In a landmark development for the youth sports industry, Rocket Youth has announced a significant investment exceeding $100 million, led by prominent sports industry figures Maverick Carter and Daniel Sillman, alongside ZBS Partners. This investment marks a pivotal moment in the company’s mission to revolutionize youth sports and enrichment programs across the United States.
A New Era in Youth Sports Business
Since its launch in March 2024, Rocket Youth has rapidly emerged as a transformative force in the youth enrichment sector. The platform has built an impressive portfolio spanning:
- 20+ businesses
- 10 states
- 5 different sports
- 750+ employees
Comprehensive Sports Coverage
The platform currently supports programs in:
- Basketball
- Volleyball
- Lacrosse
- Swimming
- Gymnastics
The Vision Behind the Investment
Rocket Youth’s unique approach to youth sports management has attracted attention from some of the industry’s most influential figures. The platform’s commitment to preserving operator independence while providing comprehensive support has proven to be a winning formula.
Strategic Leadership Investment
The investment round brings together exceptional talent:
- Maverick Carter: CEO of LeBron James’ business ventures
- Daniel Sillman: CEO of Relevent Sports
- ZBS Partners: Specialized investment vehicle
Empowering Local Sports Leaders
At its core, Rocket Youth’s mission focuses on enabling local sports businesses to thrive while maintaining their unique identity. The platform provides:
Comprehensive Business Support
- Marketing expertise
- Analytics capabilities
- Pricing optimization strategies
- Expansion planning
- Administrative support
Industry Veterans Backing the Vision
Maverick Carter’s Perspective
Carter, who serves as CEO of LRMR Ventures and co-founder of SpringHill Entertainment, brings valuable insights from his personal experience in youth sports. His journey from youth athletics to becoming a prominent business leader in sports and entertainment adds significant credibility to Rocket Youth’s mission.
Daniel Sillman’s Expertise
Sillman’s track record includes:
- Leading media rights sales for top European football leagues
- Securing approximately $5 billion in commercial value
- Founding Compass Management Group
- Successfully developing Student Sports
The Innovative Business Model
Rocket Youth’s approach stands out through its:
Operational Framework
- Preserved business owner independence
- Shared learning ecosystem
- Data-driven decision making
- Scalable growth support
Administrative Support Services
The platform handles crucial business functions:
- Human resources
- Payroll processing
- Insurance management
- Accounting services
- Legal compliance
- Tax preparation
Growth and Expansion Strategy
Rocket Youth facilitates growth through:
- New location openings
- Strategic acquisitions
- Market expansion
- Brand development
- Operational optimization
Impact on Youth Sports Development
The investment will help further:
- Improve program quality
- Expand geographical reach
- Enhance participant experience
- Support coach development
- Strengthen community impact
Leadership and Vision
Under the leadership of Co-Founder and CEO Eric Rapps, Rocket Youth has established itself as a pioneer in the youth sports industry. The company’s founding team, including Jake Sloane and Frank Zhang, has created a unique ecosystem that promotes:
- Entrepreneurial spirit
- Operational excellence
- Community focus
- Sustainable growth
Future Implications
This investment positions Rocket Youth to:
- Accelerate national expansion
- Enhance technology infrastructure
- Develop new programs
- Support more local businesses
- Impact more young athletes
Conclusion
The significant investment led by Carter and Sillman represents more than just capital infusion—it’s a vote of confidence in Rocket Youth’s vision for the future of youth sports and enrichment programs. As the platform continues to grow and evolve, it remains committed to its core mission of empowering local sports leaders while creating positive impacts in communities nationwide.
ABOUT ROCKET YOUTH:
Founded by Eric Rapps, Jake Sloane, and Frank Zhang, Rocket Youth is the leading partner to local and regional youth sports and enrichment businesses across the United States. Since 2024, the company has enriched the lives of tens of thousands of children by encouraging them to play, learn, and achieve. Rocket Youth empowers youth sports and enrichment owner-operators to retain their individual brand vision and operational autonomy while benefiting from the operational resources and financial advantages of a large-scale national organization. Learn more at rocketyouth.com.
ABOUT ZBS PARTNERS:
ZBS Partners, founded and led by Jake Sloane and Frank Zhang, has built six category-leading businesses since 2017 through enduring partnerships with local and regional owner-operators. Leveraging their unique local partnership model, Jake and Frank have generated billions of dollars in total enterprise value to date. This model enables business leaders to retain their local culture, brand, and day-to-day autonomy while benefiting from the operational resources and financial advantages of a large-scale national organization. Learn more at zbspartners.com.
via: Business Wire
