Key Takeaways
- USA Hockey Congress approved the Development League (DL), a network of 32 Tier I programs at the 15U and 17U levels launching in 2027-28
- Female player registration is expected to surpass 100,000 for the first time in USA Hockey history this season
- The DL is not a traditional league but a collaboration of programs committed to American Development Model (ADM) guidelines
- Year-over-year growth was reported across players, coaches, and officials
- The U.S. enters the upcoming Olympics and Paralympics as the top-ranked team in men’s, women’s, and sled hockey
Development League Structure Takes Shape
USA Hockey’s Congress approved the establishment of the USA Hockey Development League during last week’s Winter Meeting in Nashville. The four-day event brought together more than 350 hockey leaders from across the country.
The DL will operate differently than traditional leagues. Instead of a centralized competition structure, it will function as a network of 32 Tier I youth programs working together to optimize player development at the 15U and 17U age levels. Each participating program will form DL teams committed to following American Development Model guidelines.
Program selection will be based on factors including past performance, commitment to player development, and history of player advancement. A full program guidebook is expected by the beginning of May, with the league set to launch in the 2027-28 season.
“The DL is the next step forward in advancing our high performance efforts in serving the hockey community,” said Mike Trimboli, president of USA Hockey. “While we’re excited about what the future will bring, there is still much work to be done to be ready to launch the DL in time for the 2027-28 season.”
Participation Numbers Show Continued Growth
USA Hockey reported year-over-year increases in players, coaches, and officials during the meeting. The most notable milestone: female player registration is on track to exceed 100,000 for the first time in the organization’s history.
Donna Kaufman, vice president of USA Hockey and chair of the Membership Council, along with Ted Devine, assistant executive director of membership, presented new analytics tools during a Saturday Town Hall session. The presentation included how USA Hockey plans to use AI to help affiliates and programs better understand participation trends and identify opportunities to attract new families to the sport.
The Congress also approved membership fees for the 2026-27 season, with adjustments guided by the consumer price index.
U.S. Teams Enter Olympic Year Ranked First
General managers Bill Guerin (men’s), Katie Million (women’s), and Dan Brennan (sled) addressed attendees during a Friday Town Hall. All three U.S. programs enter the upcoming Olympics and Paralympics ranked first in the world in their respective disciplines.
What the DL Means for Youth Hockey’s Next Chapter
The Development League represents USA Hockey’s latest effort to standardize elite player development across its fragmented youth landscape. By connecting 32 programs under shared ADM principles, the organization aims to create more consistent pathways for high-performance athletes at critical development ages.
With participation growing and female hockey reaching a historic milestone, USA Hockey appears focused on building infrastructure to support long-term demand. The next several months will determine how effectively the DL framework translates from approval to execution.
via: USA Hockey
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.
