Josh Harris and David Blitzer Announce Formation of Unrivaled Sports
The new parent company will oversee all HBSE youth sports organizations
Posted On: March 27, 2024 By :The Ripken Baseball brand among others owned by Josh Harris and David Blitzer will be folded into a new parent company called Unrivaled Sports, which will oversee an overall broad portfolio of youth sports properties.
Unrivaled Sports’ baseball division will consist of Ripken Baseball, Cooperstown All Star Village, Sports Force Parks (which was acquired in the spring of 2023), Baseball Factory and Softball Factory. The division will be led by Chief Executive Officer Wade Martin, who joined the organization in February. Unrivaled Sports’ action sports division, led by Kevin English, includes We Are Camp, an action sports brand that Harris and Blitzer acquired in partnership with three-time Olympic gold medalist Shaun White.
“Through Unrivaled Sports, we’re not just investing in sports; we’re investing in future generations by making sports more inclusive and accessible in communities across the nation,” Harris said. “Our commitment is to provide unparalleled experiences and opportunities that inspire, educate and uplift youth.”
Harris and Blitzer, aside from their own individual sports investments, are co-owners of HBSE, which includes the Philadelphia 76ers and New Jersey Devils. Investment firm The Chernin Group has completed a significant investment in Unrivaled Sports, which will have further investments in youth sports throughout 2024.
“TCG shares our mission of delivering best-in-class youth sports experiences and making a positive impact in the communities we serve,” said Blitzer. “Today’s announcement of our partnership with TCG, and the arrival of Andy Campion as chairman, allows us to expand our infrastructure and maximize the opportunities we have to create unforgettable sports memories for kids across the country.”
Andy Campion, former chief operating officer of Nike and longtime Disney executive, has been named Chairman of the Board. Campion is a minority owner of the Real Salt Lake and Utah Royals soccer franchises and serves on the boards of directors of the LA28 Olympic & Paralympic Games.
“I am thrilled to help lead Unrivaled Sports’ elevation of the youth sports experience,” said Campion. “We are on a mission to provide innovative, inspiring and inclusive programs to young athletes on a broad scale across multiple sports, beginning with baseball, softball, flag football and action sports. Unrivaled Sports’ growth will give more young athletes the learning, engagement in sport, and connection to community that they need and deserve to live their best possible lives. Through our experiences, family and friends will also make awesome memories together.”
Posted in: Latest News, Sports Organizations, Youth Sports