Buying Sandlot: The Business of Youth Sports

TeamSnap CEO Pete Frintzilas and SVP of Brand Solutions Nicole McCormack come on the show to talk about surpassing $20 million given back to grassroots organizations through sponsorship. We talk about the LeagueSide acquisition helping the platform achieve this incredible milestone, why brands value youth sports in their marketing strategy, the future of sponsorship, and how TeamSnap One will deliver even more value for sponsors in the future in a forecasted $10 billion streaming market.0:00 - Buying Sandlot Summit is in TWO Weeks1:10 - TeamSnap Surpasses $20M Given Back to Orgs3:19 - How the LeagueSide Acquisition Helped5:32 - Successful Sponsorship Campaigns7:21 - How TeamSnap Unlocked Value for Brands11:43 - TeamSnap One Plans to Unlock More Brand Power14:44 - Balancing Profit & Community Impact17:22 - The Future of Youth Sports Sponsorship19:05 - Are Brands Targeting Specific Clubs or Networks?Get your tickets to our Youth Sports Business Conference in Philadelphia from April 14th-15th: https://events.buyingsandlot.com/summit-2026Follow Us:Subscribe to the Newsletter: https://www.buyingsandlot.com/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/buying-sandlot/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/buyingsandlotTikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@buyingsandlot

Advance NIL is an NIL education, athlete protection, and development platform ocused on helping athletes and the organizations around them navigate Name, Image, & Likeness. Working with over 50,000 athletes and families through structured programming and digital education tools, we talk about their NIL PreCheck platform, the complex and changing landscape, and educating elite athletes at IMG Academy to avoid scams. 0:00 - Two Weeks to Get Buying Sandlot Summit Tix! 1:25 - How Advance NIL Helps Athletes Navigate NIL3:47 - Curriculum & Educational Offerings6:51 - Navigating the Evolving NIL Landscape10:05 - What Laws Should Parents Be Aware Of?13:55 - The Future of NIL in High School Sports18:26 - NIL Opportunities Outside of Social Media20:41 - Scams, Red Flags, & NIL PreCheck27:00 - Advance NIL's Next Move29:23 - International Athletes & NIL33:27 - Revenue Share, NIL, & Title IX's FutureGet your tickets to our Youth Sports Business Conference in Philadelphia from April 14th-15th: https://events.buyingsandlot.com/summit-2026Follow Us:Subscribe to the Newsletter: https://www.buyingsandlot.com/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/buying-sandlot/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/buyingsandlotTikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@buyingsandlot

MØDE Sports’ VP Scott Reid comes on to talk about the one of a kind 500,000 square foot facility they’re building in Spokane, WA that will include Liberty Launch Academy, 30+ courts, and a football field all attached to the already existing community center. We talk to Scott about the academy launch, being the first to market in the region, tournament and event economics, the brand partner and sponsor strategy, and how they plan to maximize 500,000 square feet during dead periods.0:00 - Buying Sandlot Summit Agenda Announced00:30 - The vision of transforming community sports and education01:55 - The Vision of MØDE Sports & Liberty Launch Academy7:22 - The One of a Kind School Curriculum9:58 - Maximizing a 500,000 Square Foot Facility12:15 - Pros & Cons of Being First to Market in Pacific Northwest15:43 - The Diverse Athlete Recruitment & Unreal Basketball House17:30 - Expanding Sports & Programs21:50 - Economics of Tournaments & Events25:24 - Football Facilities & Other Amenities28:30 - Naming Rights, Brands, and Partnerships33:42 - Content Strategy & Media Partners38:50 - Scott's Buying Sandlot Summit TestimonyGet your tickets to our Youth Sports Business Conference in Philadelphia from April 14th-15th: https://events.buyingsandlot.com/summit-2026Follow Us:Subscribe to the Newsletter: https://www.buyingsandlot.com/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/buying-sandlot/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/buyingsandlotTikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@buyingsandlot

