What 3 STEP Sports does

3STEP Sports is the largest youth sports club and event operator in the United States, owning and managing youth sports clubs, operating youth sporting events and camps, and selling related apparel. Founded by David Geaslen in 2019 and headquartered in Wilmington, Massachusetts, the company serves more than 2 million athlete participants across seven core sports (basketball, football, lacrosse, soccer, volleyball, field hockey, and combat sports) plus baseball, softball, and field hockey, operating in over 40 states through 1,800+ club teams, 38 facilities, and nearly 1,500 events and leagues annually. The company has completed more than 50 acquisitions since 2019 under private equity backing from Juggernaut Capital, executing a roll-up strategy that retains local club brand identities across acquired entities such as Hoop Group, EDP Soccer, 3d Lacrosse, Munciana Volleyball, and Windy City Field Hockey.

The company's core technology stack is anchored by PlayerFirst, a proprietary single-login platform serving 150+ youth sport organizations for registration, scheduling, communication, and integrated insurance purchasing through a partnership with Vertical Insure. UCReport is the company's leading verified data product for college football recruiting, powering ESPN team and recruiting rankings and used by 68 of 69 Power 4 college football programs; in February 2026 the company extended this asset to consumers via the UCVerified mobile app, which translates verified combine performance data into UCScore ratings, college level projections, and personalized recruiting pathways. Beyond Pulse biometric wearables (Smart Belt, FLOWBAND) and the First Scout Productions video operation (12 employees and 600 freelancers covering 70 events annually) extend the technology and content footprint.

3STEP generates revenue across six streams: club registration fees (subscription recurring), event and tournament fees (transaction), recruiting and data services via UCReport and UCVerified (subscription), facilities and venues (managed services), insurance products distributed through Vertical Insure at 10% for outdoor events and 5% for indoor (transaction), and video production services. Pricing varies by program and sport; registration fees are non-refundable, and Event Cancellation Team Coverage insurance offers 100% coverage of the non-refundable entry fee when purchased at least 14 days before an event. As of January 2026, the company reportedly had approximately $40 million in EBITDA and engaged Goldman Sachs to explore strategic alternatives including a potential sale or capital raise.

Name

3 STEP Sports

Legal name

3 STEP SPORTS LLC

Website

https://threestep.com

Company type

Private

Founded year

2019

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

101–250 employees

Short description

3STEP Sports is the largest US youth sports club and event operator, serving 2+ million athletes across seven sports via 1,800+ club teams and 38 facilities. It operates the PlayerFirst platform, UCReport recruiting data, and UCVerified consumer app.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Youth Sports Club & Event Management Services

NAICS

Sports Teams and Clubs (711211), Promoters of Performing Arts, Sports, and Similar Events (7113), Promoters of Performing Arts, Sports, and Similar Events with Facilities (71131), Other Spectator Sports (711219), Spectator Sports (71121)

SIC

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

akta.pro primary industry

Sports Compliance, Governance & Integrity Services (Safeguarding, Anti-Doping, Match Integrity) (MPAKAKAM)

akta.pro secondary industries

Third-Party Tournament Organizers (TOs) (MPAKANAB), Individual-Sport Clubs & Teams (Cycling Teams, Athletics/Track Clubs, Swimming Clubs, etc.) (MPAKABAD), Athlete & Talent Representation (Agents, Managers) (MPAKAKAA)

Keywords

• Youth sports clubs
• Youth athletic events
• College recruiting platform
• Sports club management
• Youth sports facilities

Headquarters

HQ city

Wilmington

HQ country

United States

HQ region

North America

Offices3 records

Markets served

GTM type

B2C

Offering type

Services

Cost components

Personnel, Operations, Marketing or Sales, Infrastructure, Technology or R&D, Supply Chain

Revenue model

1. Club Registration Fees: Revenue from youth athletes registering for club sports programs across basketball, football, lacrosse, soccer, volleyball, field hockey, and combat sports. Registration fees are non-refundable per company policy.
2. Event & Tournament Fees: Revenue from hosting premier white-label events providing immersive experiences for hundreds of thousands of athletes competing at highest levels for college and prep school coaches. Events include UCReport camps, combines, showcases, and national tournaments.
3. Recruiting & Data Services: Revenue from UCReport verified data platform for college football recruiting. UCVerified app (February 2026) provides direct-to-consumer performance data subscriptions for athletes and families.
4. Facilities & Venues: Revenue from facilities and venues across the country, creating unique sponsorship opportunities for brands to connect with youth sports. 38+ facilities operated.
5. Insurance Products: Revenue through Vertical Insure partnership for Sports Protection Insurance (10% for outdoor events, 5% for indoor) and Event Cancellation Insurance integrated into registration.
6. Video Production Services: Revenue from First Scout Productions video coverage of youth sports events, covering 70 events annually with team of 12 employees and 600 freelancers.

