Buying Sandlot: The Business of Youth Sports

Kyle Scott starts off with something that's been bothering him about business leaders in youth sports and their use of AI. They then dive into the merger of two youth baseball organizations, Prep Baseball and Bullpen Tournaments, and wonder if consolidation will be a youth sports trend in 2026? They then discuss the sports facilities arms race heating up, the larger than life economics, and what the outcome of boom will result in down the line. They also delve into the report from Bloomberg of KKR's acquisition of Arctos Partners apparently being inaccurate and finish with the importance of branding in the youth sports sector. Get your tickets to our Youth Sports Business Conference in Philadelphia from April 14th-15th: https://events.buyingsandlot.com/summit-20260:00 - Introduction to Youth Sports Business Trends6:10 - Kyle's Gripe with Youth Sports Business Leaders and AI11:55 - Is there a trend in 2026 for consolidation in Youth Sports?18:57 - The Youth Sports Facilities Arms Race is heating up!27:40 - KKR acquires Arctos Partners...or do they?

Rob Ponger, CEO of Perfect Game, wants the company to be the next Jordan Brand! He discusses the evolution of the company from a tournament-focused organization to a comprehensive brand that includes media properties like PerfectGame.tv, merchandise collabs with Adidas and Bruce Bolt, and data analytics on their DiamondKast platform. He emphasizes the importance of creating elite experiences for all players and the growing opportunities for sponsorship in youth sports. The conversation also touches on cultural shifts in youth baseball, the role of data in player development, and the potential for international expansion. Ponger shares insights on the future of youth sports and the importance of providing a great experience for families.Get your tickets to our Youth Sports Business Conference in Philadelphia from April 14th-15th: https://events.buyingsandlot.com/summit-20260:00: Introduction to Perfect Game and CEO Rob Ponger2:44: Evolution of Perfect Game: From Tournaments to Media5:37: Challenges in Evolving the Perfect Game Brand8:46: Creating Elite Experiences for All Players11:38: The Intersection of Media and Brand Building14:36: Sponsorship Opportunities in Youth Sports17:41: The Role of Data and Analytics in Player Development20:11: Cultural Shifts in Youth Baseball23:07: The Future of Scouting and Player Metrics26:01: International Expansion and Opportunities28:51: The Importance of Experience in Youth Sports31:56: Future Trends in Youth Sports34:57: Conclusion and Future AspirationsFollow 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

In this episode of Buying Sandlot Kyle Pagan and Kyle Scott discuss the evolving landscape of youth sports, focusing on GameChanger's expansion into basketball, the implications of the streaming wars, and the integration of AI in sports highlights. They also delve into the financial dynamics surrounding Versant and SportsEngine, exploring the potential for consolidation in the youth sports tech market.Get your tickets to our Youth Sports Business Conference in Philadelphia from April 14th-15th: https://events.buyingsandlot.com/summit-20260:00 - The Youth Sports Business Conference is Coming!2:37 GameChanger expands into Basketball!6:30 The Youth Sports Streaming Wars are HERE!12:25 AI Highlights and Youth Sports Engagement19:42 Versant's volatility while SportsEngine hangs in the balance!27:10 Reflections on Youth SportsFollow 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 is joined by Jeran Fraser, founder of Flag 50, a live scoring and league management platform for flag football. They discuss the unique challenges faced in youth sports, the importance of technology in improving scoring and league management, and the potential of AI in sports tech. Jeran shares insights on building a lean team, funding strategies, and the future of sports technology, including data portability and the value of collectibles in youth sports.Chapters:00:05 - Introducing Flag50 and the Future of Sports Tech00:52 - Introduction to the Buying Sandlot Summit16:21 - Exploring the Future of Flag Football Technology21:02 - The Evolution of Tournament Technology26:35 - The Future of Data Portability in Sports36:41 - The Rise of Digital Collectibles in Sports 44:12 - Navigating Success in Unique Market SpacesLinks:https://flag50.com/Subscribe to Buying Sandlot:https://www.buyingsandlot.com/Follow Kyle on LinkedIn:https://www.linkedin.com/in/kylelaskowski/

