Compete Sports Diversity

What Compete Sports Diversity does

Compete Sports Network, founded in 2006 as Sports Out Loud Magazine at the Bingham Cup in New York City and rebranded from Compete Sports Diversity in 2025, is a privately held, bootstrapped B2B media and events business headquartered in Phoenix, Arizona. The company operates a multi-platform network connecting four stakeholder groups: sports event organizers (e.g., Sunshine Cup, Black Volleyball Circuit, USA Catchball), destination marketing organizations and sports commissions (e.g., Visit Tucson, Buffalo Niagara Sports Commission, Greenville-Pitt County, Visit Fort Wayne, Maryland Sports Commission), corporate partners (e.g., IMG, Tito's Handmade Vodka, Northstar Meetings Group), and community organizations serving LGBTQ+, adaptive, women's, and minority-led sports communities. The core commercial offering is the Compete Sports Diversity Council (CSDC), a tiered annual membership providing RFP access, direct introductions to DMO decision-makers, event intelligence, training webinars, and partnership opportunities, supplemented by a portfolio of six annual conferences (Summer, Winter, Fall Retreat, Adaptive Sports Summit, Women's Leadership Summit, Sin City Classic Sports Festival), media properties (Weekly Time-Out Newsletter, Quarterly Overtime Member Guide, Bi-Annual Playbook Directory, Sports Tourism Insider Podcast, Sports For All Podcast), SDL/SDLT certification delivered via Thinkific, and the annual Petey Awards. The company is founder-led by CEO Eric Carlyle since inception, with a small core team of approximately 5-7 people and self-reported impact of $1M+ in sponsorships matched, $2.5M+ in organizer support, and millions in tourism economic impact facilitated through the network. No external funding has been disclosed and no AI/ML technology layer is present — the moat is built on 20 years of curated relationships, category-defining brand equity ("Sports For All"), and the network effect of being the primary convening venue for this niche of the sports tourism ecosystem.

Name

Compete Sports Diversity

Legal name

Compete Sports Diversity

Website

https://competenetwork.com

Company type

Private

Founded year

2006

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

11–50 employees

Short description

Compete Sports Network is a bootstrapped B2B media and events business connecting sports event organizers, destination marketing organizations, corporate partners, and inclusive-sports community organizations through membership (CSDC), annual conferences, certifications, and editorial content under the "Sports For All" mission.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Sports Media and Business Networking Services

NAICS

Promoters of Performing Arts, Sports, and Similar Events (7113), Spectator Sports (71121), Other Spectator Sports (711219)

SIC

Services-Amusement & Recreation Services (7900), Services-Membership Sports & Recreation Clubs (7997), Services-Advertising Agencies (7311)

akta.pro primary industry

Sports Event Promotion & Tournament Operations (MPAKAKAC)

akta.pro secondary industries

Sponsorship Sales, Valuation & Analytics Services (Rights Sales, Measurement, Consulting) (MPAKALAK), Cause, Community & CSR-Linked Sports Partnerships (Foundations, Youth Programs) (MPAKALAJ)

Keywords

• Sports business network
• Sports diversity membership
• Sports tourism conferences
• Inclusive sports media
• Diversity leadership certification

Headquarters

HQ city

Scottsdale

HQ country

United States

HQ region

North America

Offices1 record

Markets served

GTM type

B2B

Offering type

Services

Cost components

Personnel, Marketing or Sales, Operations, Technology or R&D, Others

Revenue model

1. Membership Subscriptions: CSDC (Compete Sports Diversity Council) membership providing access to networking, RFP access, event intelligence, training, and partnership opportunities for sports organizers, DMOs, and partners
2. Event Registration and Conferences: Revenue from Summer Conference, Winter Conference, Fall Business Retreat, Adaptive Sports Summit, and Women's Leadership Summit registrations across multiple ticket types
3. Corporate Partnerships: Sponsorship packages offering brand visibility through magazine, podcast, live events, webinars, and marketing channels with tiered partnership levels
4. Media and Advertising: Weekly Time-Out Newsletter, Quarterly Overtime Member Guide, Bi-Annual Playbook Member Directory, Monthly Sports Tourism Insider Podcast advertising opportunities
5. Certification Programs: SDL/SDLT (Sports Diversity Leadership) certification training programs available through monthly webinars and Thinkific platform

