Youth Sports & Recreation
Youth sports leagues, travel ball, tournaments, and recreation facilities
What PE Ownership Means for This Industry
$3,000-$10,000/season
PE is turning youth sports into a pay-to-play system that excludes working families
PE-backed tournament organizers, travel ball companies, and training facilities have driven youth sports costs to $3,000-$10,000 per season, pricing out working-class families.
Source: NYT, Aspen Institute, 2023 →
60% of youth athletes quit by age 13
Burnout and injury rates rise as PE-backed programs push year-round training
PE-driven commercialization pushes year-round specialization, increasing overuse injuries and burnout. 70% of kids quit organized sports by age 13.
Source: Aspen Institute Project Play, 2023
PE-Owned Brands
Club Pilates / Xponential Fitness
Bruckmann Rosser Sherrill-backed franchise platform operating Club Pilates, CycleBar, StretchLab, YogaSix, and more
3 locations tracked
GameChanger (DICK'S / Vista)
Youth sports scoring and communication app, part of Vista Outdoor's PE-acquisition ecosystem
3 locations tracked
i9 Sports
Owned by Roark Capital
Youth sports franchise with 1,000+ programs, owned by Roark Capital through Youth Enrichment Brands
4 locations tracked
IMG Academy
Owned by Apollo Global Management
Elite sports academy and boarding school in Bradenton, FL. Apollo-backed Endeavor subsidiary charging $80K+/year tuition
4 locations tracked
Perfect Game
Largest amateur baseball scouting service, acquired by Bain Capital. Hosts national showcases and tournaments with rising registration fees
4 locations tracked
SafeSplash Swim School
Owned by Roark Capital
Swim lesson franchise with 150+ locations, owned by Roark Capital through Youth Enrichment Brands
9 locations tracked
School of Rock
Owned by Roark Capital
Music education franchise with 300+ locations, owned by Roark Capital through Youth Enrichment Brands
6 locations tracked
Sky Zone
Indoor trampoline park chain with 200+ locations. Circusof PE ownership changes
3 locations tracked
Topgolf
Technology-driven golf entertainment venues. Merged with Callaway (now Topgolf Callaway Brands). PE investment drove rapid expansion
8 locations tracked