Kyle is joined by Adam Geisler, co-founder and CEO of Youth Athletes United. Adam introduces Youth Athletes United innovative approach to youth sports through franchising. Adam talks about the mission of YAU, which focuses on providing high-quality, age-appropriate sports programs that cater to over a million children annually across the United States. The discussion delves into the significance of professionalizing recreational experiences for youth, emphasizing the necessity of quality coaching resources and the unique role of franchising in expanding youth sports participation at the grassroots level. Adam highlights the organization's portfolio, which includes popular brands such as Soccer Stars and Amazing Athletes, and talks about the vision of instilling a sense of athleticism in every child, thereby fostering a lifelong love for sports. Furthermore, the conversation explores the strategic planning behind YAU's expansion into various sports and the importance of community-based locations in enhancing accessibility to sports for families.Chapters00:00 - Introduction to Youth Athletes United03:02 - Introduction to Youth Sports Business Opportunities09:45 - The Importance of Professional Coaching in Youth Sports20:18 - Consolidation in Youth Sports27:29 - Consolidation and Technology Investment32:45 - Transitioning to Franchise Sales Strategies35:30 - The Evolution of Youth Sports Franchising41:12 - The Rise of Youth Sports: Trends and Opportunities46:06 - Impacting Youth Through Sports: A New ApproachLinks:https://www.linkedin.com/in/adam-geisler-1442697https://www.youthathletesunited.com/Subscribe to Buying Sandlot:https://www.buyingsandlot.com/Follow Kyle on LinkedIn:https://www.linkedin.com/in/kylelaskowski/

Kyle is joined by Ruben Amaro, co-founder of Sluggball and former Phillies GM. They discuss the innovative game of Sluggball, its relevance to baseball, and the importance of situational hitting. Amaro emphasizes the need to introduce Sluggball to high school players to enhance their skills and enjoyment of the game. The discussion also covers the balance between fun and competition in youth sports, the significance of teamwork, and the role of specialization in developing young athletes. Amaro shares insights from his experience with the Philly Bandits and the importance of providing opportunities for youth in sports.Links:https://www.playsluggball.com/Subscribe to Buying Sandlot:https://www.buyingsandlot.com/Follow Kyle on LinkedIn:https://www.linkedin.com/in/kylelaskowski/

Kyle is joined by Reed Schaffner, CTO of TeamSnap. They discuss the launch of TeamSnap ONE, a comprehensive platform for youth sports management. Reed shares insights on live streaming, highlight generation, sponsorship opportunities, coaching resources, predictive scheduling, and the integration of various tools to enhance user experience. The conversation highlights the importance of making technology accessible for volunteer coaches and the future vision for youth sports technology.Links:https://www.teamsnap.com/Subscribe to Buying Sandlot:https://www.buyingsandlot.com/Follow Kyle on LinkedIn:https://www.linkedin.com/in/kylelaskowski/

Kyle is joined by Brian Litvack, co-founder and CEO of LeagueApps. discussing the evolution and future of youth sports technology. They explore the role of AI in enhancing sports management, the challenges of competition and consolidation in the industry, and the importance of community engagement. Brian shares insights on investment trends, the necessity for innovative revenue models, and the critical role parents play in shaping youth sports experiences. The discussion emphasizes the need for a focus on participation and enjoyment in youth sports, aiming for a more inclusive and impactful future.Links:https://leagueapps.com/https://www.linkedin.com/in/brianlitvackSubscribe to Buying Sandlot:https://www.buyingsandlot.com/Follow Kyle on LinkedIn:https://www.linkedin.com/in/kylelaskowski/

Kyle is joined by John Stewart, CEO of Fastbreak AI. John discusses the evolution of youth sports technology and the challenges faced in scheduling for both professional and youth sports. He shares insights on how Fastbreak AI aims to unify fragmented youth sports technology, the importance of brand engagement through sponsorship, and the future trends in the industry. The discussion highlights the complexities of scheduling, the need for comprehensive solutions, and the vision for Fastbreak AI's growth in the sports tech landscape.Links:https://www.fastbreak.ai/https://www.swoop.ai/https://www.linkedin.com/in/john-stewart-3528a38Subscribe to Buying Sandlot:https://www.buyingsandlot.com/Follow Kyle on LinkedIn:https://www.linkedin.com/in/kylelaskowski/

