Shaun White begins a new chapter shaping snowboarding beyond the halfpipe

Retired Olympic champion Shaun White will attend the 2026 Winter Olympics in Italy as a VIP and is leading the Snow League, a new halfpipe tour that uses head-to-head elimination and recently secured about $15 million in funding.

Shaun White, retired from competition for four years, is preparing to attend the 2026 Winter Olympics in Italy as a spectator and high-profile guest rather than a competitor. He has launched the Snow League, a year-old halfpipe tour that aims to change how halfpipe contests are run. The league debuted last month and White says it reflects his intent to help shape snowboarding’s future. He spoke publicly about his personal life and recent return visits to the pipe while describing this new role. Key details: - White retired from competitive halfpipe riding four years ago and will be at the Winter Olympics in Italy, with the men's halfpipe final scheduled for Feb. 13. - The Snow League introduced an elimination-bracket format where judges pick winners in best-of-three, one-on-one showdowns and riders drop in from opposite sides for early runs. - The league recruited high-profile athletes, including Ayumu Hirano for snowboarding and Eileen Gu to headline the freeskiing portion of the program. - The Snow League secured roughly $15 million in its latest investment round, with investors including Linda Henry of Fenway Sports Group and 359 Capital. - White described a recent session where his muscle memory returned and he landed a front-double-10 during a commercial shoot, and he said he does not plan a competitive comeback. - He also commented publicly about the end of his engagement and said he has been focusing on personal growth and his businesses. Summary: White is positioning himself as a builder and influencer in snowboarding through the Snow League and a revised halfpipe contest format that emphasizes head-to-head matchups. He will attend the Italy Olympics in February as a VIP and spectator, and other longer-term outcomes from his leadership and the league are undetermined at this time.