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion3 records

Distribution channels4 records

Marketing channels8 records

Core offering

Compete Sports Network operates a multi-platform sports business network built around the Compete Sports Diversity Council (CSDC) membership, which connects sports event organizers, destination marketing organizations (DMOs), corporate partners, and community organizations. Revenue is generated through annual membership subscriptions, tiered corporate sponsorship packages, paid registrations for industry conferences and summits, media and podcast advertising, and SDL/SDLT certification training delivered via the Thinkific platform. The company's stated impact includes $1M+ in sponsorships matched and $2.5M+ in organizer support, with the Sports For All™ mission anchoring its positioning in the inclusive sports ecosystem.

Product overview

Compete Sports Network is a multi-platform sports network operating as a business ecosystem rather than a single software product. The core offering combines membership (Compete Sports Diversity Council - CSDC), media platforms (Sports For All Podcast, Monthly Sports Tourism Insider Podcast, Weekly Time-Out Newsletter, Quarterly Overtime Member Guide, Bi-Annual Playbook Member Directory), and live events (Summer Sports Business Conference, Winter Sports Business Conference, Women's National Sports Business Conference, Adaptive National Sports Conference, Regional Sports For All Summits, Fall Sports Business Retreat, Adaptive Sports Summit, Sin City Classic Sports Festival). Additional offerings include training programs (Monthly Training Webinars, SDL/SDLT Certification) and awards recognition (Sports For All Awards/Petey Awards).

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Brands

• Sports For All: The company's guiding mission focused on expanding access to sports and creating opportunities for everyone who wants to participate in sport
• Sports Out Loud
• Petey Awards
• Compete Sports Diversity Council (CSDC)

Products and services

• Compete Sports Diversity Council (CSDC) Membership Annual membership subscription providing sports event organizers, DMOs, corporate partners, and community leaders with exclusive benefits including direct introductions, RFP access, insider event intelligence, monthly webinars, FAM tours, and partnership opportunities within the Sports For All™ network.
• Summer Sports Business Conference Annual flagship conference held in different U.S. host cities (2026 Corpus Christi, 2027 Baltimore, 2028 Kalamazoo) bringing together event organizers, destinations, and corporate partners to build relationships and create new business opportunities.
• Winter Sports Business Conference Annual winter conference held in Las Vegas during the Sin City Classic, featuring deal-making, networking, and business-building for sports event organizers, destinations, and corporate partners.
• Adaptive Sports Summit National gathering designed to elevate competitive opportunities for adaptive athletes and the organizations that serve them, launching in August 2026 in Fort Wayne, Indiana, with subsequent editions planned for Toledo, Ohio.
• Fall Sports Business Retreat Annual intimate retreat (2026 in Provo, Utah; 2027 in Memphis, Tennessee) designed for structured networking and collaborative discussions among sports planners, destinations, and partners.
• Women's National Sports Business Conference / Women's Leadership Summit Conference empowering female leaders and advancing equity in the sports industry, featuring networking and women's sports leadership development programming.
• Sports For All™ Awards (Petey Awards™) Annual awards ceremony now in its 16th year, honoring athletes, organizers, volunteers, and advocates who make sports more accessible, welcoming, and inspiring, presented alongside the Winter Sports Business Conference at the Flamingo Las Vegas.
• SDL/SDLT Certification Program Sports Diversity Leadership Certification program delivered through the Thinkific learning platform and monthly webinars, providing training credentials for sports professionals in diversity and inclusion leadership.
• Monthly Training Webinars Monthly business growth training webinars offering insights from top industry experts with networking opportunities for ambitious professionals, delivered via the Simpli ticketing/webinar platform.
• Sports For All™ Podcast Podcast offering timely analysis and interviews on the evolving intersection of sports, tourism, development, and inclusion.
• Monthly Sports Tourism Insider Podcast Monthly podcast providing exclusive insights, success stories, and expert perspectives shaping the sports tourism industry.
• Weekly Time-Out Newsletter Weekly newsletter providing industry trends, emerging opportunities, and exclusive insights for members and subscribers.
• Quarterly Overtime Member Guide Quarterly publication providing member businesses visibility in front of top decision-makers as a must-read industry resource.
• Bi-Annual Playbook Member Directory Bi-annual directory connecting members directly with key industry influencers and partners.

