Ndamukong Suh: ‘I Don’t Necessarily Agree’ With PE in Youth Sports

Former NFL star Ndamukong Suh acknowledged that private equity firms are likely to remain involved in youth sports, but he does not feel the investors always make the best decisions for young athletes. Suh, who has two children, said, "They're always gonna be looking for those returns," but added, "I don't necessarily agree with it."

He believes there should be a better way to implement private equity in youth sports. Suh's concerns align with those of ESPN host and former NBA player Jay Williams, who said at a panel discussion that the cost of youth sports has skyrocketed and that his children are not receiving the quality training he desires. Both Suh and Williams are part of a growing chorus of concerns about the rising costs of youth sports.

According to research from the Aspen Institute, American families spend between $30 billion and $40 billion annually on sports activities for their children. In June, several House lawmakers expressed concern over the issue, with some even proposing federal legislation to ban private equity firms from owning or operating youth sports businesses.

Private equity firms have indeed taken a keen interest in the youth sports industry, with companies such as Unrivaled Sports, Maple Park Capital, and KKR-backed PlayOn all involved in various aspects of the sector. Some private equity firms have attempted to address the rising costs and improve access to youth sports. Former Giants quarterback Eli Manning, a partner in Brand Velocity Group since 2022, stated that his firm aims to keep prices low and increase access to sports for more children.

However, the issue remains a contentious one, with parents and lawmakers arguing that private equity is contributing to the financial strain faced by families.