Youth sports are a $40 billion business in the United States, with revenue now reaching almost double that of the NFL per year. As costs continue to rise, families struggle to afford keeping their children involved in sports activities. According to the 2020 United States census, there are more than 50 million children in the U.S. between six and 17 years old. The National Survey of Children’s Health reports that over half are enrolled in some type of sports program.

Parents continue to pay that price while less than 1% of children ever play at the professional level. Private equity firms have realized the capital youth sports can generate. Since 2019, Youth Sports costs have increased over 46%, with families spending an average of over $1,400 per year.

Historically, youth sports programs were community-focused and run by volunteers rather than paid employees. Recreational programs are seasonal and typically have a lower one-time fee. Today, elite travel programs have risen even in smaller communities.

Elite programs are a much more expensive option for families. Driven by the fear of their children missing out, parents are more willing to take measures such as taking on credit card debt or even taking out second mortgages to pay. Club teams usually charge monthly tuition, are year-round, and often require travel fees. Travel costs can quickly add up with weekend-long hotel stays, potential airfare, or long-distance driving costs.

The fear that their children are missing out adds to the pressure parents are facing when deciding which program best meets their child’s needs. Julie Spicer, a mother with two children in sports, said, “There is the fear of them missing out socially and physically. Sports has become all so consuming that much of kids’ free time is spent with their team; that’s where friendships and relationships are forming. There is also the fear of your child falling behind if they skip a year.”

School programs have felt the need to make sports more accessible for their students. By the time children are old enough to play sports in the public school system, many are feeling behind. Children in elite programs have more opportunities to hone their skills from a far younger age. This fuels anxiety and pressure on parents, causing fear of their children missing out or not being able to make the cut at team tryouts.

Riverview Community Schools Athletic Director Derrick DiBrano emphasized the positive impact that sports have on students. “They learn how to deal with adversity and work together,” DiBrano said. “I think there’s more positives for it. Kids interacting together and having a place, whether it’s football or a running club, they find something to do and get that energy out.”

Many praise the impact that sports has on young athletes. Spicer said, “Participating in sports helps children gain confidence, navigate social settings, and build strong moral character, leading to traits such as accountability, responsibility, integrity and leadership.” Playing sports also helps children prepare for college by creating a strong work ethic, problem-solving abilities, dependability, and time management.

However, price tags don’t always match program benefits. Spicer states, “I do believe that many of the benefits can be attained at even low levels of sports, but at what point do you tell your child they cannot advance if they have the opportunity to do so? Aside from the culture in which many parents believe their child is the next professional athlete, there comes a time where if your child excels at a sport and you cannot afford the high level of play that comes with it, there is no team for your child. They are not getting the benefits that come with growing, learning, and competing.”

Youth sports costs continue to increase overall, especially for basketball. According to Project Play, basketball parents have spent 105% more to keep their kids in the sport than five years ago. Baseball continues to top the list as the most expensive sport for youth to participate in. In 2019, the average cost of a baseball program sat at around $600. Today, that cost has increased to $1,100 for one child, not including extra fees. Prices don’t only vary from sport to sport, but location as well.

Urban community families can expect to pay around $100 more annually than those living in the suburbs. Declining third spaces, like parks and community centers, also add a shortage of facilities to rent, making the demand higher and more costly.

Katie Schroeder, the President of the Huron Junior Chiefs Football and Cheer Organization, said, “We spend $8,000 to $10,000 for two kids, and that’s being generous. It’s likely higher with equipment/food.” Spicer similarly reported, “With all costs associated, for 2 children, our family spends around $10,000 annually on youth sports.”

While fundraising is pushed as a way to help families financially, it isn’t always enough. “We fundraise when we can, however, you can only sell so many squares to the same people,” said Schroeder.

Unfortunately, students from lower-income households are less likely to receive the same sports opportunities. Riverview Schools are taking steps to address the deficit. DiBrano said, “I think it really depends. What you’re seeing a lot in schools is they’re trying to help that part out. For us, we have a Middle School Soccer Club for those students who may not have the money or time to get to a club practice. I think schools are absorbing some of this to try to give kids opportunities. In the summer, we have camp for our volleyball program, and let kids get a touch so that they can get introduced to the sport.”

Adding to the pressure from elite programs, specific sport selection is happening at a younger age than in previous generations. Because elite travel programs run year-round, this leaves little time to try different sports.

“I love that our kids are multi-sport athletes, and I don’t want them to feel pressured to choose just one sport at their ages. Studies show the benefits of delaying specialization in a single sport, but that’s an entirely different conversation,” Schroeder said. “But when did youth sports become such a year-round, all-consuming commitment? I want my kids to have every opportunity to do what they love, but I also don’t want us to be so busy making memories at the fields that we forget to make them at home.”

Sports schedules also have families constantly on the go. Practices, tournaments, and other mandatory events pack in afternoons and weekends. Many rely on carpooling and seeking help from family members.

Schroeder stated, “We also sacrifice a lot. Family dinners, lazy weekends, movie nights, spontaneous plans. Just being home together without somewhere we need to be. We even sold our cabin on the lake last year because we did not have the time to head up north to enjoy it.”

As private equity continues to increase sports costs, lawmakers have taken action. In May, the Let Kids Play Act was introduced. The goal is to ban private equity firms from owning or controlling youth sports teams and facilities. Congressman Pat Ryan, along with Monopoly Busters Caucus Co-Chairs, including Representatives Chris Deluzio, Angie Craig, and Pramila Jayapal, led the charge, with sponsorship from Senator Chris Murphy. If the bill is passed, all private equity firms will have to divest their stakes in youth sports within two years unless they comply with anti-abuse regulations.

Another key takeaway of the bill is the financial penalties. It would require full refunds to be given to families who were subjected to predatory fees. The bill would establish a federal Youth Sports Fund, financed by the penalties acquired to help support those affected.

Congressman Ryan said, “Team sports are supposed to be the first place our kids learn teamwork, discipline, and community. Instead, it’s become a cash grab for Wall Street investors to make another buck while our kids miss out on this fundamental part of American childhood.”

Financial predatory practices are not the only issue private equity has brought to young athletes. Even with safeguards like the Children’s Online Privacy Protection Act (COPPA), firms find ways to sell children’s data under false pretenses. Claiming they provide “educational services,” these loopholes allow data to be collected from tournament and sports team app platforms. Algorithms then push higher-priced programs to those willing to pay more for sports or pay in full. This predatory method targets ads to families such as private coaching, camps, and more.

Whether or not the Let Kids Play Act scores in Washington remains to be seen. Overall, families hope prices drop and more sports become accessible if the bill passes. It is currently with the Committee on Banking, Housing, and Urban Affairs.