X Games Might Stay in L.A. Area

This posh mountain community is reaping the benefits of a relationship with ESPN and the Winter X Games that began in 2002 and will run through 2007.

And an executive with the all-sports network confirmed Sunday that negotiations are in progress to bring the Summer X Games to Los Angeles and Carson for several more years, beginning with a third consecutive showing in August.

It has been widely speculated that the Summer X Games, held the last two years at Staples Center and the Home Depot Center, would return for a third season. But network and city officials declined to comment.

Jack Wienert, executive director of the X Games, stopped short of making an official announcement and stressed that an agreement had yet to be signed, but he hinted strongly that Los Angeles-area fans can expect the return of the Summer X Games for a third year and possibly more.

“Put it this way, we’re not looking anywhere else,” he said.

The Summer X Games have been hugely popular in Los Angeles, drawing crowds of 187,141 in 2003 and 170,471 in 2004.