Key Takeaways
- Diamond Kinetics raised $12M in growth financing led by Elysian Park Ventures, the investment platform created by LA Dodgers ownership
- Funds will scale sidelineHD, an AI-powered livestreaming platform the Pittsburgh company acquired in 2024
- The North Shore-based startup has now raised over $30M since its 2014 founding
- Diamond Kinetics serves as MLB’s Trusted Youth Development Platform through its bat sensor technology and streaming capabilities
- The investment marks continued institutional backing for youth baseball and softball technology infrastructure
Dodgers-Backed Fund Leads Growth Round
Diamond Kinetics closed a $12M growth financing round led by Elysian Park Ventures, a global investment platform created by the owners of the Los Angeles Dodgers. The funding will expand the company’s sidelineHD livestreaming platform, which Diamond Kinetics acquired in 2024.
“This investment enables us to scale sidelineHD, strengthen our development capabilities, deepen our content services and expand on our responsibility as MLB’s Trusted Youth Development Platform,” said cofounder and CEO CJ Handron.
The round brings Diamond Kinetics’ total capital raised to over $30M since the company launched in 2014, when sportstech was still an emerging category in youth athletics.
Scaling AI-Powered Live Streaming
The funding will directly support sidelineHD’s expansion across youth baseball and softball markets. The platform uses AI to automate game livestreaming, eliminating the need for camera operators or complex technical setups at youth sports facilities.
For Diamond Kinetics, the acquisition and now the capital infusion represent a strategic expansion beyond its core swing analysis technology. The DK Bat Sensor, which tracks player swing data and provides performance statistics, established the company’s presence in youth baseball development. Adding livestreaming capabilities extends its reach into content capture and distribution.
Building on MLB Partnership and Technology Foundation
Diamond Kinetics holds the designation of MLB’s Trusted Youth Development Platform, positioning its technology as aligned with professional baseball’s player development standards. The company’s bat sensor technology provides swing metrics that coaches and players use to track progress and identify mechanical adjustments.
“Youth sports are at an inflection point, and technology can play a meaningful role in improving access, development and engagement,” Handron told Technical.ly.
The combination of performance tracking through sensors and content distribution through livestreaming creates a dual-sided platform. Families gain access to game footage while athletes receive measurable performance data.
Institutional Capital Flows into Youth Sports Tech
Elysian Park Ventures’ investment reflects growing institutional interest in youth sports infrastructure. The fund’s connection to MLB through Dodgers ownership adds strategic value beyond capital, particularly for a platform focused on baseball and softball development.
The round arrives as youth sports operators increasingly adopt technology for both athlete development and parent engagement. Livestreaming addresses a core family need while creating potential revenue streams for facilities and leagues through subscription or pay-per-view models.
Diamond Kinetics now carries the resources to scale sidelineHD’s deployment while maintaining its sensor technology business. The company’s trajectory from a 2014 startup to a platform with MLB endorsement and major institutional backing illustrates the maturation of youth sports technology from niche hardware to integrated content platforms.
via: technical
photo: PBI
YSBR provides this content on an “as is” basis without any warranties, express or implied. We do not assume responsibility for the accuracy, completeness, legality, reliability, or use of the information, including any images, videos, or licenses associated with this article. For any concerns, including copyright issues or complaints, please contact YSBR directly.
About Youth Sports Business Report
Youth Sports Business Report is the largest and most trusted source for youth sports industry news, insights, and analysis covering the $54 billion youth sports market. Trusted by over 50,000 followers including industry executives, investors, youth sports parents and sports business professionals, we are the premier destination for comprehensive youth sports business intelligence.
Our core mission: Make Youth Sports Better. As the leading authority in youth sports business reporting, we deliver unparalleled coverage of sports business trends, youth athletics, and emerging opportunities across the youth sports ecosystem.
Our expert editorial team provides authoritative, in-depth reporting on key youth sports industry verticals including:
- Sports sponsorship and institutional capital (Private Equity, Venture Capital)
- Youth Sports events and tournament management
- NIL (Name, Image, Likeness) developments and compliance
- Youth sports coaching and sports recruitment strategies
- Sports technology and data analytics innovation
- Youth sports facilities development and management
- Sports content creation and digital media monetization
Whether you’re a sports industry executive, institutional investor, youth sports parent, coach, or sports business enthusiast, Youth Sports Business Report is your most reliable source for the actionable sports business insights you need to stay ahead of youth athletics trends and make informed decisions in the rapidly evolving youth sports landscape.
Join our growing community of 50,000+ industry leaders who depend on our trusted youth sports business analysis to drive success in the youth sports industry.
Stay connected with the pulse of the youth sports business – where industry expertise meets actionable intelligence.
Sign up for the biggest newsletter in Youth Sports – Youth Sports HQ – The best youth sports newsletter in the industry
Follow Youth Sports Business Report Founder Cameron Korab on LinkedIn
Are you a brand looking to tap into the world’s most passionate fanbase… youth sports?
Introducing Play Up Partners, a leading youth sports marketing agency connecting brands with the power of youth sports. We specialize in youth sports sponsorships, partnerships, and activations that drive measurable results.
About Play Up Partners
Play Up Partners is a leading youth sports marketing agency connecting brands with the power of youth sports. We specialize in youth sports sponsorships, partnerships, and activations that drive measurable results.
Why Sponsor Youth Sports?
Youth sports represents one of the most engaged and passionate audiences in sports marketing. With over 70 million young athletes and their families participating annually, the youth sports industry offers brands unparalleled access to motivated communities with strong purchasing power and loyalty.
What Does Play Up Partners Do?
We’ve done the heavy lifting to untangle the complex youth sports landscape so our brand partners can engage with clarity, confidence, and impact. Our vetted network of accredited youth sports organizations (from local leagues to national tournaments and operators) allows us to create flexible, scalable programs that evolve with the market.
Our Approach
Every partnership we build is rooted in authenticity and value creation. We don’t just broker deals. We craft youth sports marketing strategies that:
- Deliver measurable ROI for brand partners
- Create meaningful experiences for athletes and families
- Elevate the youth sports ecosystem
Our Vision
We’re positioning youth sports as the most desirable and effective platform in sports marketing. Our mission is simple: MAKE YOUTH SPORTS BETTER for athletes, families, organizations, and brand partners.
Common Questions About Youth Sports Marketing
Where can I sponsor youth sports? How do I activate in youth sports? What is the ROI of youth sports marketing? How much does youth sports sponsorship cost?
We have answers. Reach out to info@playuppartners.com to learn how Play Up Partners can help your brand navigate the youth sports landscape.
Youth sports organizations: Interested in partnership opportunities? Reach out to learn about our accreditation process.
