{"type":"rich","version":"1.0","provider_name":"Transistor","provider_url":"https://transistor.fm","author_name":"The Youth Sports Show","title":"Colleges Use Sports as a Revenue Generator on The Youth Sports Show for June 17, 2026","html":"","width":"100%","height":180,"duration":1103,"description":"In this episode of The Youth Sports Show, hosts Gary Stocker and Joe Corabi tackle one of the most misunderstood topics in youth athletics: the connection between sports participation, college scholarships, and the true cost of playing at the next level. Building on concepts from Joe Corabi and Dr. Bill Quain’s book Bankrupt U, the discussion explores the growing \"pay-to-play\" reality facing many student-athletes, particularly at smaller colleges and universities. The hosts explain how athletic opportunities are often tied to tuition revenue, why many colleges add sports programs to increase enrollment, and how families can better understand the financial realities behind college recruiting.Gary and Joe also challenge common assumptions about athletic scholarships, graduation timelines, and the return on investment of college sports. They discuss hidden costs that families often overlook, including extended graduation timelines, opportunity costs from delayed entry into the workforce, and the financial pressures colleges face in today's competitive higher education environment. Throughout the episode, they emphasize the importance of informed decision-making and encourage parents to view youth sports not only through the lens of athletic opportunity but also through the broader perspective of education, finances, and long-term family goals.","thumbnail_url":"https://img.transistorcdn.com/SAfUgn5iJptc83SwWDEv_CfhQM7nR0nxNwIx1ZlhHys/rs:fill:0:0:1/w:400/h:400/q:60/mb:500000/aHR0cHM6Ly9pbWct/dXBsb2FkLXByb2R1/Y3Rpb24udHJhbnNp/c3Rvci5mbS9mNGRj/NzZkMzU4Y2EyNWJk/ODhmMWQ3OWQ2ZWFj/NGNkYi5qcGc.webp","thumbnail_width":300,"thumbnail_height":300}