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion3 records

Distribution channels5 records

Marketing channels5 records

Core offering

3STEP Sports is the largest youth sports club and event operator in the United States, owning and managing 1,800+ club teams across basketball, football, lacrosse, soccer, volleyball, field hockey, combat sports, baseball, and softball. The company operates premier white-label tournaments, showcases, combines, and camps serving 2+ million athlete participants, and runs the proprietary PlayerFirst registration/event management technology and UCReport recruiting data platform that powers ESPN team and recruiting rankings.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Brands

• PlayerFirst: Proprietary technology platform providing single login access to 150+ youth sport organizations and event providers across the country. Integrated into the registration process for insurance and program management.
• UCVerified
• UCReport
• PlayerFirst Platform
• 3STEP Productions
• Beyond Pulse
• Vertical Insure

Products and services

• Youth Sports Club Programs
• 3STEP Productions (Elite Tournaments & Showcases)
• PlayerFirst Technology Platform
• UCReport Recruiting Intelligence Platform Verified data platform for college football recruiting that powers ESPN team and recruiting rankings. Provides professional scouting assessments, verified combine performance data, and athlete rankings serving 68 of 69 Power 4 college football programs.
• UCVerified Consumer App
• Sports Facilities & Venues Operations of 38 sports facilities and venues across the country, including Fieldhouse USA, Hardwood Palace, Competitive Edge Sports, and Fieldhouse Essex, providing infrastructure for clubs and events plus sponsorship opportunities for brands.
• First Scout Productions Video Services Video production services for youth sports events, covering 70 events annually across the United States with a team of 12 employees and 600 freelancers to produce content for 3STEP events and partners.
• Sports Protection Insurance (via Vertical Insure) Sports protection and event cancellation insurance integrated into the PlayerFirst registration process, covering season-ending injuries, illness, death, mental illness, job loss, and weather-related event cancellations. Insurance rates are 10% for outdoor events and 5% for indoor events.
• Team Travel Services Team travel booking and management services through Travel First Agency in partnership with Team Travel Source, supporting travel coordination for youth sports clubs and teams.

Quantifiable outcome

• 2+ million athlete participants across seven sports in 40+ states
• +5 more outcomes

Named customers6 records

Segments4 records

Ideal customer profiles3 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Feature5 records

Partnerships

17 partnerships are on record, tiered flagship, core and minor.

• Zero Point Sports NetworkflagshipStrategic or Co-development Partner · 21 May 2026Partnership to launch International Lacrosse Series with inaugural International Sixes Challenge December 12-13, 2026 in Naples, Florida. Men and women national teams from multiple continents will compete in Sixes-style lacrosse format as sport builds toward 2028 Los Angeles Olympics.
• IMLCA, NXTsports & HoganLaxcoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 29 September 2025Strategic partnership where NXTsports and HoganLax co-host the IMLCA Summer Players Summit July 9-10 in greater Philadelphia area. Provides high school lacrosse players direct exposure to college coaches and high-level competition.
• Rivals Camp SeriescoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 6 August 2025Partnership where Rivals Camp Series powered by UCReport will visit five cities with enhanced two-day format. UCReport provides verified performance data with NFL-style drills. Rivals Camp Series has over 500 NFL alumni and 30+ first-round picks from past two NFL Drafts.
• NBC SportscoreGTM or Marketing Partner · 5 August 2025Multi-year partnership with Navy All-American Bowl through 2027. UCReport serves as Official College Recruiting Service of the Navy All-American Bowl. NBC provides live broadcast on NBC and Peacock from Alamodome in San Antonio.
• Next Level LacrossecoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 18 July 2024Partnership creates new girls club program in Washington D.C. under 3STEP's M&D Lacrosse club banner. Next Level Lacrosse girls club programming operates under new M&D DC brand. Next Level Lacrosse continues boys programming under their own brand.
• Longstreth Sporting GoodscoreChannel Partner/ Reseller/ Distributor · 24 April 2024Longstreth is the official equipment supplier for 3STEP Field Hockey clubs (Cape Ann, Seacoast, and Windy City). Provides support, service, discounts and access to new products for club players and families. Also offers exclusive clinics with USA National Team athletes.
• USA Field HockeycoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 6 July 20233STEP Sports partnered with USA Field Hockey to be the official Event Manager of the National Hockey Festival. Combined events welcome 400 teams over three days across U-10 through U-19 age groups. 3STEP donated $100,000 to USA Field Hockey Foundation for 100th anniversary.
• First Scout ProductionscoreTechnology or Integration · 25 August 2022First Scout Productions is a video production company specializing in youth sports coverage. Acquired to enhance content creation and support 3STEP's growth. Covers 70 events annually across the US with 12 employees and 600 freelancers.
• Under ArmourcoreGTM or Marketing Partner · 3 March 2022Under Armour is title sponsor for UA Select Game and official outfitter for 3STEP Field Hockey from 2022-24. Under Armour provides gear including skort, jersey, game socks, backpack, and performance T-shirt for Select Game participants.
• ESPNcoreGTM or Marketing PartnerESPN is a key media and content partner. 3STEP Sports has been ranking national football prospects for ESPN since 2006. UCReport powers ESPN Junior 300 rankings and recruiting content.
• GatorademinorGTM or Marketing PartnerGatorade is listed as a partner on the 3STEP Sports website, providing beverage and hydration support for events.
• YETIminorGTM or Marketing PartnerYETI is listed as a partner on the 3STEP Sports website, providing equipment and storage solutions.
• SimaxminorGTM or Marketing PartnerSimax is listed as a partner on the 3STEP Sports website.
• Team Travel SourceminorGTM or Marketing PartnerTeam Travel Source is listed as a partner for travel coordination services.
• Sports ETAminorGTM or Marketing PartnerSports ETA is listed as a partner, providing event tourism and sports tourism expertise.
• Vertical InsurecoreTechnology or IntegrationVertical Insure provides sports protection and event cancellation insurance integrated into the PlayerFirst registration process. Covers unexpected life situations including injuries, illness, death, mental illness, job loss. Insurance rates are 10% for outdoor events and 5% for indoor.
• Mission WinminorOthersNon-profit charity partnership aiming to transform lives of children through sports participation, leadership training and professional development.