Kyle is joined by Mike Rolih, founder of GoRout. Mike shares his journey from coaching to founding GoRout, a visual wearable communication platform designed to enhance communication between coaches and players in sports. He discusses the challenges of communication in various sports, the competitive landscape, and the importance of data analytics in player development. Mike emphasizes the significance of simplicity in technology for youth sports and outlines GoRout's pricing strategy and future innovations, including AI-driven analytics and integrations.Links:https://gorout.com/https://www.linkedin.com/in/mrolihSubscribe to Buying Sandlot:https://www.buyingsandlot.com/Follow Kyle on LinkedIn:https://www.linkedin.com/in/kylelaskowski/

Kyle is joined by Jordan Baltimore of Empire Baseball, Tyler Kreitz of Focus on the Field, Andy Hayes of Go4, and Dave Yoo of Onsides while at the LeagueApps NextUp event. They discuss what problem each company is looking to solve within youth sports, how companies like are changing the landscape with tech and investments, and close with what they love about the NextUp event.Chapters:00:00 - Introduction to Jordan Baltimore and New York Empire Baseball03:46 - Expanding Beyond Baseball: New Opportunities09:54 - Transitioning to Focus on the Field15:19 - The Importance of Communication in Youth Sports Management23:00 - Navigating the Landscape of Sports Software26:19 - Building a Community of Athletic Trainers30:44 - The Importance of Emergency Action Plans in Youth Sports42:31 - Insights on Youth Sports Technology and Market DynamicsLinks:https://newyorkempirebaseball.org/https://www.focusonthefield.com/https://www.go4.io/https://www.getonsides.com/Subscribe to Buying Sandlot:https://www.buyingsandlot.com/Follow Kyle on LinkedIn:https://www.linkedin.com/in/kylelaskowski/

Kyle is joined by the COO of Hudl. They discuss the evolution of sports technology and its impact on youth sports and explore Hudl's mission to empower teams through innovative video analysis and AI integration, the challenges faced in different sports disciplines, and the importance of automated coaching tools. The balance between fixed and portable equipment, the significance of video in coaching, and the future of youth sports, including trends in investment and monetization opportunities. Matt also talks about Hudl's recent acquisition of Athletic Data Innovations and addresses rumors that the company might go public.Chapters:00:00 Introduction to Huddle and Its Mission03:18 Differentiating Recreational and Analytic Streaming05:14 The Role of AI in Sports Technology09:25 Challenges in Sports Technology Across Different Sports13:28 The Balance of Fixed and Portable Equipment16:25 Understanding Mission Critical Software in Sports19:22 Integrating Video with Player Tracking Data28:23 The Excitement of Youth Sports and Coaching Challenges30:38 Engaging Coaches: Training and Education Strategies33:07 High School Sports: Current Landscape and Future Opportunities36:08 Monetization in Youth Sports: Sponsorship and Revenue Streams39:07 Macro Trends in Youth Sports: Investment and Professionalization42:10 Future of Youth Sports: Predictions and Innovations48:40 Admiring Innovation: Companies Making Waves in Sports TechLinks:https://www.hudl.com/Subscribe to Buying Sandlot:https://www.buyingsandlot.com/Follow Kyle on LinkedIn:https://www.linkedin.com/in/kylelaskowski/

