Shaun White's snowboarding league set for debut

The Flying Tomato is ready to redefine the sport he helped put on the map.

Shaun White, a three-time Olympic gold medalist, is the ultimate snowboarding icon. Now, he’s taken his talents off the slopes and into competition management, creating a high-stakes, team-based Snow League.

The trend of athletes creating mini-leagues has picked up recently with the launch of Unrivaled Basketball, TGL Golf and LOVB Volleyball.

At its core, the Snow League is a groundbreaking format that unites top athletes in a unique competition structure. It is held in some of the most iconic winter resort destinations, and the inaugural season kicks off this weekend at Aspen Snowmass. 

The Snow League’s competition format is designed to showcase its participants' skill, athleticism and creativity. Athletes such as Ayumu Hirano, Maddie Mastro and Yuto Totsuka are among the talented competitors who will bring their A-game to the halfpipe.

On Wednesday, the league dropped a teaser on Instagram with a first look at the pipe.

But it’s not just about the competition. The fan experience is next-level. All of the action will be live on Peacock, and behind-the-scenes access will give you a front-row seat to the lives of these incredible athletes. It’s the perfect way to connect with the riders beyond the tricks and see what goes into making the sport.

"The snow league is something that, gosh, I wished was around when I was competing, you know," White said. "We've got the world's best snowboarders, and we're bringing it to the world's best resorts. We're doing the biggest prize purse that's ever been seen in the sport and it's gonna be amazing." White told reporters on Tuesday at the SNOBAHN Action Sports Center in Colorado. 

The first event features two full days of snowboard halfpipe competition at Buttermilk. Fans are invited to experience qualifying action on Friday, which features all 36 athletes. Saturday is Finals Day, and eight men and eight women will vie for the podium.

NBC Sports will present the event live on Peacock, starting Friday, March 7, and Saturday, March 8, at 9:30 a.m.