Buying Sandlot: The Business of Youth Sports

How This Organization Impacts Churches Through Rec Sports

Travis Vaughn of Upward Sports comes on the show to talk about how the organization assists churches and communities through sport. We dive into Upward's innovative business model, the custom sports programs, and promoting faith through rec experiences for over 225,000 athletes and 1,500 churches annually. 0:00 - Upward Sports Strategy to Help Churches 8:33 - Operational & Community Approach 10:48 - The Rules Around AI for Biblical Content 16:08 - Growth & Market Insights 17:40 - Connecting Churches & Families 20:22 - League Innovation, Business Model, & Franchising 30:49 - Curriculum Development & Inclusivity 36:02 - Sponsorship, Costs, and Future Direction Follow Us: Subscribe to the Newsletter: https://www.buyingsandlot.com/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/buying-sandlot/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/buyingsandlot TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@buyingsandlot

Insight into ShotTracker's Partnership with MADE Hoops

Kyle Pagan talks with ShotTracker CEO, Dayveon Ross, about their first of it's kind partnership with MADE Hoops. They talk about ShotTracker's strategy shifting to youth sports, the innovative suite of AI-driven video data products, advanced tracking, real-time data broadcasts, and future collaborations. 0:00 - Inside ShotTracker's Partnership with MADE Hoops 3:32 - ShotTracker's Strategic Approach to Youth Sports 8:23 - Do Youth Athletes Want Data & Video? 9:40 - ShotTracker's Tech: SaaS & Wearables 12:18 - Broadcast Tech & Real-Time Data 18:30 - Brand Interest in Data Analytics 22:20 - Data Compliance & Safety Strategy Follow Us: Subscribe to the Newsletter: https://www.buyingsandlot.com/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/buying-sandlot/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/buyingsandlot TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@buyingsandlot

Varsity Brands CEO on Club Direct, New Acquisitions, and Youth Sports Participation

Varsity Brands CEO Adam Blumenfeld comes on the show to talk about the market opportunities with Club Direct, the acquisitions of Soccer.com and Lax.com, Pro Cheer and Stunt's future, and increasing youth participation through apparel and sponsorship. 0:00 - Market Opportunities with Club Direct 3:44 - Speed, Access, Quality, & Sublimation 10:16 - How Varsity Brands Increases Youth Sports Participation 13:50 - Acquiring Soccer.com & Lax.com 15:17 - How the Impact Program Enhances School Sports 17:07 - Pro Cheer & Stunt's Moment 20:10 - Sponsorship Opportunities in Youth Sports Follow Us: Subscribe to the Newsletter: https://www.buyingsandlot.com/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/buying-sandlot/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/buyingsandlot TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@buyingsandlot

Digging Into Youth Sports Participation Numbers

Kyle and Kyle dig into the latest participation data released by the Aspen Institute. The report indicates an increase to 58% in 2024. We also talk about the USA Today investigation of Black Bear Sports Group and its effect on the youth sports ecosystem. 0:00 - A Premium Community Update 4:54 - Digging Into Youth Sports Participation Numbers 34:07 - USA Today Takes On Black Bear Sports Group 43:11 - The Messaging Challenge for Private Equity 49:56 - The Show Schedule for the Next 2 Weeks Follow Us: Subscribe to the Newsletter: https://www.buyingsandlot.com/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/buying-sandlot/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/buyingsandlot TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@buyingsandlot

Private Equity's Role in Youth Sports Policy Reform

Steve Weyler, lobbyist and sports advisory at Invariant, comes on the show to talk about The Let Kids Play Act and its implications for youth sports policy. We dive into the evolving landscape of youth sports policy in Washington, which is currently targeting private equity involvement, affordability, and safety standards. 0:00 - Legislation in Youth Sports: The Let Kids Play Act 8:42 - PE Backed Operators Are on The Hill's Radar 14:44 - How Perception & Narrative Are Shaping Policy 18:32 - How Safety & Compliance Capitalize 24:49 - Push Back, Midterms, and Sports Betting Tax 29:41 - The Current State of IMG Academy's Add More Athletes Campaign Follow Us: Subscribe to the Newsletter: https://www.buyingsandlot.com/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/buying-sandlot/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/buyingsandlot TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@buyingsandlot