LeagueApps Raises $15M to Revolutionize Youth Sports Management

The Importance of Youth Sports and LeagueApps' Growth

Youth athletic programs are a cornerstone of many communities, fostering both familial bonds and the development of crucial skills and self-assurance in children.

Often overlooked is the substantial effort required to establish, expand, and sustain these leagues. It represents a significant undertaking. LeagueApps, a company striving to function as a comprehensive operating system for youth sports organizations, has recently announced a $15 million Series B funding round.

Funding Details and Key Investors

Contour Venture Partners, an existing investor, spearheaded the financing, bringing the company’s total funding to $35 million since its founding in 2010.

The investment round also saw participation from Major League Baseball and Elysian Park Ventures, the investment division associated with the Los Angeles Dodgers ownership group.

A diverse group of new and returning investors contributed to the round, including accomplished athletes like Olympic gold medalists Julie Foudy and Swin Cash, NFL veteran Derrick Dockery, Peter J. Holt, chairman of Spurs Sports & Entertainment, Laura Dixon, founder and president of PRO Sports Assembly, and the investment firm Hamilton Lane.

LeagueApps' Mission and Software Solutions

Based in New York City, LeagueApps is dedicated to enhancing the organizational capabilities of youth sports programs.

The company has created software for registration and management, enabling league leaders to streamline operations, improve communication, and facilitate more efficient payment collection.

“We’ve developed all the necessary tools to empower their programs,” stated Brian Litvack, CEO and co-founder of LeagueApps. These tools allow leaders to construct websites, manage registrations, disseminate information to coaches and parents, and share data with governing bodies.

Litvack emphasized, “Local sports organizers play a vital role in ensuring that sports opportunities are available within the community.”

Revenue Model and Pandemic Resilience

Unlike many software companies, LeagueApps doesn’t charge upfront fees. Instead, it levies a small initial charge and then takes a percentage of transactions processed through its platform.

This model means the company’s revenue is directly tied to the success of its users; if they don’t receive payment, LeagueApps doesn’t either.

Consequently, the company experienced a downturn when the COVID-19 pandemic disrupted activities in 2020. However, it has since demonstrated a strong recovery and substantial growth.

Impressive Growth Metrics

By spring 2021, the platform had surpassed $2 billion in total transactions, doubling the $1 billion milestone achieved in summer 2019.

From 2016 to 2019, LeagueApps recorded a remarkable 275% revenue increase. Currently, over 3,000 sports organizations utilize LeagueApps as their primary operating system.

The company anticipates processing more than 4 million sports registrations in 2021.

Additional Programs and Initiatives

Beyond its core software, LeagueApps offers NextUp, a platform designed to foster leadership development and networking opportunities for organizers.

The company also operates FundPlay, a philanthropic initiative focused on supporting sports-based youth development programs in underserved communities.

Investor Perspective and Future Plans

Matt Gorin of Contour Ventures, a parent involved in youth sports, expressed his enthusiasm for investing in LeagueApps.

He believes the company is addressing a “large yet fragmented” market. Gorin stated, “I have personally witnessed the significant impact of youth sports experiences and the organizations that provide them on children, families, and communities.”

“LeagueApps distinguishes itself through its unique approach and unwavering commitment to integrating technology, community engagement, customer service, and positive impact within the evolving youth sports landscape.”

LeagueApps intends to allocate the new funding primarily to product and engineering investments, with the goal of “providing more comprehensive solutions” to youth sports organizations.