The future of youth sports starts here.
Created in 2019, NextUp is the only annual conference tailored to providing youth sports organizers with the professional development and networking opportunities they need to take their business to the next level.
October 15-16, 2025
New York City
What is NextUp?
Over 400 leaders in youth sports gather each year to make sense of the shifting landscape of youth sports and shape what’s coming next.
Designed for directors, operators, and entrepreneurs this year’s conference will deliver two dynamic days of connection, insight, and action in the name of making youth sports happen
Speakers
Youth sports leaders
Years running
Technology partners
Have the conversations that matter
NextUp ’25 will feature two days of content and networking, allowing you to hear from inspirational speakers and have in-depth conversations with others in the room.
Day 1
Keynote Presentations
Hear from experts on the forces shaping play: AI, education, investment, and more.
- Get Informed
- Spark Ideas
- Meet the Community
Day 2
Custom Content Tracks
Dive into the topics that you care about the most – with a collection of leaders tailored to your track.
- Breakouts
- Roundtables
- Networking Sessions
- Workshops
Agenda
This year, the NextUp Conference will be a two-day journey of ideas, connections, and celebration— with Day 1 featuring bold keynotes and visionary sessions, and Day 2 focused on interactive breakouts, purposeful networking, and a powerful closing ceremony honoring the leaders and rising stars shaping the future of youth sports
DAY 1
DAY 1
11:00
Check-In Opens
Lunch Opens
12:00
Session I: The Tools of Transformation
How technology and AI are reshaping youth sports.
Event Kickoff: Jeremy Goldberg & Brian Litvack set the stage
The Future of AI & Youth Sports: Hear from the leading voices in AI about the breakthroughs shaping youth sports.
Innovation Demo: Discover how the next wave of technology will empower youth sports leaders to work smarter, not harder.
1:00
Leadership Circles
Curated table discussions on how leaders are thinking about and using AI. Exchange practical ideas with peers in small, high-impact conversations.
1:30
Networking Break
2:00
Session II: Building the Business
Insights and best practices for running and scaling a youth sports organization.
Lessons From Private Equity and Operational Growth: Learn how proven strategies from private equity and high-growth businesses can help youth sports leaders scale sustainably, sharpen operations, and drive lasting impact.
Attendee Spotlights: Actionable strategies from featured organizations — covering Participation & Rec Models, Facility/Space Management, Player & Coach Development, and Experience-driven programming
3:00
Leadership Circles
3:30
Networking Break
4:00
Session III: Designing for Stakeholders
Exploring the parent/coach/athlete triangle and the dynamics that shape youth sports
The Parent Perspective: Hear directly from parents who have shaped the conversation around youth athletics, sharing their perspectives and experiences.
Strategies for Effective Communication & Development: Learn how to strengthen
relationships at every level of your program
5:00
Happy Hour
DAY 2
DAY 2
8:00
Check-In Opens
Breakfast Opens
9:00
Sport Forums
10:00
Starting the Day with Why
Framing of Day 2’s content tracks, followed by a leadership & culture exercise. Set your vision for the day and reflect on how values-driven leadership can drive growth.
10:45
Breakout Sessions
Choose your track:
Business & Finance: The Modern Marketing Playbook
People & Operations: Facility Management Strategies
Tech & Data: Metrics That Matter
Youth Sports Product: The New Recruiting Game
X
Networking Break
11:30
Networking Break
X
Networking Break
10:45
Breakout Sessions
Choose your track:
Business & Finance: Financial Planning & Growth
People & Operations: Athlete Safety & Compliance
Tech & Data: Intelligent Play – AI in Youth Sports
Youth Sports Product: The Future of Competitions
X
Networking Break
12:30
Lunch
X
Networking Break
10:45
Breakout Sessions
Choose your track:
Business & Finance: Reimagining the Youth Sports Business Model
Youth Sports Product: Running Tryouts That Work
People & Operations: Growing Participation Strategies
Youth Sports Product: Winning with Parents
X
Networking Break
2:00
LeagueApps Impact Awards + Closing Keynote
The conference culminates in an unforgettable celebration of
leadership, innovation, and impact.
Elevating Voices of the Industry: Hear TED-style stories from youth athletes, FundPlay partners, and thought leaders who are shaping the future of youth sports
Recognizing the NextUp Leaders: Celebrate peers and attendees making moves in each of the four core themes of the conference — Innovation, Business Excellence, Community
Impact, and Player & Coach Development.
Closing Keynote: A can’t-miss finale from a powerhouse voice in sport leadership. You’ll leave inspired, challenged, and equipped with renewed purpose to lead the next era of
youth sports.
4:00
Conference End
Past speakers
From business leaders in youth and pro sports and professional athletes, to innovators from media and tech, NextUp speakers are the changemakers shaping how kids play and how we lead and grow—on the field and beyond.
Julie Foudy
ESPN Analyst and former USWNT champion
David Robinson
Admiral Capital co-founder, NBA champion
Swin Cash
Admiral Capital co-founder, NBA champion
Shane Battier
TEDx Speaker and NBA champion
Paul Rabil
President, PLL
David James
Vice President, Baseball & Softball Development, MLB
Hundreds of organizations, across every sport
NextUp ’25 will feature two days of content and networking, allowing you to hear from inspirational speakers and have in-depth conversations with others in the room.
Secure your spot
Early Bird discount ends in
Frequently asked questions
When and where is the NextUp conference?
NextUp ‘25 will take place from October 15-16, 2025 at Civic Hall in Union Square.
Address: 124 E 14th St, New York, NY 10003 View map
Who should attend NextUp ‘25?
Club & League Operators, Program Directors, Facility Managers, Startup Founders, Tech Builders, Marketers & Recruiters, Nonprofit Leaders & Brand Strategists.
Where can I find the agenda?
The full agenda for NextUp ‘25 will be published closer to the event date. Stay tuned—we’ll announce agenda details via email and on this website as they become available.
Are meals included?
Lunch is provided on both days, along with snacks throughout the event and breakfast on Day 2. Happy hours and light snacks provided both evenings, however dinner is not included.
Questions? Email us nextup@leagueapps.com