IMG Academy's COO Mike Milliron sits down with Kyle Pagan to discuss the one of a kind student model, developing athletes for the changing college landscape, the importance of brand partners, and the future of elite youth sports academies. 0:00 - One of a Kind Student Model0:50 - How to Decide What to Build Next1:40 - Importance of Partners: Gatorade & Under Armour2:36 - A Holistic Approach to Education5:10 - Dealing With the Transfer Portal6:41 - The Content Strategy of Elite Academies8:55 - The Future of Elite Youth Sports9:46 - Is IMG Ready for the AI Disruption? 10:42 - The #AddMoreAthletes Campaign to Grow College AthleticsGet your tickets to our Youth Sports Business Conference in Philadelphia from April 14th-15th: https://events.buyingsandlot.com/summit-2026Follow Us:Subscribe to the Newsletter: https://www.buyingsandlot.com/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/buying-sandlot/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/buyingsandlotTikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@buyingsandlot

Kyle and Kyle discuss GameChanger's new multi-angle broadcast system at an Unrivaled Sports park, vibe coding platform features, and what they're bullish on in the facilities space amid chaos in Kansas City. Later, Gary Wilson from Perfect Game comes on to talk about their new Individual Player Entry system for elite baseball players. 0:00 - Buying Sandlot Summit Agenda Announced5:33 - GameChanger Rolls Out New Multi-Camera System10:30 - Vibe Coding & Youth Sports13:22 - The Vibe Coding Race to the Bottom21:49 - The Facilities Arms Race: Dome Drama 24:45 - Improving Infrastructure For Club Facilities34:20 - Perfect Game's New Individual Player Entry 41:54 - The Long Term "Team PG" Opportunity46:31 - How Perfect Game Builds the Team48:06 - The Content Strategy Around IPE50:35 - Expanding the PG Experience52:36 - Inside the IPE PlatformGet your tickets to our Youth Sports Business Conference in Philadelphia from April 14th-15th: https://events.buyingsandlot.com/summit-2026Follow Us:Subscribe to the Newsletter: https://www.buyingsandlot.com/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/buying-sandlot/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/buyingsandlotTikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@buyingsandlot

Kyle & Kyle talk to Brian Cruver, CEO of Scorability, about building the LinkedIn for college sports recruiting. 0:00 - Buying Sandlot Summit Panel Reveal3:40 - How a Recruiting Experience Lead to Scorability6:39 - The LinkedIn for College Sports Recruiting 14:21 - How Acquisition Created a Powerful Platform19:20 - How Scorability's Platform Expands Cross-Sport22:35 - Creating the Complete Picture of Recruits24:49 - Adding the Coach Back Into the Recruiting Process28:56 - Who Are Scorability's Competitors? 32:17 - Interoperability & the Future Market Potential 36:49 - Navigating Data Privacy in Youth Sports Tech39:33 - Raising over $50 MILLION in Funding43:51 - The Role of Camps in College Sports RecruitingThank you to our friends at EventConnect: the operating system for youth sports for sponsoring the show. Run your entire tournament or connect the tools you already use to their operating system to reduce spreadsheet chaos, help with tournament registration, and grow hotel spend. Support EventConnect who helps power the show and allows us to continue to show up in your inboxes and podcast feeds at https://eventconnectsports.com/Get your tickets to our Youth Sports Business Conference in Philadelphia from April 14th-15th: https://events.buyingsandlot.com/summit-2026Follow Us:Subscribe to the Newsletter: https://www.buyingsandlot.com/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/buying-sandlot/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/buyingsandlotTikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@buyingsandlot

