Has cost become primary reason parents pull their kids out of sports?

A recent poll conducted by The Harris Poll and commissioned by Good Sports reveals that 68% of parents whose children under 18 have participated in sports have seriously considered withdrawing their child from the activity due to the escalating costs involved. The 2026 Good Sports Cost of Play Index indicates that cost is the primary reason for parents, even those with an annual income exceeding $100,000, to contemplate taking their kids out of youth sports.

Injury concerns (24%), a child's lack of enjoyment (23%), poor coaching (23%), and a negative team environment (22%) followed the cost as reasons for parents contemplating withdrawal. Christy Keswick, co-founder and president of Good Sports, emphasized that affordability is no longer a secondary issue, particularly for families and underserved communities.

The poll, comprising 574 U.S. adults aged 18 and older, found that 26% of respondents cited the unsustainable cost as their top concern for pulling their child from sports. Christy Keswick highlighted the rising costs as a growing worry among parents, driven by inflation and the increasing prices of sports programs. She pointed out that what once cost $100 is now ranging from $3,000 to $5,000 or even more for competitive teams.

The survey revealed that 53% of parents are concerned about their ability to afford sports for their child next year, while 77% believe the rise of private clubs and travel teams is pricing many children out of participation. Additionally, 67% of parents reported a decrease in low-cost or public-school youth sports opportunities over the past five years, and 56% expressed concerns about the insufficient recreational or intramural options locally.

The implications of these rising costs are far-reaching, with both financial and operational consequences. According to Good Sports, 87% of underserved programs may be forced to reduce programming or limit enrollment within the next year due to escalating equipment costs. These costs also affect local town teams, potentially reducing their competitiveness or leading to their closure.

Good Sports, supported by various companies and professional teams, advocates for investing in the long-term health of youth sports, ensuring that more children can participate and enjoy the benefits of playing sports.