Josh Harris and David Blitzer, renowned sports team owners and private equity titans, have been making waves in the world of youth sports investments. Over the past two years, they have actively acquired various youth sports properties, and now, they are consolidating these assets into a new parent company called Unrivaled Sports.
The creation of Unrivaled Sports marks a significant step forward in Harris and Blitzer’s vision to make sports more inclusive and accessible for future generations. With an investment from Peter Chernin’s Chernin Group (TCG) and the appointment of former Nike COO and Disney executive Andy Campion as CEO, the stage is set for Unrivaled to revolutionize the youth sports landscape.
“Through Unrivaled Sports, we’re not just investing in sports; we’re investing in future generations by making sports more inclusive and accessible in communities across the nation,” Harris stated, highlighting the company’s broader mission.
Chernin Group, known for its focus on sports, gaming, and health and wellness, brings invaluable expertise and resources to Unrivaled. With a portfolio that includes notable names like Action Network, Barstool Sports, and the Premier Lacrosse League, TCG’s partnership with Unrivaled promises to unlock new opportunities for growth and expansion.
Campion, the newly appointed CEO of Unrivaled Sports, expressed enthusiasm about the company’s prospects. With a vast network and experience spanning 17 years at Nike, Campion is well-positioned to lead Unrivaled to new heights. He emphasized the immense demand for youth sports experiences and outlined plans for geographical, sport, and gender expansion.
Unrivaled’s portfolio already includes 12 owned and operated facilities, attracting over 550,000 athletes and 1.1 million attendees annually. The company’s investments in youth baseball, football, and action sports have laid a solid foundation for future growth.
Looking ahead, Campion sees opportunities to expand Unrivaled’s offerings geographically and across different sports, including volleyball, soccer, and basketball. Football, in particular, presents a significant opportunity for accelerated investment, with plans to address the lack of broadly accessible options in flag football.
Backed by BDT & MSD Partners’ affiliated funds, Unrivaled is poised for success in the rapidly evolving landscape of youth sports. Harris and Blitzer, known for their ventures in professional sports, are doubling down on their commitment to youth sports, recognizing its immense potential and impact on future generations.
As Unrivaled Sports sets its sights on redefining the youth sports experience, the stage is set for a new era of innovation, accessibility, and inclusivity in sports. With a visionary leadership team and strategic partnerships in place, Unrivaled is primed to make a lasting impact on the world of youth sports.