Kyle and Kyle break down Chamath Palihapitiya's X article "The Collapse Of Terminal Value - What Happens If AI Makes Every Moat Temporary?" from a business of youth sports angle. How will AI disrupt youth sports? Would AI disruption lead to interoperability? Are youth sports recession-proof? They then react to a mainstream outlet covering the space like never before, a kid who was benched for his parents not volunteering, England's silence on the sidelines, and Rush Soccer's unique brand integration.0:00 - Buying Sandlot Attendance & Agenda Update3:11 - The Collapse of Youth Sports Terminal Value9:07 - The Importance of Trust Networks12:24 - Would AI Disruption Open up Interoperability?15:13 - Public Investment in Place of Private17:13 - Are Youth Sports Recession-Proof?25:41 - Is Mainstream Coverage of Youth Sports Changing?31:02 - Can Anyone Disrupt the DICK's Sporting Goods Market?37:08 - Benched for Parents Not Volunteering43:21 - England's Silence on the Sidelines45:33 - Rush Soccer's Unique Brand IntegrationGet your tickets to our Youth Sports Business Conference in Philadelphia from April 14th-15th: https://events.buyingsandlot.com/summit-2026Follow Us:Subscribe to the Newsletter: https://www.buyingsandlot.com/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/buying-sandlot/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/buyingsandlotTikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@buyingsandlot

A new study from the ECNL pushes back on sports specialization and not everyone agrees with the findings. They also discuss GameChanger's outlook after the DICK's Sporting Goods earnings call. Lastly, Justin Honeysuckle talks about TendedBar and they're pivot to youth sports. He discusses their journey from NFL stadiums to tournaments, the business model, mixing alcohol and youth sports parents, and their tech behind transaction efficiency, age verification, and alcohol compliance.0:00 - The Buying Sandlot Summit5:31 - New Study Pushes Back on Sports Specialization17:48 - GameChanger's Outlook After DICK's Sporting Goods Earnings27:15 - TendedBar Shifts to Youth Sports36:40 - The Tech Behind Age Verification & Transaction Times41:35 - TendedBar's Business Model & Price Point44:26 - Mixing Alcohol & Youth Sports Parents47:57 - Expansion & FranchisingGet your tickets to our Youth Sports Business Conference in Philadelphia from April 14th-15th: https://events.buyingsandlot.com/summit-2026Follow Us:Subscribe to the Newsletter: https://www.buyingsandlot.com/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/buying-sandlot/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/buyingsandlotTikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@buyingsandlot

Kyle and Kyle discuss GameChanger and GoPro's partnership, the CaaS market, and streamers in the era of data privacy after a youth sports company gets dinged. Later, CEO of LeagueApps, Brian Litvack, joins to talk about the platforms three new features (TeamBuilder, Evaluations, and Global Schedule). We also talk about how these features will solve operator problems, how LeagueApps is using AI to solve more challenges and needs faster and more efficiently, and the before, during, and after game solutions.0:00 - Announcing Summit Sponsors & More Speakers4:35 - How Companies Are Using CaaS13:08 - Streamers in the Data Privacy Era21:17 - How LeagueApps' TeamBuilder and Evaluations Will Help Operators34:05 - Using AI to Solve Operator Problems and Needs 36:13 - Before, During, and After Game Solutions37:49 - LeagueApps CEO Reveals New Feature 42:09 - Will Newer Features Be Built In House? Get your tickets to our Youth Sports Business Conference in Philadelphia from April 14th-15th: https://events.buyingsandlot.com/summit-2026Follow Us:Subscribe to the Newsletter: https://www.buyingsandlot.com/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/buying-sandlot/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/buyingsandlotTikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@buyingsandlot

