Money Is Ruining Youth Sports
The commercialization of youth sports is increasingly driven by for-profit companies, which prioritize profit over the development of teamwork and character in young athletes. Black Bear Sports Group, for example, has taken control of youth hockey leagues and rinks, creating a competitive environment that emphasizes individual achievement. This shift has transformed youth sports from community-focused activities into a business model that benefits a select few at the expense of the broader youth experience.
- ▪For-profit companies are increasingly dominating youth sports, focusing on profit rather than player development.
- ▪Black Bear Sports Group owns multiple youth hockey leagues and has implemented subscription services for game streaming.
- ▪The competitive nature of youth sports has shifted from teamwork to individual performance, with players frequently reshuffled to elite teams.
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IdeasMoney Is Ruining Youth SportsFor-profit companies are buying up the rituals of American childhood and selling them back to parents.By Chris MurphyBen Jackson / NHLI / GettyMay 20, 2026, 7 AM ET ShareSave My 14-year-old son competes in a serious, multistate hockey league. During his five-month, 60-game season, he travels up and down the East Coast on weekends, and I occasionally miss votes in the Senate to watch him. Rider isn’t likely to play in the National Hockey League, nor is he interested in devoting his entire childhood to chasing a pro career as a goalie. He still plays other sports—flag football, basketball, and golf.
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