Youth Inc., the first digital media network dedicated exclusively to youth sports content and commerce, is set to launch Season Two of its popular podcast on October 30th. This expansion comes on the heels of a successful $4.5 million seed funding round in 2024, led by Will Ventures. The company is also developing a new centralized hub that will blend news, original content, and retail for the youth sports market, signaling a significant evolution in how families and coaches access information and resources in this space.
Co-founded by Emmy Award-winning NFL analyst and Pro Bowl tight end Greg Olsen, former Fanatics executive Ryan Baise, and Audacy, Inc.'s Tim Murphy, Youth Inc. has quickly established itself as a valuable resource in the youth sports landscape. The podcast's first season, which featured conversations with iconic athletes like Jerry Rice and Russell Wilson, garnered over 400,000 downloads and millions of impressions, demonstrating a clear demand for content addressing the unique challenges of youth sports.
For Season Two, Youth Inc. is partnering with acclaimed sports psychologist Dr. Michael Gervais as co-host. This collaboration aims to provide crucial insights for navigating the complex world of youth sports, addressing issues such as fostering resilience, managing competition pressures, and leveraging mindset training for long-term success. The six-episode season is presented by two Founding Partners: Players Health and MaxU, both offering innovative solutions to support young athletes' development and well-being.
The expansion of Youth Inc. reflects the growing recognition of the challenges faced by the more than 30 million young athletes in the United States. As Greg Olsen noted, "There has never been a platform designed to speak directly to families, coaches, and players about the challenges of today's current state of play." This initiative seeks to fill that gap, providing a comprehensive resource for all stakeholders in youth sports.
Perhaps most notably, Youth Inc. is set to launch a robust commerce platform in early 2025. Led by Ryan Baise, this platform will offer a range of products and services tailored specifically for youth sports families and coaches. This move represents a significant step towards creating a one-stop-shop for the youth sports community, combining content, resources, and commerce in a single, accessible platform.
The implications of Youth Inc.'s expansion are far-reaching. By addressing the critical challenges young athletes face and providing expert-driven guidance, the platform has the potential to significantly impact how youth sports are approached and managed. The combination of content and commerce could revolutionize how families access information and products, potentially leading to better-informed decisions and improved experiences for young athletes.
Moreover, the involvement of high-profile athletes and experts lends credibility to the platform, potentially influencing broader conversations about youth sports development, mental health, and the overall approach to nurturing young talent. As youth sports continue to evolve and face new challenges, platforms like Youth Inc. may play a crucial role in shaping policies, practices, and attitudes within the industry.
As Youth Inc. continues to grow and develop its offerings, it stands poised to become a significant player in the youth sports ecosystem. By providing a centralized hub for content, resources, and commerce, it may well set a new standard for how young athletes, their families, and coaches engage with and navigate the complex world of youth sports.
