"The Skate Board Association, a coed, six-team street skateboard league, plans to hold its inaugural 10-game season next summer in Big Bear Lake, California. Payton II, who last played for the Golden State Warriors, told ESPN he founded the league with partners Royce Campbell and Sheldon Lewis, because of his childhood love for skateboarding. "Growing up, I always wanted to be a skateboarder. The skate park was right next to the basketball court," he said. "I'd skate there with my friends and they'd skate the park and I'd hoop.""
"Payton II will be director of VIP relations and an owner of one of the league's six teams, which will each feature six athletes -- three women and three men -- plus reserves and coaches. Men and women will receive equal pay. The league has signed 18 athletes to non-exclusive contracts, including 2020 Olympic silver medalist Kevin Hoefler, SLS Select Series champion Manny Santiago, X Games skateboard street gold medalists Ryan Decenzo and Pamela Rosa, and silver medalist Samarria Brevard. Bravard said the league structure would alleviate the stress and uncertainty athletes currently face and help them focus on competition. "This is a game changer and will create avenues for us that weren't there before," she said."
Gary Payton II is founding the Skate Board Association, a coed street skateboard league with six teams that will stage a 10-game inaugural season next summer in Big Bear Lake, California. Payton II partnered with Royce Campbell and Sheldon Lewis and will serve as director of VIP relations and owner of one team. Each roster will include six athletes—three women and three men—plus reserves and coaches, with equal pay for men and women. The league has signed 18 athletes to non-exclusive contracts, including Kevin Hoefler, Manny Santiago, Ryan Decenzo, Pamela Rosa and Samarria Brevard. The structure aims to reduce athlete uncertainty and provide competitive stability.
Read at ESPN.com
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