Key Takeaways
- Perfect Game launches Individual Player Entry, allowing athletes to register individually for select national events through structured “Team PG” rosters
- The program uses position-based roster caps and coaching from Perfect Game staff and/or college coaches to maintain competitive balance
- Separately, Perfect Game names Oz Ball Tournaments Pty as its official Area Director in Australia, covering Sydney, Brisbane/Gold Coast, Melbourne, Adelaide and Perth
- Australian events will use DiamondKast live scoring, with Perfect Game retaining ownership of all participant data and media content
- Both announcements reflect an expansion of Perfect Game’s reach, domestically through player access and internationally through licensed operations
A New Path Into National Events for Individual Athletes
Perfect Game announced this week the launch of Individual Player Entry, a program that lets athletes register on their own for select national tournaments they would otherwise miss if their primary team is not attending. Players are placed on structured “Team PG” rosters with position-based caps designed to maintain competitive balance.
The program is aimed at players whose teams may not be participating in a given event, have dropped out or did not qualify. Athletes keep their primary team affiliation while gaining access to national-level competition, coaching from Perfect Game staff and/or college coaches, and continued visibility on their Perfect Game Player Profile.
“Individual Player Entry opens doors for athletes who are ready to compete on the national stage but may not have a team attending a particular event,” said Bob Barth, Vice President of Operations for Perfect Game. “This program keeps players visible, competitive and advancing.”
Participants receive official Team PG gear and register through an individual online process. The rosters are structured to ensure each player gets meaningful playing time and exposure rather than simply filling a bench spot.
Licensed Operations Land in Australia
A day after the Individual Player Entry announcement, Perfect Game revealed a new international partnership with Oz Ball Tournaments Pty, naming the organization as its official Area Director in Australia. The agreement covers five markets: Sydney, Brisbane/Gold Coast, Melbourne, Adelaide and Perth.
All Australian events will operate under Perfect Game branding and must meet the organization’s operational benchmarks, safety requirements, background check standards and youth protection policies. Technology integration is part of the deal, with DiamondKast live scoring and video required where available.
Perfect Game retains ownership of all participant data, media content and event materials from Australian operations. For Australian athletes, the partnership opens access to Perfect Game’s player profiles, verified performance data, analytics tracking and recruiting exposure to collegiate and professional scouts.
“Australia has long produced high-level baseball talent, and by establishing an official Area Director model there, we are creating a clear and credible pathway for athletes to connect with the global baseball community through Perfect Game,” said Perfect Game Chairman Rick Thurman.
The move follows Perfect Game’s recent expansion into Japan, extending its licensed operations beyond North America.
Two Moves, One Theme
Both announcements center on the same idea: removing barriers between athletes and opportunity. Individual Player Entry addresses a domestic gap where talented players could be left out of marquee events due to team logistics. The Australia partnership addresses a geographic gap, connecting international athletes to the same scouting and data infrastructure that U.S. players already access.
For the youth baseball industry, Perfect Game’s approach to international growth is notable. The Area Director model lets the organization scale globally through local operators while keeping data ownership, branding and quality standards centralized. Whether individual player entry or international licensing, the through line is control of the platform and the data that flows through it.
Source: Perfect Game Press Releases, March 18–19, 2026
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.
