Stolen Play: How Billionaires Turned Youth Sports Into Big Business

When did playing ball in the backyard become a $19 billion industry? This book explores the transformation of youth sports from simple neighborhood games into a complex commercial enterprise that increasingly prices out families and prioritizes profits over children's well-being. Drawing on interviews with parents, coaches, young athletes, and industry insiders across diverse communities, we'll trace how billionaire investors, private equity firms, and corporate interests reshaped amateur athletics into a high-stakes business. But this isn't just an exposé of problems-it's a practical guide for families navigating this landscape. You'll learn to recognize exploitative practices, find affordable alternatives, protect your child's development, and join the growing movement to reclaim youth sports as a community resource rather than a commodity. Whether your child dreams of college scholarships or simply loves to play, this book will help you make informed decisions that honor both their athletic aspirations and their childhood.