According to data from the Sports & Fitness Industry Association and the Aspen Institute’s “State of Play 2024” report, only 38% of kids ages 6-12 played sports on a regular basis in 2023.

The early tipoffs have a lot to do with encouraging young fans to check out the sport.

Parents spend $3,000 annually on youth sports, with many believing their children can play collegiately (83%) and professionally (75%), survey finds.

I'm not alone. It feels like nearly everyone in the US has some connection to youth sports, either through their own kids, their childhood experiences, or through siblings and other family members ...