The spotlight on youth sports has never been greater. There are new teams, leagues and facilities popping up every day, as well as private equity interest, investments, M&A activity and general (mostly positive) publicity. Youth sports in 2025 is both similar and very, very different than it was in the 1980s, 1990s and 2000s. What’s the saying: “The more things change, the more things stay the same. …”?

Aside from my day job as a partner at Prodigy Search, I am the volunteer athletic director at my local youth organization. I previously was the travel basketball director and have sat on the board. I have coached baseball, basketball and flag football for the last 10-plus years, and my two sons have been involved in youth sports since they’ve been toddlers.

My perspective is unique, if nothing else. Not better than anyone else, but at the very least somewhat informed, yet far from claiming expertise.

All of that said, what is the state of youth sports? The easy answer — not great, but also not completely broken nor beyond repair.........

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