Youth Sports Business Report

Crocs signs Duke University commits Cayden and Cameron Boozer to their Crocs #NIL Squad 🐊 (via: Cayden Boozer IG)

Montverde Academy has hired Steve Turner as its new boys basketball head coach. Turner has a career coaching record of 497-176. Per SportsCenter Next. #coaching #hiring

$1 million in strategic grants to 68 parks and recreation agencies across 33 states—this is how you transform youth sports at scale 🏆 The National Recreation and Park Association (NRPA) is demonstrating what evidence-based investment in sports equity looks like: 💡 Targeted infrastructure funding through Musco Lighting, including $100K in-kind lighting donations that instantly extend facility usage hours 🧠 Coach development resources via Susan Crown Exchange and ESPN's Million Coaches Challenge, equipping staff with youth development expertise 👧 Gender equity initiatives through Nike-powered programming specifically addressing girls' participation barriers 📈 Implementation of NRPA's new Youth Sports Framework with clear metrics: 10% increase in participation by 2029 🗣️ "These programs promote physical and mental health, build confidence and foster meaningful connections." - National Recreation and Park Association https://lnkd.in/gtpp6jU8

$1 million economic impact in just 8 weeks—that's the power of strategic athletic infrastructure investment. The $52M WYO Sports Ranch in Casper (Wyoming) is redefining what's possible for mid-market communities investing in sports facilities: 🏀 150,000 square feet of adaptable indoor space hosting 40+ tournaments in year one 📈 Drawing participants from Florida to Utah, reversing traditional economic leakage 🤝 Innovative public-private funding model combining municipal land with private capital ⚙️ Technology-enabled operational efficiency with iPad-controlled court conversions 🗣️ "It truly is a special facility, just seeing people come through, the shock on their face just seeing how cool this is," - Joe Hanson, General Manager, WYO Sports Ranch https://lnkd.in/gvFDcKAn

Florida State University - Megan M. Buning, Ph.D., CMPC on state of youth sports in America. Buning is a teaching specialist at Florida State University in the Interdisciplinary Center for Athletic Coaching who holds a Certified Mental Performance Consultant certification. Her research focuses on the crossover of sports and classroom concepts and strategies to improve coaching and teaching practices. Buning was an All-American softball pitcher at the University of South Carolina and played professionally in the National Pro Fastpitch League. https://lnkd.in/gkDxruEm

The difference between good and great youth athletic performance often comes down to what happens at the dinner table, not just during practice. 🍽️🏆 Our analysis of macronutrient strategies for young athletes reveals five critical insights that parents and coaches need to understand: 🍚 Carbohydrates are the primary fuel for high-intensity performance, with youth athletes needing 3-8g per kg of body weight daily (45-60% of total calories) 🥩 Protein should be distributed throughout the day rather than concentrated in one meal, with a target of 1.6g per kg of body weight (20-35% of calories) 🥑 Dietary fat plays essential roles in hormone production and vitamin absorption, comprising 20-35% of calories with emphasis on unsaturated sources 🏃♀️ Pre-activity meals should emphasize quick-digesting carbs with moderate protein and minimal fat to prevent digestive discomfort 🕒 The 60-minute window after training is critical for recovery nutrition, requiring strategic combinations of carbs and protein "Carbs are arguably the most important fuel source for athletes to be thinking about," explains Stephanie Miezin, MS, RD, CSSD, Director of Nutrition for KC Current. "The brain in particular really loves carbohydrates and requires them to run at its best." https://lnkd.in/gfWSC_8S

The Personal Health Investment Today (PHIT) Act allows Americans to use a portion of the money saved in their pre-tax health savings account (HSA) and flexible spending account (FSA) toward qualified youth sports league fees. https://lnkd.in/gnzhTFhg

Monumental Sports & Entertainment is donating 29,000 NBA regulation-size basketballs to 80 public schools in D.C. 🗣️ "Sports can positively impact students, whether it's physical health, mental health, emotional health or social skills," notes Lewis Ferebee, D.C. Public Schools Chancellor. https://lnkd.in/gF2wEACv

Great breakdown of “travel” youth sports and the economics behind this industry 😮💨

Where is smart capital flowing in sports in 2025? The game is changing faster than the scoreboard. 💰 Our analysis of investment trends reveals five key insights from leading VCs and private equity professionals: 📈Creator-driven sports properties are winning big with built-in audiences that accelerate growth trajectories 👊 Women's sports are projected to reach $2.35B in global revenue this year, with ad spend up 139% year-over-year 📱 Youth sports tech enabling real-time data access and personalized training is creating multiple investment entry points ⚽ The 2026 North American World Cup is driving investment across the entire soccer ecosystem 📉 Investors are bearish on regional media rights models, legacy ticketing platforms, and tier-two fighting leagues "We see lots of opportunities for novel formats in beloved sports like basketball, golf and soccer," says Greg Bettinelli, partner at The Chernin Group - TCG. #Sports #Investment #VentureCapital #SportsBusiness #CreatorEconomy #WomensSports #YouthSports #PE https://lnkd.in/gYb8zwVE