It's our spring member drive!

Be one of 5,000 members to make a sustaining gift to help unlock $1 million.
Audience-funded nonprofit news
radio tower icon laist logo
Next Up:
0:00
0:00
 — 
See All Episodes
Subscribe

Hey, LA listener!

Download our app for the optimal streaming experience

Apple Store logo Google play logo
  • Listen Now Playing Listen
  • Listen Now Playing Listen
Take Two

Youth sports has become a $15 billion industry-- and looks a little like the professional sports industry

By Take Two Staff
Published Aug 31, 2017
King-Riley Owens, 9, takes a shot from the free throw line. Owens is ranked as a five-star basketball recruit by the National Youth Basketball Report.
King-Riley Owens, 9, takes a shot from the free throw line at the American Sports Center in Anaheim. Owens is ranked as a five-star basketball recruit by the National Youth Basketball Report.
(
Courtesy of Robbie Pittman Owens
)

Take Two translates the day’s headlines for Southern California, making sense of the news and cultural events that affect our lives. Produced by Southern California Public Radio and broadcast from October 2012 – June 2021. Hosted by A Martinez.

Get LA News Updates Daily

We brief you on what you need to know about L.A. today.
Listen 8:09
Youth sports has become a $15 billion industry-- and looks a little like the professional sports industry

How early is too early to start treating young athletes like professionals? When they're in college or high school? How about middle, or elementary school-- or even younger? 

The youth sports industry, valued at $15 billion, is forcing parents to think about that question more and more.

Sean Gregory is a senior writer with Time magazine; he's written about the sudden growth of the kids' sports industry, and how it's affecting families. These include families like Brandon Owens'. Owens lives in LA, and his nine-year old son, King-Riley Owens, is rated as a five-star recruit by the National Youth Basketball Report. 

Take Two host A Martínez spoke with Gregory and Owens about the changes in the youth sports industry. To listen to the full interview, use the blue media player above.