Quantifiable outcome

• $1M+ in sponsorships matched between brands and sports planners/DMOs
• +2 more outcomes

Named customers10 records

Segments6 records

Ideal customer profiles5 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Feature1 record

Partnerships

26 partnerships are on record, tiered core, major and minor.

• Sports Philanthropy NetworkcoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 November 2025First-year partnership with Sports Philanthropy Network added depth to conversations around purpose-driven sports and business growth at the 2026 Winter Conference. Collaborative programming for inclusive sports initiatives.
• Northstar Meetings GroupcoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 October 2025Presented Compete Sports Network Person of the Year Award at TEAMS '25. Partnership powering awards recognition and industry leadership visibility.
• American ExchangecoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 October 2025Co-presented 2025 Person of the Year Award with Northstar Meetings Group. Supporting supply chain diversity and inclusion initiatives in sports.
• Lynn Lewis FoundationcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerCo-founded Compete Women's Sports Council to bring together leaders across sports, tourism, and business to develop sustainable opportunities for women's athletics. Currently developing women's-focused sports tournament in Florida.
• Florida's Sports CoastmajorGTM or Marketing PartnerSponsor of 2025 Compete Women's Leadership Summit. Supporting women's sports leadership development and networking.
• Visit Fort WaynecoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerPresenting partner for 2026 Adaptive Sports Summit launching August 2026 in Fort Wayne, Indiana. Partnership leverages Fort Wayne's 10-year Tourism Master Plan and accessibility initiatives.
• Discover KalamazoocoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerHosting 2028 Summer Sports Business Conference in Kalamazoo, Michigan (June 14-16, 2028). Partnership to showcase new downtown event center and planned indoor youth sports facility.
• Explore Utah ValleycoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerHosting 2026 Fall Sports Business Retreat in Provo, Utah (November 10-12, 2026). Partnership for intimate, high-impact networking event in mountain setting.
• Maryland Sports Commission / Visit BaltimorecoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerTEAM Maryland partner with Visit Baltimore hosting 2027 Summer Sports Business Conference (June 9-11, 2027). Partnership committed to Sports For All mission.
• Corpus Christi Sports CommissionmajorStrategic or Co-development PartnerHost hotel and destination partner for 2026 Summer Conference (June 10-12, 2026). Sponsoring welcome party and conference activities.
• Black Volleyball CircuitmajorStrategic or Co-development PartnerBVC joined Compete Sports Council with HBCU Showcase traveling volleyball program. Compete to help scale impact across sports landscape through expanded cities, events, and athlete exposure.
• Greenville-Pitt County Sports CommissionmajorStrategic or Co-development PartnerPlay Greenville NC Sports - member organization with Director Ce'Nedra Dillard. Region features East Carolina University facilities and state-of-the-art convention center.
• Visit TucsonmajorStrategic or Co-development PartnerLongtime supporter hosting Compete Summer Sports Business Conference in June and ASANA World Series in October 2026. Promoted Brianna Lopez to Sports Sales Manager.
• Tito's Handmade VodkaminorGTM or Marketing PartnerCorporate sponsor of 16th Annual Petey Awards at Flamingo Las Vegas.
• IMGmajorGTM or Marketing PartnerWon Corporate Partner Award at 2026 Petey Awards. Major sports industry partner with broad event and media capabilities.
• Valencia Gay GamesminorGTM or Marketing PartnerSponsor partner for 16th Annual Petey Awards. Gay Games XII Valencia 2026 featured at awards.
• International Gay RodeominorGTM or Marketing PartnerSponsor partner for 16th Annual Petey Awards celebrating inclusive sports.
• Pride CupminorGTM or Marketing PartnerSponsor partner for 16th Annual Petey Awards celebrating welcoming sports.
• Memphis TourismminorGTM or Marketing PartnerSponsor partner for 16th Annual Petey Awards. Host destination for 2027 Fall Business Retreat.
• Visit LaredominorGTM or Marketing PartnerSponsor partner for 16th Annual Petey Awards.
• Henderson PrideminorGTM or Marketing PartnerSponsor partner for 16th Annual Petey Awards.
• Bursting ThroughminorGTM or Marketing PartnerSponsor partner for 16th Annual Petey Awards.
• Kick Ass SwagminorGTM or Marketing PartnerSponsor partner for 16th Annual Petey Awards.
• Sustain M.E.minorGTM or Marketing PartnerSponsor partner for 16th Annual Petey Awards.
• The Travel OfficeminorGTM or Marketing PartnerSponsor partner for 16th Annual Petey Awards.
• Corpus Christi Sports CommissionminorGTM or Marketing PartnerSponsor partner for 16th Annual Petey Awards.