Kyle is joined by Will Bartholomew, Founder of D1 Training. They discuss Will's journey from being a college athlete to building a successful training franchise, the importance of community and collaboration in sports, and the evolution of youth training. Will emphasizes the need for motivation and inspiration in coaching, the benefits of multi-sport participation, and the significance of standardized metrics in athlete development. The conversation also touches on the future of coaching, the role of franchising in business growth, and the importance of maximizing efficiency in training facilities.Chapters00:00 - From Athlete to Entrepreneur: Will's Journey03:54 - Building a Business: Challenges and Growth06:37 - The D1 Experience: Inspiring Young Athletes09:22 -The Importance of Character in Sports Training12:16 -Youth Sports Trends: Enjoyment vs. Competition15:00 -Balancing Specialization and Multi-Sport Training24:38 -The Drive for Excellence in Sports25:16 - Transitioning to a Franchise Model28:55 - Maximizing Efficiency in Training Facilities33:31 - The Importance of a Proven Playbook36:39 -Selecting the Right Franchise Owners39:27 - The Role of Standardized Metrics in Athlete Development46:13 - Future Trends in Coaching and Athlete SupportLinks:https://d1training.com/Subscribe to Buying Sandlot:https://www.buyingsandlot.com/Follow Kyle on LinkedIn:https://www.linkedin.com/in/kylelaskowski/

Kyle is joined by Brent Wall, the founder and CEO of NIL platform Student Athlete Score. He discusses the evolution of NIL opportunities for student-athletes and how his platform aims to empower athletes by providing data-driven insights and connections with brands. He emphasizes the importance of helping the 95% of athletes who may not have access to high-level marketing resources and explores the future of youth athlete branding, the role of sponsorship in Olympic sports, and the B2C opportunities for young athletes. The discussion also highlights the potential of AI in facilitating athlete-brand connections and the changing dynamics of youth sports sponsorship.Chapters:00:07 - Introduction to Brent Wall04:12 - The Emergence of NIL Opportunities for Youth Athletes19:10 - The Influence of Youth Athletes in Marketing29:57 - The Rise of Influencer Culture in Youth SportsLinks:https://www.studentathletescore.com/Subscribe to Buying Sandlot:https://www.buyingsandlot.com/Follow Kyle on LinkedIn:https://www.linkedin.com/in/kylelaskowski/

Kyle is joined by Dave Yoo, Founder of Onsides, an AI-powered youth sports app for overwhelmed parents. Onsides aggregates calendars and contacts from leading youth sports platforms like TeamSnap and SportsEngine into a single user interface so parents have a one-stop-shop for managing and coordinating hectic sports schedules. Dave talks about the idea behind the app, building a parent-first youth sports app, working with modern AI LLMs, and marketing a product in a crowded space.Chapters:00:00 Introduction to Onsides and Its Mission04:36 Features and Functionality of Onsides07:14 Market Interest and Beta Response14:16 Parent-Centric Approach vs. Club-Centric Software16:55 Industry Reactions and Collaboration Opportunities20:00 The Role of AI in Youth Sports Management22:33 Comparative Analysis with Plaid and Slack25:48 Challenges of Adoption and User Experience28:20 Future Roadmap and Team-Level Adoption43:16 The Game Day Concierge: Enhancing Parental Experience43:43 Innovative Features on the Horizon45:11 Ride Share: Simplifying Transportation for Parents49:53 Marketing Strategies for Adoption52:40 Integrating with Existing Platforms55:23 The Role of AI in Data Management01:01:51 User-Centric Design: Reducing Cognitive Load01:01:51 Business Model Insights: Freemium and Advertising OpportunitiesLinks:https://www.getonsides.com/Subscribe to Buying Sandlot:https://www.buyingsandlot.com/Follow Kyle on LinkedIn:https://www.linkedin.com/in/kylelaskowski/

Kyle is joined by Rob DeSalvo, the President of North America for sports streaming leader Pixellot. They power over 600k high school events each year through their partnership with the NFHS network and now lean heavily into the consumer side of the business with portable streaming tech. Rob discusses the differences between B2B and B2C relationships, custom solutions for different sports, infrastructure challenges and solutions, the investment market, and advertising solutions in youth sports streaming.Chapters:00:00 Introduction to Pixellot and Rob DeSalvo's Background04:16 The Role of AI in Sports Technology06:53 Business Models: B2B vs B2C09:41 Market Trends and Customer Expectations12:34 Custom Solutions for Different Sports15:32 Industry Consolidation and Future Outlook17:58 Strategic Partnerships and Acquisitions21:02 Consumer Engagement and Streaming Adoption25:12 Challenges in Adopting Streaming Technology25:45 Opportunities in the Sports Streaming Market27:06 Overcoming Hurdles for Smaller Facilities28:31 Infrastructure Challenges in Outdoor Fields30:09 Diverse Infrastructure Needs Across Age Groups31:33 Investor Interest in Sports Technology32:31 The Future of Sports Streaming and Advertising35:49 Monetizing Eyeballs in Youth Sports40:45 Admiring Industry Innovators42:58 Future Tech in Sports StreamingLinks:https://www.pixellot.tv/Subscribe to Buying Sandlot:https://www.buyingsandlot.com/Follow Kyle on LinkedIn:https://www.linkedin.com/in/kylelaskowski/

