Rep. Pat Ryan Introduces 'Let Kids Play Act' to Ban Private Equity from Youth Sports
Representative Pat Ryan has announced the introduction of his bill, the 'Let Kids Play Act,' which aims to ban private equity firms from involvement in youth sports. Ryan attributes the skyrocketing costs of youth sports, which have seen a 46% increase in spending from 2019 to 2024, primarily to the influence of private equity firms. According to a study by the Aspen Institute’s Project Play, parents are now spending nearly $1,500 per child annually on sports, with significant portions going towards travel and registration fees. Ryan expresses concern that private equity ownership in youth sports organizations limits opportunities for young athletes and places a financial premium on participation, potentially pricing out many families. He also notes that the rise of expensive travel and club teams is making it harder for community organizations, like the YMCA, to field teams, as more young athletes opt for higher-cost options.
