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... Rep. Burgess Owens, R-Utah, a former professional football player, expressed concern that private investment in youth sports could lead to a focus on investor return rather than youth opportunity. ...

Lawmakers from both political parties expressed alarm at the trend, while appearing to look for solutions to avoid price hikes to youth participation in sports.

"In some markets, consolidation is driving up costs for families while limiting access to more affordable, community-based options," said Rep. Kevin Kiley, chair of the House Early Childhood, Elementary and Secondary Education subcommittee. "The consequences are clear: A widening participation gap."

"The simple reality is that too many children are being priced out. It's not that they lack talent or determination; it's that their families simply cannot afford the rising costs," said Kiley, an independent from California who caucuses with Republicans. ...