Key Takeaways
- Brightspeed is expanding its TeamSnap sponsorship to 85 total leagues across 20 states, adding 25 new leagues in 2026
- The partnership will reach 38,500 kids and families in 2026, including 12,500 new participants beyond current enrollment
- Since launching in November 2024, Brightspeed has funded 330+ scholarships over three seasons supporting 26,000+ young athletes
- TeamSnap’s sponsorship platform has channeled more than $19 million in brand investment into youth sports organizations
- The fiber provider is targeting rural and suburban communities where it operates broadband infrastructure
Fiber Provider Doubles Down on Youth Sports Access
Brightspeed, the nation’s third-largest fiber builder, announced an expanded partnership with TeamSnap that will increase its youth sports footprint to 85 leagues across 20 states. The company is adding 25 leagues to its existing sponsorship portfolio in 2026, building on a program that launched 14 months ago.
The expansion will bring Brightspeed’s total reach to 38,500 kids and families this year, representing a 48% increase from its current base of 26,000 young athletes.
“At Brightspeed, we believe strong communities are built on access, access to connection, opportunity and experiences that bring people together,” said Tali Kulbeda, head of local marketing and partnerships at Brightspeed. “Youth sports sit right at that intersection.”
Scholarship Funding and Participation Impact
Brightspeed has funded 330 scholarships since November 2024, distributed over three seasons across six sports: soccer, baseball, softball, football, basketball, and volleyball. The company uses TeamSnap’s sponsorship platform to reduce participation costs for families in its service areas.
The 12,500 additional participants expected in 2026 represent incremental growth beyond the company’s current league portfolio. Brightspeed operates fiber and broadband networks capable of serving more than 7.3 million homes and businesses across its 20-state footprint.
The geographic focus aligns with Brightspeed’s infrastructure presence in rural and suburban markets, where youth sports often face funding challenges and limited corporate sponsorship options compared to urban centers.
How TeamSnap’s Brand Platform Works
TeamSnap’s sponsorship model connects national brands with local youth sports organizations through its management platform, which serves 19,000+ sports organizations and more than 30 million users across 100+ sports and activities.
Brands provide funding that leagues convert into scholarships, equipment support, and reduced registration fees. In exchange, sponsors receive jersey placements, field signage, and digital communication access to league families.
TeamSnap has facilitated more than $19 million in brand-to-league investment since launching its sponsorship platform, creating a revenue channel for organizations that typically rely on registration fees and fundraising.
“Youth sports are the beating heart of many rural and suburban communities,” said Nicole McCormack, senior vice president and general manager of Brand Solutions at TeamSnap. “Together with Brightspeed, we’re bringing the power of youth sports to more people, in the places that matter most.”
Rural Community Investment as Brand Strategy
Brightspeed’s commitment to rural and suburban youth sports reflects a strategic alignment between its infrastructure footprint and local community engagement. The company positions itself as a long-term operator in markets where national brands often concentrate metro resources instead.
The addition of 25 leagues in 2026 suggests the company is using participation data and market presence to scale its youth sports investment systematically rather than through one-time activations. With nearly 4,000 employees across 20 states, Brightspeed has operational presence to support ongoing league relationships and scholarship distribution.
The partnership provides Brightspeed with sustained brand visibility in communities where fiber deployment and customer acquisition remain core business priorities.
via: Brightspeed
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