SportsIs Private Equity Coming for Youth Sports?What's going on: Today’s parents aren’t just cheering from the sidelines — they’re going all in on their kids’ sports careers. Between gear, travel, and training camps, families spent an average of about $1,000 in 2024 on a child’s primary sport, according to the Aspen Institute. Many parents see sports as a golden ticket to college — or maybe even a pro paycheck. That energy has helped turn youth sports into a $40 billion industry, and private equity firms want to play ball. One example? The New York Times reports that two financial leaders are buying everything from baseball camps to flag football fields — rolling them into a new venture called Unrivaled Sports. Even international firms are trying to get in on the game. What it means: What was once a way to get kids to be more active or socialize has now become a multi-billion-dollar industry. As businesses look for returns, families could face rising tournament fees and higher pay-to-play models — potentially pricing some out. Unrivaled Sports has said it offers “free and subsidized opportunities” at its facilities — but as one exec from the Aspen Institute put it, “money chases money.” And many parents are chasing scholarships so hard, they’re spending money they don’t have. One boarding school in Florida focuses on sports development and has elite training facilities — the tuition is $85,000 per year. Whatever happened to signing kids up to play at the YMCA? Related: An American Upset the No. 1 Tennis Player To Reach the Wimbledon Finals (USA Today) | 
