What’s Trending — Institutional Investors Continue to Transform the Sports Industry

The sports industry is experiencing an unprecedented transformation as institutional investors – from sovereign wealth funds to private equity firms – are rapidly changing the ownership landscape of professional sports.

What was once the exclusive domain of wealthy individuals has become an attractive alternative asset class for institutional investors, offering unique opportunities across multiple revenue streams.

The Numbers Tell the Story

Remember when sports was just about what happened on the field? Those days are long gone. We've seen investment in European football leagues skyrocket from $67 million to $5 billion in just five years.

And here's the kicker - sports investments have been delivering returns that are nearly double the S&P 500 since 2000.

Where's All This Money Going?

It's not just about buying teams anymore. The sports industry is expanding in exciting ways that create opportunities for everyone:

• Traditional revenue streams like broadcasting and ticket sales

• Digital platforms revolutionizing how fans engage with sports

• Sports technology transforming how we coach, train, and develop athletes

• Professional development tools helping coaches build networks and advance careers

The Tech Revolution in Sports

This is where it gets really interesting for coaches. The digital side of sports has exploded from $1.5 billion to $8.5 billion in just four years, with projections hitting $35 billion by 2027. Why? Because technology is changing everything about how we:

• Analyze performance and scout talent

• Connect and network within the industry

• Develop athletes and build programs

• Find and evaluate coaching opportunities

Platforms like MyCoachingTree are part of this revolution, using AI to help coaches build professional networks and connect with opportunities while helping institutions find the right coaching talent.

What's Next?

While there are always challenges in a rapidly changing industry, the future looks bright for sports professionals who embrace innovation. We're seeing exciting developments in:

• New sports leagues and formats

• Training and development technology

• Professional networking platforms

• Career development tools for coaches

The bottom line? Whether you're an investor, coach, or sports professional, understanding where the industry is headed helps you position yourself for success.

The future of sports isn't just about what happens during game time - it's about building stronger networks, leveraging technology, and creating new opportunities for everyone involved in athletics.

 ⏰ Quick Reminder: Join the Discussion

MyCoachingTree has been selected as a "Unicorn Investment" by Republic and CEO Phillip Engle will serve on a panel of 3 CEOs to answer questions about the company and the investment opportunity tomorrow, November 14 from 1:00-2:00 pm Central.

RSVP for the live event and learn more about how this sports tech offering serves the changing sports landscape."

Leading From the Front

Building Better Coaches: Inside Texas A&M's Coaching Academy

By Kelli Campbell, Thornton-McFerrin Coaching Academy, Program Manager

Ever wonder how great coaches are made? At Texas A&M's Thornton-McFerrin Coaching Academy (TMCA), we're reimagining coach development from the ground up.

Here's what's working:

A Fresh Take on Coach Development

We've moved beyond traditional coaching clinics and classroom lectures. Our approach combines hands-on experience, mentorship, and real-world application. We're working with schools, athletic organizations, and education leaders to build programs that stick.

High School Pipeline: Future Coaches of Texas Association

The FCTA program started with a simple idea: introduce coaching fundamentals before college. High school students learn:

• Performance development basics

• Team leadership principles

• Program management essentials

Since 2022, over 30 high schools have established FCTA chapters. The Texas Education Agency has taken notice, supporting our path to becoming a recognized Career and Technical Student Organization - putting coaching education on par with other professional development tracks.

A College Program That Prepares You

Our Undergraduate Coaching Certificate Program cuts through theory to deliver practical experience. Students complete 60 hours of actual coaching work while earning their degree. We've got partnerships across Texas offering real coaching opportunities - not just observations from the sidelines.

The results? Over 100 students from 16 different majors are currently earning their certificates. By 2028, we expect to have equipped hundreds of new coaches with practical skills they can use on day one of the job.

Mentorship That Makes a Difference

We are building the Aggie Coaches Network to connect experienced coaches with our students. The goal is for our 320+ Aggie Coaches to actively mentor new coaches through real challenges, share tested strategies, and help launch FCTA chapters. They're invested in developing coaches who can handle today's athletic environment.

Looking Ahead

TMCA isn't just filling coaching positions - we're developing coaches who understand both the science and art of the profession. Whether you're a high school student exploring coaching as a career or an undergraduate ready to dive in, we're building the support system you need to succeed.

Click here to connect with us on MyCoachingTree

Major Updates Coming to MyCoachingTree

The big news is we're releasing our mobile app next month!

As Coach Rutledge says, "It's like having a coaching clinic in your pocket!" Whether you're at home, on the field, or traveling, accessing your resources has never been easier. But the mobile app isn't all - here's a preview of what's coming...

Coming Next Month:

1. Mobile app

   • Instant job notifications

   • Apply directly from your phone

   • Take online courses from anywhere

   • Join NEW Live Events

2. Professional Development

   • Integration with CoachTube

   • Thornton-McFerrin Coaching Academy content

   • Additional content based on user requests

3. Enhanced Networking

   • Follow and connect with other coaches

   • Collaboration tools

   • Share expertise

4. Content & News

   • Live podcasts with industry experts

   • News updates

   • Coaching tips

   • First episode: "Game Changers" featuring Scorability

Stay tuned for more updates as we approach the launch date. We will be sharing sneak peeks and tutorials to help you make the most of the new features. We are confident that this upgrade will enrich your experience and open up new avenues for growth and collaboration. 

Thank you for being a valued member of the MyCoachingTree community and for your feedback. Together, we are building a future where the coaching profession remains strong.

 The MyCoachingTree Team

Sports Industry Innovation Spotlight

Women's Professional Baseball Returns

In a significant development for women's sports, 2026 will mark the launch of the Women's Pro Baseball League (WPBL), the first professional women's baseball league in the US in over 70 years.

Key Innovation Points:

• Market Timing: Launches amid surging interest in women's sports, following WNBA's record attendance (2024) and NWSL's landmark $240 million TV deal

• Leadership: Combines sports and business expertise, with pioneering baseball coach Justine Siegal (first female MLB coach) and businessman Keith Stein as co-founders

• Strategic Advisory: Incorporates international expertise with Japanese pitcher Ayami Sato and two-time World Series winner Cito Gaston

• Regional Focus: Initial six-team northeastern US concentration allows for controlled growth

• Media Strategy: Plans include securing national broadcast partnership, following successful models of WNBA and NWSL

This development represents a significant innovation in sports, addressing a long-standing gap in professional women's baseball while building on the proven success of other women's professional leagues.