Auckland, New Zealand — In a nation celebrated for its tradition of performance-led sport, Xtreme Drivers League (XDL) has emerged as a pioneering force in high-performance competition, redefining the global landscape of Long Drive. Founded in 2016 by visionary sports entrepreneur Olna Ford, XDL was conceived as a fully integrated, self-owned sporting ecosystem, uniting elite athlete development, cutting-edge technology, and internationally recognised competition formats.
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From its inception, XDL established two national teams — the New Zealand Long Blacks and the Aussie Long Ballers— strategically positioning both nations on the world stage. Over the past decade, XDL has delivered more than 40 premier events across eight countries, built proprietary technology platforms, and launched franchises to expand its global footprint. Ford retains a 50% share of XDL TV, providing a digital stage that elevates the league’s athletes, competitions, and innovations to an international audience.
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With 42 events successfully completed across 8 countries, Ford declares 2026 as the official year of XDL’s global arrival, positioning the league as a premier authority in Long Drive.
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A Vision Realised: Designing the XDL Ecosystem
XDL was conceived not merely as a competition platform, but as a complete, self-sustaining ecosystem. Every element — from athlete development and structured competitions to digital engagement and franchise growth — has been meticulously designed and fully owned by Ford. This ensures consistent competition standards, a repeatable operational model, and a globally recognised brand.
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A Legacy of Recognition and Impact
XDL and Ford’s leadership have been lauded with unprecedented honours:
- 2020: Long Drive officially recognised as an independent high-performance sport by the New Zealand Sports Minister — a global first.
- 2021: The New Zealand Long Blacks were nominated for the prestigious Halberg Award.
- 2022: XDL’s leading female athlete received a Queen’s Honour, following nomination by Olna Ford.
- 2023–2025: XDL amassed 18 International Business Awards, including Best Sporting League for three consecutive years.
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Building a Multi-Tier Long Drive System
XDL’s development followed a deliberate, performance-first approach. Early-stage competitions allowed organisers to refine rules, event delivery, and competition formats. A defining moment arrived in 2018, when the New Zealand Long Blacks delivered a win for the first Trans Tasman Clash on home soil, securing the Darren Wise custom-crafted Stingray Trophy. This triumph demonstrated that XDL’s team-based formats are not only repeatable and competitive but also compelling for spectators and sponsors alike.
Olna Ford’s vision has grown many strands of sports business development since inception. She has introduced three competition formats and a five-grid grading system for golf courses, establishing clear pathways from regional and state events to the National Title, while simultaneously nurturing youth participation and overseeing both male and female elite divisions.
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A Global, Integrated Ecosystem
XDL operates as a holistic, high-performance ecosystem, where athlete management, event delivery, technology, and IP ownership converge under a single, unified standard. Ford’s expertise in athletic performance, live event execution, and strategic sponsorship ensures that every touchpoint — from competition to digital engagement — adheres to the highest standards.
Guided by a comprehensive Six-Pillar Growth Strategy, XDL blends national representation, franchise development, event innovation, digital integration, youth engagement, and proprietary technology to create a scalable, sustainable model for global expansion.
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International Reach
XDL continues to extend its global influence, including the rollout of a virtual grid across multiple international markets, delivering world-class competition to new audiences. Recently, Olna Ford was appointed President of the ESWF (E-Sports World Federation), reflecting her commitment to integrating eSports into XDL’s strategic expansion and the broader Six-Pillar Worldwide Growth Plan. Upcoming phases also include digital distribution via XDL TV, a platform designed to broadcast live events, training content, and behind-the-scenes programming to multiple markets. The technology stack features virtual coaching modules, interactive leaderboards, and content extensions built for youth, amateur, and professional-level athletes alike.
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Looking Ahead: December 19th, 2025
XDL is set to unveil a series of major, high-profile initiatives on December 19th, 2025, including:
- XDL Global Celebrity Drive, with a core purpose of raising awareness and funds for a soon-to-be-revealed charitable initiative, uniting elite athletes, media, and communities in a celebration of sport with impact.
- XDL Franchise – 3-Year Growth Plan – a strategic expansion designed to cement XDL’s global footprint.
- The Most Anticipated Global Tour – a sophisticated, media-driven event that has already awarded the largest prize purse in XDL history, personally funded by Olna Ford, underscoring her commitment to both athlete excellence and elevating the sport on the world stage.
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Prestigious Recognition for Olna Ford and Xtreme Drivers League!
“The Jury at International Business Magazine has taken note of Olna Ford’s tireless commitment and outstanding contributions to the field of golf, as well as the positive international impact of the Xtreme Drivers League.
In recognition of their remarkable achievements, International Business Magazine has conferred the following honors:
- Best Sporting League – New Zealand 2025
- Olna Ford – Most Innovative Sports Business Founder – New Zealand 2025
These awards celebrate Olna Ford’s visionary leadership and the Xtreme Drivers League’s role in redefining the sport of golf, fostering innovation, and inspiring new audiences worldwide.
As XDL enters its landmark 2026 season, the league stands ready to define the pinnacle of high-performance sport, offering elite athletes, global audiences, and strategic partners a fully owned, world-class sporting ecosystem unmatched in vision, execution, and ambition.
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