The X Games could return to Ventura in June 2027 as part of the X Games League.
The Ventura City Council approved a resolution to provide up to $250,000 annually in city event support for the X Games League in 2027 with an option to extend support in 2028.
The measure was approved 6-0 in the consent calendar, which is typically reserved for non-controversial items. No council members or members of the public spoke on the item. Councilmember Ryyn Schumacher was absent.
“Bringing X Games League to Ventura would build on our legacy as an action sports community while creating meaningful benefits for local businesses, residents and visitors,” said Ventura Mayor Jeannette Sánchez-Palacios in a text message after the meeting.
Marlyss Auster, the president
and CEO of the tourism bureau Visit Ventura, said that event details are still being worked out.
"We've had an incredible partnership with X Games in Ventura, and we're working hard to bring them back to our community," she said in an email.
When would the X Games take place?
The event would be set for June 25-28, 2027, at the Ventura County Fairgrounds, according to a Sept. 22 staff report. Organizers also intend to hold an event in Ventura in late June 2028, though dates have not been determined.
The fairgrounds last hosted the X Games in 2024 and 2023.
“As in years past, this item provides a show of financial support for the event’s return to Ventura,” said City Manager Bill Ayub in a text message.
In the previous two years of X Games, the city offered $250,000 in in-kind support, which was offset by the significant economic impact generated by the event, he said. The city also did not use the full amount authorized in either year.
Ayub said he does not anticipate any additional City Council action related to the X Games aside from a post-event report.
What is the X Games League?
The MoonPay X Games League, launched in 2026, is a year-round, team-based, co-ed competition that expands on the traditional X Games format, according to X Games materials. The league features eight clubs, including four winter clubs and four summer clubs.
Unlike the traditional X Games, which consist of standalone events, the league is a global, multi-stop competition in which athletes compete for club points throughout the season in pursuit of a championship, according to the Sept. 22 agenda.
Ventura is expected to be the first of three league stops, creating additional media exposure for the city because results, athlete storylines and content generated can be referenced throughout the season, according to the report.
Jordan Miller, a spokesperson for X Games, said the league has not finalized or announced its 2027 or 2028 Summer League markets.
“Ventura remains under active consideration as a future host market for the X Games League, and we’re pleased to see the City Council’s support,” Miller said by email.
The dates and details referenced in the staff report reflect the current planning discussions with the city, but they should not be considered a final X Games announcement at this stage, he said, adding that more details will be shared as plans are finalized.
According to the staff report, the city support would help cover increased staff time, Ventura Fire Department services, infrastructure and other event-related costs.
Ventura Police Department services would not be included as an in-kind city support. Instead, staff is requesting authority for the city manager to sign an agreement with X Games ownership to compensate the city for law enforcement services.
Staff also requested authority for the city manager to execute any documents necessary to facilitate up to $250,000 in event support and services.
The funding would come from the city’s general fund, according to the report.
When the city hosted the event in 2024, the event generated $5.1 million in direct economic impact, attracted nearly 50,000 visitors and produced 5,100 room nights representing about $1.2 million in direct lodging revenue, according to the report.
Wes Woods II covers West County for the Ventura County Star. Reach him at wesley.woodsii@vcstar.com, 805-437-0262 or @JournoWes.
This article originally appeared on Ventura County Star: Ventura eyes X Games return for 2027
