The 2025 National Youth Sports Summit, scheduled for October 28 from 11:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. ET at LakePoint Sports, promises to be a significant event in the realm of youth athletics. As the industry experiences remarkable growth—forecasted to surpass $40 billion—the summit will serve as a pivotal moment for stakeholders to converge, share insights, and develop strategic plans for the future.
This year marks the fifth annual summit, hosted by LakePoint Sports and presented by SportsEngine. It aims to unite about 200 to 300 influential leaders and key stakeholders within the travel and youth sports sectors. Mark M. O’Brien, President and CEO of LakePoint Sports, emphasizes the summit’s role in showcasing collective achievements while addressing opportunities that lie ahead: “This Summit offers a galvanizing moment to celebrate our collective wins… and continue to collaborate, innovate, and elevate the experience for every athlete, fan, and family.”
Key Themes and Discussions
One of the summit’s main objectives is to delve into the landscape of the travel and youth sports industry, spotlighting successes while acknowledging challenges. The agenda is packed with expert-led discussions, covering a variety of high-impact topics:
The Travel and Youth Sports Landscape: O’Brien will lead a session discussing the industry’s current state, highlighting both successes and hurdles alongside Todd Smith, President & CEO of the Sports & Fitness Industry Association (SFIA).
Fan Experience Optimization: The importance of enhancing the fan experience will take center stage, featuring insights from Matt Hong, President of Sports at Versant, as the summit tackles various facets of streaming, accessibility, and engaging content.
The Impact of Youth Sports: Bill Seely of Varsity Spirit and Rosie Spaulding of League One Volleyball will explore how youth sports are gaining traction, affecting communities and shaping the lives of young athletes.
Legacy of Youth Sports: Discussions will also reflect on the lasting memories and collectibles associated with youth sports, led by investor and media entrepreneur Darren Rovell, along with Steve Ziff of Cllct.
Driving Forward with Data and Media: A forward-looking session will feature professionals like Cameron Korab of the Youth Sports Business Report and David Rudolph of PlayOn! Sports discussing how media, data, and business strategies can reshape youth sports.
- FIFA World Cup’s Rippling Effects: Iconic events like the FIFA World Cup have a global impact, and this year the summit will examine those effects, with representatives from organizations such as NBA-TopHat, U.S. Soccer, and Coca-Cola.
Honoring Leadership
A standout feature of this year’s summit will be the presentation of the Impact Award to Arthur M. Blank, the owner of the Atlanta Falcons and Atlanta United. This award commemorates individuals whose vision and commitment have significantly influenced the growth of the travel and youth sports industry. Blank’s philanthropic efforts and leadership are celebrated not just in the business realm but also across various community initiatives, exemplifying how sports can drive broader social change.
O’Brien remarks, “Arthur Blank’s impact on sports, community, and youth development is nothing short of extraordinary.” Recognizing such figures reinforces the summit’s commitment to fostering industry leaders who not only thrive in business but also contribute to society.
The Future of Youth Sports
The 2025 National Youth Sports Summit serves a dual purpose: it acts as both a networking hub for industry leaders and a platform for addressing significant trends reshaping youth sports. From emerging technologies to new financial landscapes, attendees can expect to engage in deep conversations about how the sector can evolve in a shifting environment.
One of the key highlights of this year’s event is its commitment to inclusivity; for the first time, the summit will live-stream sessions to a global audience via NBC Sports’ SportsEngine platform. This expansion opens up opportunities for leaders across the globe to participate, share, and learn, thereby fostering a worldwide dialogue on youth sports.
Conclusion
As the youth sports industry continues to thrive, the National Youth Sports Summit underscores the importance of collaboration, innovation, and strategic foresight. Gathering leaders from various sectors within the sports ecosystem not only supports the growth of the industry but also enhances the experiences for young athletes, fans, and families. The momentum generated at this summit will undoubtedly shape the future pathways of youth sports as it heads into a new era of growth and engagement.
With the convergence of leaders taking place under one roof, the 2025 National Youth Sports Summit aims to inspire action and sow the seeds for the industry’s continued prosperity in a rapidly changing landscape.
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