IMG Academy introduced its Elevate by IMG education and performance platform. Kyle and Kyle give their commentary on what they think this means for expansion and future elite sports academies around the country as private education and elite sports continue to popularize. Buckle up! This one has a lot of layers! Later, they discuss the new DICK’s Sporting Goods trade-in partnership with SidelineSwap, a Savannah Bananas knockoff, and a 9U football player entering the transfer portal (and why they don’t hate it). Lastly, Adam Gouttiere, VP of Media at HUDL, comes on to talk about the new partnership with Chase, financial literacy around NIL deals, preventing NIL scams, how clubs can empower major and local brands, and unlocking scale. 0:00 - The Buying Sandlot Summit Sizzle5:16 - IMG Academy's Manifest Destiny14:43 - The Blending of Academics & Athletics19:15 - DICK's and SidelineSwap Launch Trade-In Program22:33 - A Savannah Bananas Knockoff26:38 - 9U Football Player Enters the Transfer Portal 30:30 - Adam Gouttiere VP of Media, HUDL34:23 - How Partnership Helps Families with NIL36:46 - Do Major Brands Have Interest in Youth Sports? 38:58 - How to Make Partnerships Not Feel Like an Ad40:30 - How to Marry the Physical & Digital to Unlock Scale42:59 - Empowering Local Brands in Youth Sports Get your tickets to our Youth Sports Business Conference in Philadelphia from April 14th-15th: https://events.buyingsandlot.com/summit-2026 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

Kyle Scott and Kyle Pagan discuss the elite Pathway Schools soccer academy that doesn't have a soccer team. They talk about the continued trend of combining elite education and sports and the innovative approach to development. Later Tyler Kreitz, CEO of Focus on the Field, comes on to talk about his LinkedIn rant against the current state of the youth sports industry, breakdown his observations, and the importance of trust and ownership when you're developing a product or are an operator in the industry. 0:00 - Intro 0:52 - The Elite Soccer Academy With No Soccer Teams10:53 - Sportico Op-Ed Throws Cold Water on the Industry19:03 - A State of Youth Sports Rant32:14 - Could There Be More Local Investment? 40:16 - The Importance of Trust & Ownership45:48 - Playing Youth Sports CzarGet your tickets to our Youth Sports Business Conference in Philadelphia from April 14th-15th: https://events.buyingsandlot.com/summit-2026 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

Kyle & Kyle talk about the importance of the collection, input, and verifiability of data as the SaaS disruption of youth sports continues. Plus they talk about how AI can help interoperability between platform market leaders and breakdown a football prospect's AI highlight video that's going viral and it's effect on the industry. Later an interview with Greg Manarik, CEO of Koomba, talks about his platform that connects youth athletes with sports psychologists and performance coaches. The conversation highlights the trends he sees in youth athlete mental performance, retention from investment, data sharing to reduce burnout, and the technology used to enhance athlete performance.0:00 - Intro6:07 - How Koomba is Helping Youth Athlete Mental Performance15:15 - The SaaS Disruption!26:47 - How AI Can Help Interoperability32:10 - A High School Recruit's Viral AI Highlights38:11 - Koomba Partnership Gives Access to 30k New Customers41:21 - Koomba's Goal for Athlete's Mental Performance45:20 - What Sports Does Koomba's Athletes Play?46:28 - Difference Between Mental Skills & Sports Psychology48:11 - Clubs That Invest in Mental Performance See Retention49:29 - Koomba's Business Model53:47 - Thoughts on Expanding Customer Focus55:44 - The Future of KoombaGet your tickets to our Youth Sports Business Conference in Philadelphia from April 14th-15th: https://events.buyingsandlot.com/summit-2026Follow Us:Subscribe to the Newsletter: https://www.buyingsandlot.com/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/buying-sandlot/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/buyingsandlotTikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@buyingsandlot

