This isn’t just a press conference — it’s a pivot point. For decades, skateboarding has lived at the intersection of rebellion, creativity, and culture. Now it gets what every movement eventually demands: structure, scale, and respect. The SBA isn’t just launching a league — it’s rewriting the rules of the game.
THE SKATEBOARD ASSOCIATION (SBA) ANNOUNCES PRESS CONFERENCE TO OFFICIALLY LAUNCH THE WORLD’S FIRST CO-ED, EQUAL-PAY PROFESSIONAL SKATEBOARDING LEAGUE
Co-Founded by NBA Champion Gary Payton II SBA Introduces Skateboarding to the Global Stage
September 1, 2025
The Skate Board Association (SBA) will announce the launch of the world’s first co-ed, equal-pay professional skateboarding league, a groundbreaking initiative set to transform global sports, youth culture, and innovation on Monday, September 1 at 12 PM in Big Bear, CA Co-founded NBA Champion Gary Payton II, the SBA reimagines what it means to be a professional sports organization, blending performance, immersive technology, and cultural relevance with a focus on equity, community, inclusivity, and storytelling. Gary Payton II is not only a co-founder and investor, but also the league’s first official team owner.
Big Bear will serve as the home of the SBA’s flagship arena, training complex, and media hub. Additional launch partners include SBA’s official recovery device partner Hyperice, a leader in recovery technology, and HYPERVSN, a London-based technology company bringing cutting-edge visuals to the league.
WHO:
- Gary Payton II, NBA Athlete and Co-Founder of Skateboard Association (SBA)
- Sheldon Lewis & Royce Campbell, Co-Founders, Skateboard Association (SBA)
- Damien Navarro, Visit Big Bear
- Clayton Shoemaker, Big Bear Mountain Resort
Confirmed Skate Athlete Attendees:
- Manny Santiago – Professional Skateboarder, Global Contest Competitor
- Keelan Dadd – Influential Pro Skater, Lifestyle & Street Culture Figure
- Rob Neal III – Rising Pro, SBA League Competitor
- Samarria Brevard – Pioneering Women’s Pro Skater, Street League Competitor
- Pamela Rosa – Olympian, Global Skateboarding Champion
- Isabelly Da Silva – Emerging International Skateboarding Talent
- Gabbi Mazetto – Women’s Street Skater, Global Contest Circuit
- Carlos Ribeiro – Pro Skater, Street League Finalist
- Dave Bachinsky – Veteran Pro, Renowned for Technical Street Skating
- Mickey Papa – Professional Skater, International Contest Athlete
- Ryan Decenzo – X Games Medalist, World-Ranked Pro Skater
- Julian Agalardi – Pro Skater, SBA League Athlete
- Oscar Loreto Jr. – Pro Skater & WAI Foundation Ambassador
- Boo Johnson & Kylie Frank – Pro Skater + Influencer Duo
WHAT:
Press conference to officially announce the launch of the Skate Board Association (SBA), the first-ever co-ed, equal-pay professional skateboarding league. The SBA will transform skateboarding into a new era of global sports, culture, and innovation. Speakers will provide remarks, and top professional athletes will be available for interviews and photo opportunities.