CAPITOL HILL — The House Early Childhood, Elementary, and Secondary Education subcommittee held a hearing titled "Field of Fees: Private Equity's Role in the Commercialization of American Youth Sports" on Tuesday. The hearing examined how private equity investment may be increasing costs and limiting access to youth sports.

Representative Kevin Kiley, an independent from California who caucuses with Republicans, serves as chair of the subcommittee. "In some markets, consolidation is driving up costs for families while limiting access to more affordable, community-based options," Kiley said. "The consequences are clear: A widening participation gap. The simple reality is that too many children are being priced out. It's not that they lack talent or determination; it's that their families simply cannot afford the rising costs."

Representative Suzanne Bonamici, a Democrat from Oregon, commented on the situation. "Youth sports are simply the latest example of how unchecked market power can make everyday opportunities less accessible for families," Bonamici said. She proposed considering increased transparency for fees and business practices, robust antitrust enforcement, and greater public investment in community recreation and school-based sports programs.

Brand Velocity Group, a private equity firm associated with former New York Giants quarterback Eli Manning, announced its acquisition of RCX Sports three weeks before the hearing. RCX Sports manages the licenses for official youth sports programs of professional sports leagues.

Representative Burgess Owens, a Republican from Utah and former professional football player, also addressed the subcommittee. "Investment is important, but it's when the mission is our kids, not investors," Owens said. He added, "We're seeing too much of this. We're going to lose the soul of our nation if we don't get this right." Owens stated that Congress needs to ensure "bad actors" are kept out of youth sports investment.