Brandi Dowell Co-Founded The Bennett School, an elite baseball academy in Texas, because she was tired of the archaic school system. Using The Alpha School's 2 Hour Learning Model TBS utilizes AI-powered curriculum so student athletes don't have to spend six hours a day in the classroom. Instead they develop their baseball skills most of the day and get dinners with family back. We talk to Dowell about the AI curriculum that has student-athletes learning 6x faster than peers, student's day-to-day, the baseball facilities, self-funding the school, and tech they’re using to track verifiable data for the next level. Stick around after the interview as we react to the cutting edge ideas the mom and Texas commodities trader discussed.0:00 - Welcome to Buying Sandlot1:10 - How Students Only Need to Learn 2 Hours a Day6:25 - What is The Bennett School's Objective9:59 - Student's Day-to-Day11:28 - Students are Learning 6x Faster Than Peers14:10 - How Sports Fills the Gaps16:34 - How the AI Curriculum Challenges Students18:28 - The Baseball Facilities21:11 - How They Track Player Data for Scouts/Coaches22:59 - What's the Future of The Bennett School?25:15 -An Elite SELF-FUNDED Baseball Academy + Tuition Costs28:33 - Reactions to Interview + IMG Academy35:18 - IMG Academy's Focus on School37:50 - How The Bennett School is Capitalizing on Youth Sports Trends41:16 - Reacting to the Learning Development Approach44:17 - The Consolidation of Sports Academies Will be WILD!46:40 - Examining a Company Vertically Integrating from Youth to Pro50:20 - Parents Continue to Take Youth Sports BackGet your tickets to our Youth Sports Business Conference in Philadelphia from April 14th-15th: https://events.buyingsandlot.com/summit-2026Follow Us:Subscribe to the Newsletter: https://www.buyingsandlot.com/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/buying-sandlot/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/buyingsandlotTikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@buyingsandlot

Rick Abbott has over 25 years working for the most iconic brands in sports like ESPN, NBC, and Formula 1 and is a former CEO of Cooperstown All-Star Village with Unrivaled Sports. A certified stick and ball guy Rick tells us why he's bullish on softball and the impact of major networks like ESPN on youth sports. We also talk about the Savannah Bananas youth approach, the needs for major brands to reinvest in grassroot sports, and the gives his thoughts on the recently popular "Norway Model". 0:00 - Intro3:38 - Why Rick is Bullish on Softball13:34 - How ESPN can Make Softball a Valuable Property14:32 - ESPN and LLWS Relationship16:40 - Streamers Future in Youth Sports 21:16 - The Concerns Around Youth Gambling24:16 - The Softball Facility Conundrum25:50 - Banana Ball or Little League Ball?37:34 - The Mental Toll on Youth Baseball Players40:47 - How NIL is Transforming High School Recruiting44:10 - Do Youth Sports Parents Get a Bad Rap? 47:47 - Can the Norway Model Work in the U.S.?53:23 - The Importance of Major Brand SponsorshipsGet your tickets to our Youth Sports Business Conference in Philadelphia from April 14th-15th: https://events.buyingsandlot.com/summit-2026Follow Us:Subscribe to the Newsletter: https://www.buyingsandlot.com/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/buying-sandlot/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/buyingsandlotTikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@buyingsandlot

Kyle Pagan, Kyle Scott, and James Kratch discuss tech and businesses improving safety protocols following a tragic shooting at a youth hockey game, LiveBarn's complex case of video copyright, and USA Volleyball ending it's deal with SportsEngine, which brings out the Sale-O-Meter.0:00 - Intro: Grab Tix to the Buying Sandlot Summit1:59 - The Business Case for Improving Safety after a Youth Hockey Tragedy12:20 - LiveBarn's Complex Video Copyright Case26:35 - USA Volleyball Ends Deal with SportsEngine28:32 - The SportsEngine Sale-O-Meter Update29:45 - Who Will Replace SportsEngine at USA Volleyball?33:00 ...breaking news about the breaking news36:58 - The Future of Streaming40:55 - We'll be at the Flag World Championships in OrlandoGet your tickets to our Youth Sports Business Conference in Philadelphia from April 14th-15th: https://events.buyingsandlot.com/summit-2026Follow Us:Subscribe to the Newsletter: https://www.buyingsandlot.com/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/buying-sandlot/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/buyingsandlotTikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@buyingsandlot

