Kyle Scott starts off with something that's been bothering him about business leaders in youth sports and their use of AI. They then dive into the merger of two youth baseball organizations, Prep Baseball and Bullpen Tournaments, and wonder if consolidation will be a youth sports trend in 2026? They then discuss the sports facilities arms race heating up, the larger than life economics, and what the outcome of boom will result in down the line. They also delve into the report from Bloomberg of KKR's acquisition of Arctos Partners apparently being inaccurate and finish with the importance of branding in the youth sports sector.

Get your tickets to our Youth Sports Business Conference in Philadelphia from April 14th-15th: https://events.buyingsandlot.com/summit-2026

0:00 - Introduction to Youth Sports Business Trends

6:10 - Kyle's Gripe with Youth Sports Business Leaders and AI

11:55 - Is there a trend in 2026 for consolidation in Youth Sports?

18:57 - The Youth Sports Facilities Arms Race is heating up!

27:40 - KKR acquires Arctos Partners...or do they?

Rob Ponger, CEO of Perfect Game, wants the company to be the next Jordan Brand! He discusses the evolution of the company from a tournament-focused organization to a comprehensive brand that includes media properties like PerfectGame.tv, merchandise collabs with Adidas and Bruce Bolt, and data analytics on their DiamondKast platform. He emphasizes the importance of creating elite experiences for all players and the growing opportunities for sponsorship in youth sports. The conversation also touches on cultural shifts in youth baseball, the role of data in player development, and the potential for international expansion. Ponger shares insights on the future of youth sports and the importance of providing a great experience for families.

Get your tickets to our Youth Sports Business Conference in Philadelphia from April 14th-15th: https://events.buyingsandlot.com/summit-2026

0:00: Introduction to Perfect Game and CEO Rob Ponger

2:44: Evolution of Perfect Game: From Tournaments to Media

5:37: Challenges in Evolving the Perfect Game Brand

8:46: Creating Elite Experiences for All Players

11:38: The Intersection of Media and Brand Building

14:36: Sponsorship Opportunities in Youth Sports

17:41: The Role of Data and Analytics in Player Development

20:11: Cultural Shifts in Youth Baseball

23:07: The Future of Scouting and Player Metrics

26:01: International Expansion and Opportunities

28:51: The Importance of Experience in Youth Sports

31:56: Future Trends in Youth Sports

34:57: Conclusion and Future Aspirations

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In this episode of Buying Sandlot Kyle Pagan and Kyle Scott discuss the evolving landscape of youth sports, focusing on GameChanger's expansion into basketball, the implications of the streaming wars, and the integration of AI in sports highlights. They also delve into the financial dynamics surrounding Versant and SportsEngine, exploring the potential for consolidation in the youth sports tech market.

0:00 - The Youth Sports Business Conference is Coming!

2:37 GameChanger's expands into Basketball!

6:30 The Youth Sports Streaming Wars are HERE!

12:25 AI Highlights and Youth Sports Engagement

19:42 Versant's Volatile Market while SportsEngine hangs in the balance!

27:10 Reflections on Youth Sports

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Kyle Scott is joined by Jeran Fraser, founder of Flag 50, a live scoring and league management platform for flag football. They discuss the unique challenges faced in youth sports, the importance of technology in improving scoring and league management, and the potential of AI in sports tech. Jeran shares insights on building a lean team, funding strategies, and the future of sports technology, including data portability and the value of collectibles in youth sports.

Chapters:

• 00:05 - Introducing Flag50 and the Future of Sports Tech
• 00:52 - Introduction to the Buying Sandlot Summit
• 16:21 - Exploring the Future of Flag Football Technology
• 21:02 - The Evolution of Tournament Technology
• 26:35 - The Future of Data Portability in Sports
• 36:41 - The Rise of Digital Collectibles in Sports
• 44:12 - Navigating Success in Unique Market Spaces

Links:

https://flag50.com/

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Kyle is joined by Adam Geisler, co-founder and CEO of Youth Athletes United. Adam introduces Youth Athletes United innovative approach to youth sports through franchising. Adam talks about the mission of YAU, which focuses on providing high-quality, age-appropriate sports programs that cater to over a million children annually across the United States. The discussion delves into the significance of professionalizing recreational experiences for youth, emphasizing the necessity of quality coaching resources and the unique role of franchising in expanding youth sports participation at the grassroots level. Adam highlights the organization's portfolio, which includes popular brands such as Soccer Stars and Amazing Athletes, and talks about the vision of instilling a sense of athleticism in every child, thereby fostering a lifelong love for sports. Furthermore, the conversation explores the strategic planning behind YAU's expansion into various sports and the importance of community-based locations in enhancing accessibility to sports for families.

Chapters

00:00 - Introduction to Youth Athletes United

03:02 - Introduction to Youth Sports Business Opportunities

09:45 - The Importance of Professional Coaching in Youth Sports

20:18 - Consolidation in Youth Sports

27:29 - Consolidation and Technology Investment

32:45 - Transitioning to Franchise Sales Strategies

35:30 - The Evolution of Youth Sports Franchising

41:12 - The Rise of Youth Sports: Trends and Opportunities

46:06 - Impacting Youth Through Sports: A New Approach

Links:

https://www.linkedin.com/in/adam-geisler-1442697

https://www.youthathletesunited.com/

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Kyle is joined by Ruben Amaro, co-founder of Sluggball and former Phillies GM. They discuss the innovative game of Sluggball, its relevance to baseball, and the importance of situational hitting. Amaro emphasizes the need to introduce Sluggball to high school players to enhance their skills and enjoyment of the game. The discussion also covers the balance between fun and competition in youth sports, the significance of teamwork, and the role of specialization in developing young athletes. Amaro shares insights from his experience with the Philly Bandits and the importance of providing opportunities for youth in sports.

Links:

https://www.playsluggball.com/

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Kyle is joined by Reed Schaffner, CTO of TeamSnap. They discuss the launch of TeamSnap ONE, a comprehensive platform for youth sports management. Reed shares insights on live streaming, highlight generation, sponsorship opportunities, coaching resources, predictive scheduling, and the integration of various tools to enhance user experience. The conversation highlights the importance of making technology accessible for volunteer coaches and the future vision for youth sports technology.

Links:

https://www.teamsnap.com/

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Kyle is joined by Brian Litvack, co-founder and CEO of LeagueApps. discussing the evolution and future of youth sports technology. They explore the role of AI in enhancing sports management, the challenges of competition and consolidation in the industry, and the importance of community engagement. Brian shares insights on investment trends, the necessity for innovative revenue models, and the critical role parents play in shaping youth sports experiences. The discussion emphasizes the need for a focus on participation and enjoyment in youth sports, aiming for a more inclusive and impactful future.

Links:

https://leagueapps.com/

https://www.linkedin.com/in/brianlitvack

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