Travel Helping Drive Rising Costs of Youth Sports, Hotel groups like IHG Hotels & Resorts Provide Families A Solution

The cost of youth sports in the United States has reached new heights, with families spending significantly more to keep their children in the game.

According to a new national survey from the Aspen Institute, in partnership with Utah State University and Louisiana Tech University, the average household spent $1,016 on their child’s primary sport in 2024 — a 46% jump from 2019.

That figure outpaces general inflation in the U.S., which rose roughly half as much over the same period. When factoring in expenses for other sports that the same child plays, the total cost climbs to $1,491 per year, highlighting the growing financial strain placed on sports families.

The most expensive component of youth sports participation is travel. Parents reported spending an average of $414 on travel and lodging, followed by $279 on team registrations, $264 on private lessons, and $250 on equipment and uniforms. Camps and athletic schools added another $221 on average.

These rising costs are largely tied to the growing commercialization of youth sports, with many families investing in specialized training, camps, and competitive travel teams. Although participation in youth sports has declined slightly, the overall market has expanded, with the Aspen Institute estimating parents are now spending more than $40 billion annually.

For parents juggling multiple athletes or traveling frequently for tournaments, reducing travel costs is one way to relieve the pressure. Hotel groups like IHG Hotels & Resorts are positioning themselves as a family-friendly option with properties that cater to sports travel.

Brands such as Holiday Inn Express, Atwell Suites, and Garner offer complimentary hot breakfasts, helping families save both time and money on game days. Suite-style accommodations at Staybridge Suites and Candlewood Suites provide additional space and conveniences like full kitchens and laundry facilities — key for longer tournament weekends or cleaning up after muddy games.

Meanwhile, avid hotels prioritize rest and recovery with comfortable beds, blackout roller shades, and sound-reducing designs — ideal for players and parents alike.

With the IHG Reward program, parents can earn points on their stay, which they can redeem to book the next stay, and any stay of three nights or more can save guests up to 15%.

With no sign that youth sports costs are slowing down, parents may need to become just as strategic with their travel and lodging plans as they are with selecting teams and training opportunities.