Norway is dominating the Winter Olympics again, which has people lamenting their youth sports model. Norway emphasizes participation, joy, and multi-sport play, compared to the US system that is focused on competition and elite athletes. Kyle and Kyle argue against the comp while agreeing the US could adopt some of its philosophies. They then shift to Adam Silver's comments on AI's potential to hyper-personalize the sports experiences and argue for live sports experiences piggy-backing off of Barack Obama's comments about sports reminding us about our common humanity. 0:00 - The Norway Model 1:48 - Should the US adopt the Norway Youth Sports Model?17:55 - Adam Silver Thinks AI Will Hyper-Personalize Broadcasts23:30 - Obama's Reminds Us How Big the Sports Opportunity Is25:20 - The Future of AI Broadcasts Get your tickets to our Youth Sports Business Conference in Philadelphia from April 14th-15th: https://events.buyingsandlot.com/summit-2026 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

CURVE Sports enters the youth sports space with a major plan to build "super clubs" and own the baseball player development. More major brands enter the space as HUDL partners with NIKE and further proves that tech and media are starting to intersect. Finally, the NFL taps Tiger Woods' TMRW Ventures to operate their professional men's and women's pro flag football league. 0:00 - New Club Baseball's "Super" Plan18:59 - Big Brands Continue to Partner with the Industry22:12 - Youth Sports Tech 2.029:08 - NFL Picks Pro Flag Leagues PartnerGet your tickets to our Youth Sports Business Conference in Philadelphia from April 14th-15th: https://events.buyingsandlot.com/summit-2026 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

Another day another youth sports business up for sale. This time it's D1 Training who bolsters 175+ facilities, 100,000 scholastic athletes, and over 5 million visitors in the last year. Kyle and Kyle discuss the run of youth sports sales in the last month, where D1's sale fits in the market, and the unbelievable $154.5 Billion youth sports market projection in 2032 (!!!). They then get into GameChanger's massive live-streaming numbers and breakdown HUDL's partnership with Lee Enterprises. Finally, we have a interview with PA Senator Joe Picozzi talking about his $3,000 youth sports tax credit proposal.0:00 - D1 Training is For Sale6:34 - The $154 BILLION Youth Sports Market(!!!)11:22 - Discussing the Viral "Something Big is Happening" X Article13:35 - D1 Training's Position in the Market22:28 - GameChanger's MASSIVE Live-Streaming Numbers30:46 - The Future of Youth Sports Live-Streaming35:10 - HUDL Partners with the Papers38:51 - Apollo's $6 Billion Sports Investment BlitzGet your tickets to our Youth Sports Business Conference in Philadelphia from April 14th-15th: https://events.buyingsandlot.com/summit-2026Follow Us:Subscribe to the Newsletter: https://www.buyingsandlot.com/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/buying-sandlot/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/buyingsandlotTikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@buyingsandlot

Sameer Ahuja, President of GameChanger, joins Buying Sandlot's Kyle Scott to talk about the company's latest product release, adding broadcast features, the future of live-streaming, and they company's expansion into new sports. They also talk about the balance between accessibility and profitability, what the height of the youth sports market cap looks like, and the significance of sponsorship.0:00 - How GameChanger Has Evolved6:30 - Details of GameChanger’s New Product: Video, Broadcast, AI and More12:12 - Expanding into New Sports16:10 - Balancing Accessibility and Profitability18:33 - Unifying the Sports Experience23:40 - Thoughts on Platform Consolidation26:06 - GameChanger's Livestreaming Opportunity31:10 - GameChanger's Long-Term Goals33:38 - How GameChanger Leverages Content38:00 - The Future of Sponsorship in Youth Sports43:10 - Driving Accessibility in Youth Sports46:36 - How Big Can the Youth Sports Market Get?49:51 - Trends and Innovations in Youth SportsThanks to EventConnect for sponsoring the episode. Run your entire tournament on one operating system — or connect the tools you already use. Grow room nights, end spreadsheet chaos, and keep every datapoint in one place with live pace for hotels, impact for CVBs, and a smoother path for families. Check out the Operating System of Youth Sports at https://eventconnectsports.com/Get your tickets to our Youth Sports Business Conference in Philadelphia from April 14th-15th: https://events.buyingsandlot.com/summit-2026Follow Us:Subscribe to the Newsletter: https://www.buyingsandlot.com/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/buying-sandlot/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/buyingsandlotTikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@buyingsandlot

