Key Takeaways
- T-Mobile and Little League have provided more than $8 million in registration assistance to over 70,000 families since 2020
- Last season, 10,617 children received grants averaging $130.50 each, with 26% playing Little League for the first time
- The program addresses financial barriers affecting one in five children who may not play sports due to cost
- Applications opened January 15, 2026, for families eligible through SNAP, WIC, or Medicaid enrollment
- Registration grants are capped at $150 per child and issued as electronic debit cards for league fees only
Seven Years of Registration Fee Relief
The T-Mobile Little League Call Up Grant launched its seventh consecutive application cycle on January 15, 2026. The partnership between Little League and T-Mobile operates through Every Kid Sports, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit that processes applications and distributes funds.
Since 2020, the program has distributed $8,269,254 to families across the United States. Eligible families must provide verification documents dated within the last 12 months showing enrollment in SNAP, WIC, or Medicaid programs. Once approved, they receive an electronic debit card restricted to league registration fee payments.
Patrick Wilson, Little League President and CEO, confirmed the program addresses documented need in youth sports access. “This program and the more than $8 million in financial support that T-Mobile has provided to date continues to demonstrate the true need that exists for kids to play sports,” Wilson said.
Registration Costs and First-Time Participation
Last season’s program supported 10,617 children at an average grant value of $130.50. The grants carry a $150 per-child cap, reflecting the typical range of Little League registration fees across local programs.
More than one quarter of 2025 grant recipients (26%) were enrolling in Little League for the first time. Parent testimonials from the 2025 season highlight both the financial relief and participation outcomes. A mother from Jacksonville, Florida, described the application process as simple and noted her daughter made friends and developed excitement for the sport during her first season.
Another parent from the Bronx emphasized the program enabled continued participation for two sons when household finances became strained. An Ohio mother stated the grant eliminated stress around covering registration costs as a single parent.
Youth Sports Access Through Industry Collaboration
Little League participates in the Aspen Institute 63×30 Roundtable, which aims to increase youth sports participation to 63% by 2030. The organization is the only youth baseball and softball entity in this industry coalition.
The Call Up Grant directly addresses cost barriers that affect an estimated one in five children. While Little League acknowledged rising costs across youth sports, the organization positions registration assistance as one method for removing access obstacles alongside other programming initiatives.
The partnership’s scope extends beyond individual family relief. Over 70,000 families have received support across six years of operation, creating a cumulative impact on local league enrollment and retention patterns.
Looking at Sustained Corporate Youth Sports Investment
The T-Mobile Little League Call Up Grant represents a multi-year corporate commitment to youth sports access at the grassroots level. The $8 million contribution total spans registration cycles from 2020 through 2025, with the 2026 season marking the program’s seventh year.
Applications for the current season are now open through the Every Kid Sports platform. The program continues to operate with the same eligibility requirements and per-child grant structure used in previous years.
via: T-Mobile
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