WinT@r X Games Aspen 2021 Live TV Coverage ESPN Press Room
X Games Aspen 2021 Live
The tune-in schedule for the 20th consecutive X Games Aspen at Buttermilk Mountain is now available at XGames.com. After most major sporting events were put on hold following X Games Norway 2020, athletes will return to the world’s premier action sports competition from January 29–31, televised with live coverage on ESPN, ESPN2, ABC and X Games digital channels.
X Games live on ESPN: https://usports.online/winter-x-games/
The world’s best will battle it out for a podium spot in Ski and Snowboard competitions.
As a modified X Games Aspen kicks off today with no spectators amid Covid-19, ESPN is shopping the franchise as part of a broader review of its assets.
Tom Dotan and Jessica Toonkel of The Information reported that ESPN is considering two scenarios for a potential sale of X Games: in one, ESPN would sell the broadcast rights to X Games events and retain handling the production; in the other, ESPN would sell the intellectual property to X Games.
Watch Now Live::: X Games Aspen 2021 Live
In the former scenario, according to the report, ESPN had hoped for a deal in the neighborhood of $100 million. But the second scenario is now more likely and only estimated to net around $50 million.
ESPN declined to comment on the report.
The move comes as ESPN is reevaluating its cable TV business, which has taken a hit as the rise of streaming continues to grow, and prioritizing its ESPN+ streaming service. Parent company Disney DIS -1.4% is banking on the growth of its biggest streaming service, Disney+, and though still profitable, ESPN’s ratings fell to a 41-year-low as cable subscribers cut the cord and sports were put on pause during the pandemic.
Currently, it does not seem that Disney will shed ESPN altogether, though there has been speculation to that effect. In October, CNBC investment strategist Jim Cramer told TheStreet.com ESPN may be too expensive for Disney to monetize effectively. However, Disney CEO Bob Chapek praised ESPN+ as outperforming all the company’s projections.
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Primetime X Games events are aired on ESPN or ESPN2 and its sister network ABC. In recent years, however, ESPN has expanded viewing options for X Games events to meet viewers where they are; this year, for example, competitions will be available on any of X Games’ YouTube channel, Facebook, Twitter, TikTok and the ESPN app.
X Games Aspen 2021 will certainly be a test for ESPN to see if it can dramatically grow its viewership on streaming platforms and its social engagement as fans have to follow along from home due to Covid-19. In January 2020, X Games had its largest single-day attendance at a winter event, with 49,500 in Aspen; its largest single-day attendance overall record of 79,380 was set back in 2004 when the summer event was held in Los Angeles.
The Olympics has historically provided a boost to X Games’ digital audience, and with the Beijing 2022 Games set for next January, a potential buyer for the franchise may keep that in mind. In the lead-up to the 2018 PyeongChang Games, X Games Aspen 2018 saw a 10 percent increase year-over-year in television viewership compared to 2017.
On the digital side, the number of minutes streamed on the X Games YouTube channel nearly tripled in 2018, up 185 percent.
Since the inaugural X Games were held during the summer of 1995 in Providence and Newport, Rhode Island, the event has expanded to include competitions in North America, Europe, South America and Asia.
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How can I watch Winter X Games?
To watch X Games Aspen 2021 on ESPN, ESPN2 and ABC, check the tune-in schedule here. X Games Aspen 2021 is also partially streamed live at Facebook, Twitter and YouTube for viewers in the United States and across ESPN’s online streaming services around the world.
Can I watch X Games at Buttermilk?
X Games Aspen will be a closed event and we will not allow spectators at the Buttermilk Terrain Park. Buttermilk will however be open for skiing and riding during January 29–31, 2021.
Can I ski or snowboard at Buttermilk during X Games Aspen?
Yes, all four Aspen Snowmass mountains will be open for skiing and riding during X Games Aspen. The terrain park at Buttermilk will be closed to the public as X Games Aspen is taking place. Lift tickets for skiing and riding at Aspen Snowmass can be purchased online here.
Where do I find the schedule for X Games Aspen 2021?
While X Games Aspen is closed to spectators, the TV broadcast schedule is available here.
Will discounted passes be available to college students?
Unfortunately, we will not be offering the College X Pass, as spectators will not be allowed at Buttermilk and concerts will not be taking place this year. All four Aspen Snowmass mountains will continue to be open for skiing and riding and lift tickets can be found here.
COVID-19 Safety Protocols
Due to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, X Games Aspen 2021 will be closed to the public and produced with comprehensive COVID-19 risk mitigation protocols in place for participants and staff.
New to the event will be a virtual experience, bringing the excitement of X Games Aspen to fans at home. The immersive and interactive environment will allow fans to explore and discover X Games content, interact with sponsors, and enter for a chance to win prizes.
