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
10 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
3 locations tracked
Perfect Game
Largest amateur baseball scouting service, acquired by Bain Capital. Hosts national showcases and tournaments with rising registration fees
7 locations tracked
Perfect Game USA
Owned by Bain Capital
Bain Capital acquired Perfect Game, the nation's largest amateur baseball scouting and showcase organization, in 2021. Parents and coaches report significant registration and tournament fee increases post-acquisition. Perfect Game hosts 5,000+ events annually.
0 locations tracked
SafeSplash Swim School
Owned by Roark Capital
Swim lesson franchise with 150+ locations, owned by Roark Capital through Youth Enrichment Brands
8 locations tracked
School of Rock
Owned by Roark Capital
Music education franchise with 300+ locations, owned by Roark Capital through Youth Enrichment Brands
3 locations tracked
Sky Zone
Indoor trampoline park chain with 200+ locations. Circusof PE ownership changes
4 locations tracked
Topgolf
Technology-driven golf entertainment venues. Merged with Callaway (now Topgolf Callaway Brands). PE investment drove rapid expansion
3 locations tracked