Scale indicators6 records

Recent moves7 records

Expansion highlights5 records

Emerging players

• Athlete Ally: Athlete Ally is an LGBTQ+ advocacy nonprofit working with athletes, coaches, and leagues on inclusion. It competes for corporate partner DEI/CSR dollars and visibility in the same inclusive sports narrative that Compete's corporate package targets.
• Outsports: Outsports is a digital media outlet covering LGBTQ+ athletes and inclusion in sports, originating from the same community Compete was founded to serve. Its editorial focus is a partial overlap with Compete's Sports For All media and podcast platform.

Direct peers

• Sports Events & Tourism Association (Sports ETA): Sports ETA is the leading trade association for the sports events and tourism industry, connecting DMOs, sports organizers, and corporate partners through Symposia, member education, and industry advocacy — directly overlapping Compete's CSDC membership and conference model.
• National Association of Sports Commissions (NASC): NASC is the membership association for U.S. sports commissions and DMOs, hosting the annual Sports Commission Symposium and Symposium Awards. Its member base and event calendar compete directly with Compete's CSDC conferences for DMO relationships and organizer mindshare.
• Northstar Meetings Group: Northstar Meetings Group publishes trade media and operates the TEAMS Conference and other meetings industry events; it is both a Compete media co-partner and competitor in the sports tourism events-and-media category.
• TEAMS Conference (Northstar Meetings Group): TEAMS is the largest annual sports tourism trade conference in North America, hosted by Northstar Meetings Group. Compete co-presents an industry Person of the Year award at TEAMS '25 and they compete head-to-head for DMO and organizer sponsorship dollars.
• Sports Destination Management (SDM) Magazine: SDM Magazine is a long-running trade publication serving sports tourism planners and DMOs with editorial coverage, awards, and a Leads Hub — overlapping Compete's media, directory, and award programs aimed at the same buyer persona.
• Connect Sports Marketplace: Connect Sports operates an annual marketplace and digital platform connecting sports event owners with destinations and suppliers — a direct functional analogue to Compete's Sports Tourism Insider, member directory, and RFP access model.

Broad incumbents

• Sports Illustrated (Arena Group): Sports Illustrated is a broad-incumbent legacy sports media brand with advertising, events, and content verticals spanning the full sports ecosystem. It overlaps with Compete only in the inclusive/underserved sports beat at the edge of its portfolio.

Others

• IMG (Endeavor): IMG, part of Endeavor, is a global sports and events management powerhouse that won Compete's 2026 Corporate Partner Award. It sits upstream as a potential sponsor, licensor, or acquisition partner rather than a competitor for Compete's niche conferences.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat5 records

Key highlights7 records

Customer concentration

• Xtwitter.com/competesports

Compliance1 record

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles6 records

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about Compete Sports Diversity