A $40 Billion Problem: Is Big Money Ruining Youth Sports?

Youth sports is now a $40 billion business. Is that a good thing?

Mike Vorkunov talks to former New York Times columnist Harvey Araton about how youth sports has changed as it became a big business with heavy investment from private equity. There's more money to be made now, but is that good for the kids and parents involved?

Harvey's novel on the pressures of youth sports — The Goal of the Game — will come out later this month. You can pre-order it here: https://www.koehlerbooks.com/book/the-goal-of-the-game/

Also, Harvey shares stories from his time covering the NBA, including how a story he wrote after talking to Karl Malone made Magic Johnson retire again.

The Reading List:

Youth Sports Are a $40 Billion Business. Private Equity Is Taking Notice. https://www.nytimes.com/2025/07/09/business/youth-sports-private-equity.html

Inside the Booming Business of Youth Sports Apps https://www.theinformation.com/articles/moneyball-minors-inside-booming-business-youth-sports-apps

Wall Street Is Paywalling Your Kids’ Sports https://www.levernews.com/wall-street-is-paywalling-your-kids-sports/