X Games, the undisputed cultural home of action sports, today announced a global partnership naming Stake as the exclusive online casino and sports betting partner of the X Games League (XGL). This historic collaboration marks a significant evolution for X Games as it prepares to launch the X Games League, integrating elite competition with next-generation fan engagement and sports wagering.

As the X Games continues to push the boundaries of progression, this partnership leverages Stake’s position as the world’s leading online casino and sports betting platform to reach a digitally native, global audience. Building on the foundation laid by official data provider Alt Sports Data, fans will now have unprecedented access to live odds and betting integrations on Stake and across the X Games ecosystem.  

Key Partnership Highlights:

• Official Status: Stake becomes the Exclusive Online Casino & Sports Betting Partner for the X Games League (XGL).

• Integrated Betting Experience: Real-time odds provided by Alt Sports Data will be featured during broadcasts, offering fans a seamless way to engage with the competition.

• Athlete Collaboration: A new Athlete Ambassador Fund will support top-tier X Games athletes in creating exclusive, co-branded content for the global community.

X Games livestreamed only on KICK

All four global XGL events each year, including the upcoming Winter Games in Aspen, will be live streamed on KICK, the exclusive home of livestreaming. This coverage also includes both the Summer and Winter XGL Drafts, giving fans access to every key moment throughout the season.

Executive Perspectives:

“Partnering with Stake is a monumental step in building the next generation of X Games. We are officially open for gaming and betting, providing our fans with the adrenaline-fueled engagement they crave. This isn’t just a sponsorship; it’s a strategic alignment that strengthens our business as we scale the X Games League globally. With the data expertise of Alt Sports Data and the reach of Stake, we are ready to redefine the fan experience starting right here in Aspen,” said Cherie Cohen, Chief Revenue Officer at X Games

“We’re excited to partner with X Games to explore new ways fans can engage with extreme sports. Our shared focus on innovation and entertainment makes this a natural collaboration. By bringing Stake’s advanced gaming technology to the X Games’ global audience, we’re creating experiences that reflect the intensity and energy that define elite extreme sports competition,” says Akhil Sarin, Chief Marketing Officer at Stake.

Looking Ahead

The partnership officially kicks off at X Games Aspen (January 23-25, 2026), followed by the Summer XGL Draft in March. As the X Games League continues its global expansion, Stake and Kick.com will remain at the forefront of the broadcast and digital experience.

Founders Row announced that it has backed Elite Picks, an early-stage AI-powered sports analytics platform founded by Michael Zakkour, marking another founder-first investment aligned with Founders Row’s mission of supporting early-stage operators at the beginning of their journey. This marks Founders Row’s third deal done in four months, following the backing of Hot Box Pretzels and The Baking Social.

Elite Picks is an AI-driven sports analytics platform designed to give users a data-driven edge across player props, daily fantasy sports, and fantasy leagues. Built on proprietary machine-learning infrastructure, the platform analyzes more than two million data points to generate predictive insights and performance signals, including its core EP Score, a 0–100 rating system that translates complex analytics into clear, consumer-friendly decision-making.

Zakkour brings a deep technical background to the platform, with experience in software engineering, machine learning, and large-scale consumer applications. Prior to founding Elite Picks, he served as a lead engineer on Red Bull’s global digital team, building data-driven products used by millions worldwide. He founded Elite Picks to apply advanced machine learning models to sports analytics in a way that is intuitive, transparent, and accessible to everyday fans.

“As a first-time founder, having a partner who is genuinely aligned with the founder’s best interests matters more than people realize. Adding Jamie and Founders Row gives me someone I can truly lean on as I navigate the highs and lows of building a company. Jamie has been through it himself, and having someone I trust with that level of experience and perspective is incredibly powerful as we build what’s ahead,” said Michael Zakkour, Founder and CEO of Elite Picks.

Jamie Weeks, formerly the largest Orangetheory Fitness franchisee and the founder of SweatHouz (SWTHZ), launched Founders Row after repeatedly seeing the same gap in the early-stage landscape: founders with distinctive ideas and creative vision, but without the structure, strategic clarity, or operational foundation needed to scale. Founders Row supports founders across all sectors, as this investment proves. Founders Row is there to lean in and support the brand in a way that stays true to the original vision of the founder, and as an alternative to traditional private equity.

“I view founders like musicians writing an album — they need a producer. The Rick Rubins and Jimmy Iovines help artists shape the vision, structure the work, and finish the record. The producer isn’t the one performing on the album, but they help bring it to life. That’s how Founders Row works with founders and their brands,” said Jamie Weeks, Founder of Founders Row.

As part of the partnership, Founders Row will support Elite Picks across brand positioning, growth strategy, and long-term partnerships, while maintaining a founder-first approach that prioritizes alignment and trust.

Everi, an IGT brand, announced the first installation of Vi – its revolutionary, all-in-one, reservation-wide mobile gaming solution, with the Muscogee Nation in Oklahoma. Delivered through Everi’s BeOn mobile services, the Vi platform combines Everi Digital games, CashClub Wallet technology, the Everi Compliance Anti-Money Laundering (AML) solution, and Trilogy loyalty platform. With proven content from the gaming floor and the digital gaming market, Vi extends the gaming entertainment experience beyond the casino floor within the historic boundaries of the Muscogee Nation Reservation.

Now available on the App Store and Google Play, the Muscogee Nation’s Class II Mobile Gaming App enables patrons to play more than 30 popular Everi Class II games on their mobile devices. Hit titles include Cash Machine, Wicked Wheel Panda and innovative non-reel games such as Hot Spot Multipliers. The flexible Vi platform is the only single-supplier, all-in-one Class II on-property mobile games solution available in the market.

“Everi Vi gives us a modern way to meet our players at their preferred touchpoint and extend our offerings beyond the traditional gaming floor. We are always working to strengthen the guest experience and build loyalty across our properties. Vi provides our players with convenient options that support deeper engagement with the full range of our entertainment offerings,” said Andy Langston, COO of Muscogee Nation Gaming Enterprises.

“Launching Everi Vi with the Muscogee Nation gives players more ways to stay connected to their favorite games beyond the casino floor. By bringing games, payments, loyalty and compliance together in one mobile experience, Vi makes it easier for players to engage and for operators to deliver a seamless, trusted experience,” said Hector Fernandez, Incoming CEO of IGT.

With full mobile enrollment capabilities for patrons, Vi seamlessly integrates into existing casino systems while offering additional engagement opportunities via loyalty programs and, where available, self-service kiosks for funding, ratings, rewards, and promotions. Vi is GLI certified for Class II and Class III gaming.