Congress Scrutinizes Private Equity's Role in Youth Sports Amid Rising Costs

A bipartisan committee on Capitol Hill scrutinized the role of private equity in youth sports on Tuesday, a potential sign that Congress could be inching closer to intervening.

The hearing, titled "Field of Fees: Private Equity's Role in the Commercialization of American Youth Sports," comes as Wall Street continues to expand its presence in youth sports. Lawmakers from both political parties expressed alarm at the trend, while appearing to look for solutions to avoid price hikes to youth participation in sports.

"In some markets, consolidation is driving up costs for families while limiting access to more affordable, community-based options," said Rep. Kevin Kiley, chair of the House Early Childhood, Elementary and Secondary Education subcommittee. "The consequences are clear: A widening participation gap."

"The simple reality is that too many children are being priced out. It's not that they lack talent or determination; it's that their families simply cannot afford the rising costs," said Kiley, an independent from California who caucuses with Republicans.

Kiley chaired the hearing three weeks after former New York Giants quarterback Eli Manning's private equity firm Brand Velocity Group announced it would acquire RCX Sports, the company that manages the licenses of the official youth sports programs for professional sports leagues. Kiley said that while some private capital has helped expand access, the committee is concerned with "particular practices that reduce competition, drive up costs and limit access for families."

"Simply put, we should encourage models that expand opportunity, while discouraging practices that leave parents with fewer choices and higher bills," Kiley said.

The Aspen Institute has estimated that youth sports are now a $40 billion industry in the U.S. Private equity has taken notice, with myriad large-scale purchases in recent years. In 2023, what was then private equity firm BPEA EQT purchased the sports-education institution IMG Academy for $1.25 billion. KKR bought Varsity Brands, an apparel maker, for $4.75 billion in 2024.

Rep. Suzanne Bonamici, D-Ore., also expressed concern about the rising investment.

"Youth sports are simply the latest example of how unchecked market power can make everyday opportunities less accessible for families," Bonamici said.

She suggested consideration of increased transparency around fees and business practices, robust antitrust enforcement and increased public investment in community recreation and school-based sports programs to help fill the gap.

Rep. Burgess Owens, R-Utah, a former professional football player, expressed concern that private equity investment in youth sports could lead to a focus on investor return rather than youth opportunity.

"Investment is important, but it's when the mission is our kids, not investors," Owens said. "We're seeing too much of this. We're going to lose the soul of our nation if we don't get this right."

Owens said some investors are "doing it the right way," but said Congress needs to ensure "bad actors" are kept out.

Bryan Finnerty, the founder of High Velocity Sports Group and a witness at the hearing, said private equity investment helped him create a "community sports center focused first and foremost on serving local families."

"I've seen responsible investment strengthen communities by expanding access, improving facilities and creating opportunities for children," he said. "I've also seen business models that prioritize financial extraction over child development ... I don't believe the question is whether private capital belongs in youth sports, I believe the question is whether it remains accountable to the mission of youth sports."