led by Left Lane Capital, with participation from Will Ventures, Ares Management, David Blitzer’s Bolt Ventures, and Ryan Sports Ventures.

Additional investors in this round include Rich Kleiman and Kevin Durant’s Boardroom Sports Holdings, Peter Hirschmann, founder of League One Volleyball, and Kuvare Holdings.

The Snow League (TSL) was launched in June 2024 by three-time Olympic gold medalist and entrepreneur Shaun White. The league’s inaugural season will feature men’s and women’s snowboard halfpipe competitions across four events, with points from each event determining the season’s champion. The first event of TSL’s debut season will take place next month at Aspen Snowmass’ Buttermilk Mountain. The event will showcase the world’s top snowboarding and freeskiing athletes competing in multiple halfpipe events and will be broadcast by NBC Sports and Peacock.

“I’m grateful to have so many renowned investors believing in our vision for this new league,” said Mr. White. “This investment allows us to expand our reach, enhance the fan experience, and attract top-tier talent. We’re excited to have such incredible partners join us on this venture.”

Thirty-six athletes from nine countries have confirmed their participation in TSL’s debut season. Competitors include stars such as Queralt Castellet from Spain, Lucas Foster from the United States, Valentino Guseli from Australia, Bea Kim from the United States, Ayumu Hirano from Japan, Maddie Mastro from the United States, Mitsuki Ono from Japan, and Sena Tomita from Japan.

“The Snow League represents the next evolution of global snowboarding and freeskiing competition,” said Omer Atesmen, the CEO of The Snow League. “This funding validates the incredible potential of our vision, and we are thrilled to have world-class investment partners to support the journey. Our mission is to create a league that prioritizes athletes, fans, and innovation, setting a benchmark for the future of winter sports.”

“Shaun and Omer are seizing a unique moment in time to transform snow sports into a premium competition experience for athletes and fans alike,” said Harley Miller, CEO and managing partner of Left Lane Capital. “With a visionary founding team, top-tier media rights, and blue-chip sponsors, we are confident that The Snow League will emerge as the leading brand in winter sports.”

Left Lane Capital, headquartered in New York City and London, makes early-stage and growth equity investments across various sectors, including artificial intelligence, e-commerce enablement, food, IoT, logistics, software, sports and entertainment, and education, financial, and healthcare technologies.