Daniel Himel is the founder of "Happy Baseball" or as it's called on his tax returns - Middle School Matchup. MSM is a unique weekend tournament for middle school baseball players in areas that do not have formal middle school teams. Over 50,000 kids in 300 cities have participated and it's getting bigger and bigger each year. We talk to Dan why they only play twice a year, how do they spot good locations, his franchise model, the Savannah Bananas recent news, and if he's expanding into other sports. Check out Middle School Matchup here: https://www.middleschoolmatchup.com/0:00 - Brand New Speakers Announced for the Buying Sandlot Summit 5:20 - Kyle & Kyle's Thoughts on Middle School Matchup17:22 - What is Middle School Matchup?20:30 - How does MSM spot good locations? 21:28 - How does MSM Decide When to Schedule Tourneys?23:28 - What is MSM's Franchise Model look like? 28:43 - Why they can't have more tournaments... 30:11 - Will MSM have to compete with the Savannah Bananas? 32:59 - Will they expand into other sports? Get your tickets to our Youth Sports Business Conference in Philadelphia from April 14th-15th: https://events.buyingsandlot.com/summit-2026 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

Parents pay 1.5 times more attention to brands that sponsor their child’s youth team than to brands sponsoring professional sports teams. - YouGov Sport and Priority Partnerships ReportWe talk about the developing landscape of youth sports sponsorship as some major brands are pivoting from advertising in pro sports. We also touch on how teams, tech platforms, and leagues are taking advantage of it, how it will effect the cost of clubs, and how major brands could utilize it to their advantage. Later Madison Gates, VP of Marketing at I9 Sports, discusses the "Gains are for the Girls" campaign, the impact of NIL and Title IX, and the challenges of maintaining participation as girls transition into their teenage years.0:00 - Researcher Unlocks Future Gold Medal Winners? 4:50 - The Major Shift in Youth Sports Sponsorships9:42 - Youth Sponsorship with Club Teams14:22 - Youth Sponsorship with Tech Platforms 21:05 - Youth Sponsorships with Major Brands 22:44 - "Gains are for the Girls" campaign w/ Madison Gates from i9 Sports26:57 - The Impact of NIL and Title IX29:03 - The Role of Coaches and Role Models Play30:31 - How i9 Helps Drive the USA's Youth Participation GoalsGet your tickets to our Youth Sports Business Conference in Philadelphia from April 14th-15th: https://events.buyingsandlot.com/summit-2026 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

Kyle Scott and Kyle Pagan discuss the industry's reaction to The Savannah Bananas' "new frontier", youth baseball and speculate what that launch will entail. They then talk about Joon Lee's video, "The $40 Billion Industry Built on 8-Year Olds" breaking down the impact of private equity on youth sports and discuss the narratives the media sometimes cherrypicks while acknowledging the challenges parents face to give their kids the best opportunities and experiences possible.Get your tickets to our Youth Sports Business Conference in Philadelphia from April 14th-15th: https://events.buyingsandlot.com/summit-2026Follow Us:Subscribe to the Newsletter: https://www.buyingsandlot.com/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/buying-sandlot/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/buyingsandlotTikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@buyingsandlot

Frank Decembrino is the CEO of Clubhouse Partners Inc., a platform that owns, finances, operates, and supports elite youth baseball and softball programs. In this episode, Frank talks about how they grow clubs they invest in alongside talented operators, baseball's facility needs, different approaches to specialization, and how an MLB Strike would effect youth baseball.0:00 - Frank's journey from facilities to club operator7:21 - How Clubhouse Partners invests in clubs and operators14:41 - Are parents evolving with specialization?19:06 - The future of data in baseball recruiting33:47 - Monetizing the sports facility model in a different way56:26 - MLB Strike's impact on youth sportsGet your tickets to our Youth Sports Business Conference in Philadelphia from April 14th-15th: https://events.buyingsandlot.com/summit-2026Follow Us:Subscribe to the Newsletter: https://www.buyingsandlot.com/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/buying-sandlot/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/buyingsandlotTikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@buyingsandlot