Kyle is joined by Vince Russomagno, Owner and CEO of All-Star Sports Academy, which owns baseball and softball facilities throughout the Philly area and plans to expand through acquisition up and down the East Coast. Vince talks about what makes All-Star different, his plans for expansion, the importance of consistency in coaching baseball, and the overall youth sports landscape.Chapters:00:09 - Introduction to Vince Russomagno06:05 - Introduction to All Star Sports Academy08:26 - Transitioning to New Ventures16:00 - The Human Element in Sports Training19:53 - The Impact of Technology on Youth Sports26:32 - Acquisition Strategy and Business Culture31:41 - Navigating the Challenges of Youth Sports36:10 - Integration of Technology in Youth Sports Training40:10 - Understanding Youth Sports Development46:19 - Parental Expectations in Youth Sports52:50 - Navigating the Sale Process in Business56:41 - Transitioning in Youth Sports: The Importance of Operational CapabilitiesLinks:https://allstarsportsacademy.com/Subscribe to Buying Sandlot:https://www.buyingsandlot.com/Follow Kyle on LinkedIn:https://www.linkedin.com/in/kylelaskowski/

Kyle is joined by David Rudolph, CEO of PlayOn Sports, a leader in high school sports streaming, ticketing, and information with NFHS Network, GoFan, and MaxPreps. David discusses the evolution of streaming in high school sports, the growth of digital ticketing, and the significance of the MaxPreps acquisition as a platform for high school sports information. He shares insights on audience demographics, monetization strategies, and why AI is so important to achieving scale in youth and amateur sports. He also speaks candidly on the increasing investor interest in youth sports and the potential for innovation in this fragmented market.Chapters00:00 Introduction to PlayOn and David Rudolph02:49 Evolution of Streaming in High School Sports05:41 The Role of Digital Ticketing and GoFan09:01 MaxPreps Acquisition and Its Impact11:53 Understanding the Audience of High School Sports14:53 Monetization Strategies and Sponsorship Opportunities17:54 The Future of Local vs. National Sponsorships20:55 PlayOn's Position in the Sports Ecosystem23:46 The Importance of AI in Sports Technology26:42 Future Directions and Innovations for PlayOn29:36 Investor Interest in Youth Sports32:42 Innovations in the Youth Sports Space35:33 Conclusion and Future OutlookLinks:https://www.playonsports.com/https://nfhsnetwork.playonsports.com/overviewhttps://maxpreps.playonsports.com/overviewhttps://gofan.playonsports.com/homeSubscribe to Buying Sandlot:https://www.buyingsandlot.com/Follow Kyle on LinkedIn:https://www.linkedin.com/in/kylelaskowski/

Kyle Scott is joined by Tony Caudill, cofounder of Duesy, a “text-first” payments and communication platform for youth sports clubs and tournaments. Tony is a two-time payments startup founder and began working on Duesy when he saw a clear need for a better payments solution in the youth sports ecosystem.Chapters:00:00 - Introduction to Youth Sports Business08:17 - Introduction to Doozy and Its Origins11:22 - Introduction of Digital Ticketing in Youth Sports26:17 - The Importance of Branding in Youth Sports28:15 - The Power of Data in Youth Sports40:01 - Navigating the Second Time Around: Lessons from ExperienceLinks:https://www.justduesyme.com/Subscribe to Buying Sandlot:https://www.buyingsandlot.com/Follow Kyle on LinkedIn:https://www.linkedin.com/in/kylelaskowski/