Participating in youth sports has a host of benefits for kids and families. In addition to being physically active and healthier because of organized sports, kids learn about teamwork, develop leadership and social skills, and make new friends. But the cost is becoming a bigger burden for parents each year.
Unbiased. Straight Facts.TM
The average U.S. family spent $1,016 on a child’s primary sport in 2024, a 46% increase since 2019, according to the Aspen Institute.
About 60 million American children play sports, according to the Aspen Institute’s latest parent survey and the average family spent $1,016 on a child’s primary sport in 2024, a 46% increase since 2019. That’s just one child and one sport, when those numbers double and triple parents can be overwhelmed, financially and emotionally.
Time to do expenses
Straight Arrow News Sports Reporter Chris Francis wanted to know what he spent for his 8-year-old son in 2025. Adding up the cost of flag football, soccer, basketball, golf and little league was an eye opener.
The cost of equipment alone measured in the hundreds of dollars, add in clothing, shoes and registration fees and the grand total came out to well over $1,000 for 2025. That does not include private lessons or travel. Here’s what Francis found.
Registrations/Fees
- Flag football: $73.
- Little League: $203.
- Soccer: $65.
- Basketball: $119.92.
- Golf range x 8: $73.
Equipment
- Soccer ball: $18.99.
- Shin guards: $11.98.
- Mouth guard: $8.99.
- Batting gloves: $18.99.
- Batting helmet: $23.55.
- Little League bat: $78.
- Baseball glove: $34.79.
- Sunglasses: $9.99.
- Kids starter golf set: $158.98.
Home equipment/Training
- Mini-goal: $59.99.
- Basketball hoop: $128.
- Hitting net: $39.99.
Clothes
- Athletic shorts x 3: $38.98.
- Under Armour shirt/tights: $62.99.
- Batting gloves: $44.76.
Shoes
- Baseball/football cleats: $34.99.
- Basketball shoes: $27.50.
- Soccer cleats: $28.70.
Grand total: $1406.08.
We’re interested in what other families are spending on youth sports and what they expect as their kids become more involved. Have you done the math? What are you spending each year? Send Chris a breakdown at cfrancis@SAN.com.