Kyle Scott and Kyle Pagan discuss the Savannah Banana's owner Jesse Cole announcing the organization's launch into youth sports and the goal of 1 million youth athletes. Perfect Game's Chairman, Rick Thurman, provides an inside look at their international expansion plan. Finally, GTCR LLC is rumored to be acquiring LiveBarn for $400 million. Will this be able to compete with GameChanger? What would the sale mean for SportsEngine's price tag?00:00: The Savannah Bananas youth sports launch09:46: Inside Perfect Game's international expansion19:37: LiveBarn's rumored acquisition: What does it mean for SportsEngine?Get your tickets to our Youth Sports Business Conference in Philadelphia from April 14th-15th: https://events.buyingsandlot.com/summit-2026 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

Flag football nabbed a massive win when the NCAA added women’s flag football to the Emerging Sports for Women program. Kyle Pagan makes a prediction based off of this news and the guys discuss what the future for flag may hold. OttoSport AI launches to much fanfare and Kyle Scott gives his thoughts on how the platform fresh off of $16.5 seed round will fare vs. others. Finally, PlayerData CCO, Jess Brodsky, talks with Pagan to discuss the new PlayerData x MITRE partnership and creating the first ever GPS-enabled connected soccer ball.0:00 - Flag football's massive win22:19 - OttoSport AI enters the Tech platform wars35:00 - Interview w/ PlayerData CCO - Jess BrodskyGet your tickets to our Youth Sports Business Conference in Philadelphia from April 14th-15th: https://events.buyingsandlot.com/summit-2026 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

"Parent pushback on specialization will increase.""Youth sports tech companies will expand internationally.""Sportstainment is set to grow."Kyle Pagan and Kyle Scott are joined by Buying Sandlot contributor, James Kratch, to go over their 2026 youth sports predictions. The crew predict youth sports tech companies will expand internationally, an elite high school football platform will be launched, governments will start tackling the accessibility and affordability issue, the trend of organized pickup competition heats up, parents pushback against specialization, and the Supreme Court will hear a Title IX case where the outcome will benefit some sports losing youth participation. They finish with their predictions in sportstainment, the potential for youth sports credit cards for parents, and athlete wallets that could revolutionize the industry.Get your tickets to our Youth Sports Business Conference in Philadelphia from April 14th-15th: https://events.buyingsandlot.com/summit-20260:00 - Youth Sports Predictions 2026 3:11 - Youth Sports Expand Internationally 6:11 - An Elite High School Football Platform Launches 10:11 - Governments Will Tackle Accessibility and Affordability 14:20 - Organized Pickup Competition Becomes a Hot Trend 21:57 - Parents Begin to Pushback on Specialization 26:42 - The Supreme Court Will Hear a Title IX-based Challenge to the House Settlement 35:23 - Sportstainment Grows 46:40 - Congress Will Pass at Least One Piece of Youth Sports-related Legislation 48:40 - Flag Football and Volleyball Infrastructure Increase 51:20 - Versant Will Partially Sell SportsEngine 58:45 - A Youth Sports Credit Card and Athlete Wallets Will be Introduced

Kyle Pagan and Kyle Scott dive into the latest study that youth golf participation is surging compared to flag football, companies and politicians are trying to increase sports equipment accessibility, and they react to a viral youth hockey brawl at the Hershey Bears game.Get your tickets to our Youth Sports Business Conference in Philadelphia from April 14th-15th: https://events.buyingsandlot.com/summit-20260:00 - Youth Golf Participation is surging8:46 - Companies are trying to end the Youth Sports equipment access problem17:25 - Viral Mites on Ice Brawl