Scale indicators14 records

Recent moves7 records

Expansion highlights6 records

Direct peers

• SportsEngine: SportsEngine (an NBC Sports company) provides registration, league management, and website tools for youth sports organizations. Directly comparable to 3STEP's PlayerFirst platform as a technology infrastructure layer for youth sports clubs and tournaments.
• Stack Sports: Stack Sports is a youth sports technology platform providing registration, payment processing, website, and communication tools across multiple sports. Comparable to 3STEP's PlayerFirst platform as an enabling infrastructure provider for youth sports organizations.
• TeamSnap: TeamSnap provides team management, scheduling, registration, and communication software for youth and recreational sports leagues and clubs. Comparable to 3STEP's PlayerFirst technology offering for managing club operations, schedules, and family communication.
• US Sports Camps (Nike Sports Camps): US Sports Camps operates the largest network of sports camps in the US under the Nike Sports Camps brand across multiple sports. Comparable to 3STEP's 3STEP Productions event and camp portfolio serving youth athletes seeking elite coaching exposure.
• NCSA (Next College Student Athlete): NCSA is a leading college athletic recruiting platform connecting high school athletes with college coaches through verified profiles, camps, and showcases. Directly comparable to 3STEP's UCReport/UCVerified recruiting data business and serves an overlapping customer base of aspiring college athletes.

Emerging players

• On3: On3 is a college sports media and recruiting platform offering ratings, transfer portal data, and NIL valuations. Comparable to 3STEP's UCReport as an emerging recruiting intelligence platform competing for the attention of athletes, coaches, and families across high school football.
• Hudl: Hudl provides video analysis, performance data, and recruiting tools for high school and youth athletes. Comparable to 3STEP's UCReport recruiting data platform and First Scout Productions video coverage business, with overlap in serving high school athletes seeking college exposure.

Broad incumbents

• IMG Academy: IMG Academy is a global leader in youth athletic and academic development, operating elite training programs, camps, and events across multiple sports. Comparable to 3STEP as a broader incumbent offering integrated athlete development and college pathway services, though IMG's primary focus is on premium residential and elite-tier experiences rather than mass-market club consolidation.
• Playfly Sports: Playfly Sports is a sports marketing and media company operating in high school and youth sports with property rights, events, and sponsorship sales. Comparable as a broader sports-rights and event-management platform, though more focused on sponsorship/media than club ownership.

Regional players

• USA Volleyball: USA Volleyball is the national governing body for volleyball in the US, sanctioning events and managing junior volleyball pipelines. Comparable as the sport-governing counterpart to 3STEP's volleyball club portfolio (Munciana, Michigan Elite, NPJ) where USAV oversees competition structure.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat5 records

Key risks7 records

Key highlights7 records

Customer concentration

• Xx.com/3stepsports
• Facebookfacebook.com/3stepsports
• Instagraminstagram.com/3stepsports
• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/3-step-sports-llc

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles8 records

Subsidiaries27 records

Funding overview

Funding rounds1 record

Investors1 record

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

M&A12 records

Investments

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

Frequently asked questions about 3 STEP Sports