Private Equity Just Took Youth Sports Hostage—and Kids Are the Losers

Private Equity Just Took Youth Sports Hostage—and Kids Are the Losers

Welcome to 2025, where childhood fun is a $40 billion business.

Yep, youth sports now belong to the profit overlords.

Compared to 2019, families are spending 46% more just so their kids can play one sport.

Because nothing says "play ball" like paying a fortune for camps, coaches, travel, and gear.

Remember when you just showed up and played? Yeah, me neither.

Now IMG — the big name behind tons of youth sports — got bought by private equity two years ago.

That means the rich got richer, and kids are getting priced out.

So if your kid wants to play travel ball next season, better start budgeting like they’re aiming for the Olympics... or bust.

Private equity isn’t just ruining sports—it’s ruining childhood itself.