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White Castle, USA Luge extend partnership through 2029

White Castle and USA Luge team up to introduce young athletes to the sport at a Slider Search clinic. The free program, now part of a partnership extended through 2029, uses wheeled sleds to teach kids the basics of luge. Photo: White Castle

August 5, 2026

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White Castle and USA Luge have renewed their partnership through August 2029, extending a relationship that began in 2017, according to a press release.

Under the agreement, the fast-food chain will remain the official sponsor of the White Castle USA Luge Slider Search, a nationwide off-season athlete recruitment tour and the exclusive quick-service restaurant sponsor of USA Luge.

"When you're in the slider business, you can't help but root for the fastest sliders on ice," Jamie Richardson, chief marketing officer at White Castle, said in the release. "USA Luge has become family, and we couldn't be prouder to keep introducing kids to this thrilling sport for years to come. Whether you're sliding down a 1,000-meter ice track or serving sliders hot off the griddle, it's all about feeding the souls of Cravers — and dreamers — everywhere."

The Slider Search acts as a grassroots talent pipeline, utilizing wheeled sleds in the summer and fall to introduce the sport to young athletes. According to the organization, at least 60% of every U.S. Olympic luge team since 2002 began at a Slider Search clinic.

"The White Castle USA Luge Slider Search has been the launching pad for so many of our athletes, and it simply wouldn't be possible without White Castle," Gordy Sheer, director of marketing and sponsorships at USA Luge, said in the release. "This is a partnership built on shared values of community, opportunity and a little bit of fun, and we're thrilled to keep it going for years to come."

Three free clinics remain on the 2026 schedule for children ages 10 to 13. The tour will stop Saturday, Aug. 15, in Ashwaubenon, Wisconsin; Sunday, Aug. 16, in Westmont, Illinois; and Sept. 13-14 in Malvern, Pennsylvania.

Families can register for one of three daily sessions. Guided by Olympic and national team coaches, participants will learn the basics of positioning, steering and stopping before navigating a paved course on wheel-equipped sleds. Athletes who show promise may be invited to try the sport on ice and be considered for the USA Luge National Development Team.

White Castle owns and operates about 340 restaurants as well as a retail division.