At IMG Academy, the mission has always been clear: empower student-athletes to reach their full potential athletically, academically, and personally. But as the youth sports landscape continues to evolve, so too must the pathways available to the next generation.>
In a recent conversation, IMG Academy CEO Brent Richard shared his perspective on one of the most pressing challenges facing young athletes today and how IMG Academy is working to solve it.
You can view the full appearance here:
A Growing Gap in Opportunity
Youth sports participation has never been higher. Millions of student-athletes across the country are dedicating more time, energy, and resources to their development than ever before. But as Richard told Olsen, the opportunities waiting for them at the next level haven’t kept pace.
“There are about 8 million high school athletes and roughly 500,000 college roster spots,” Richard explained. “That imbalance has existed for years but it’s gotten even tighter.”
Recent changes in college athletics including extended eligibility, the transfer portal, and shifting roster dynamics have further limited access for high school athletes. The result is a system where demand continues to rise, but supply remains constrained.
“Add More Athletes”
To address this challenge, IMG Academy launched the “Add More Athletes” initiative in 2025, a call to action focused on expanding access to collegiate athletics.
“At its core, this is about creating more opportunities: more roster spots, more teams, and more pathways for student-athletes to compete at the college level,” Richard said.
Rather than limiting participation, IMG Academy believes the future of sports should be about inclusion and expansion. That means rethinking traditional models and exploring new ways to meet the growing demand.
Rethinking the College Sports Model
One of the biggest opportunities, according to Richard, lies in how college programs are structured today.
“College sports often operate on a one-team model -- one team, one field, one roster,” he said. “But if you look at youth sports, that model wouldn’t survive. There are multiple teams, multiple levels, and constant participation.”
Richard sees potential in introducing:
- Developmental squads (JV or second teams)
- Expanded roster structures
- Stronger integration between club and varsity athletics
These changes, he said, could dramatically increase access without sacrificing quality or competitiveness.
Meeting Athletes Where They Are
Importantly, the “Add More Athletes” initiative isn’t just about elite prospects. It’s about creating meaningful opportunities for a broader population of student-athletes.
IMG Academy has long believed that sports are a vehicle for more than just professional outcomes.
“We’re not just focused on producing pros,” Richard said. “We’re focused on pathways to college, to personal growth, and to lifelong success.”
Professional aspirations and financial outcomes like NIL rank far lower than public narratives might suggest.
Building a More Accessible Future
As IMG Academy continues to expand its global reach through boarding programs, camps, digital coaching, and partnerships with schools the goal remains the same: make world-class sports education more accessible.
“We’re trying to take what makes IMG special and make it available to more families,” he said.
How You Can Support #AddMoreAthletes
Want to learn more about IMG Academy’s #AddMoreAthletes campaign? Click here for more information.
Click here to learn more about IMG Academy’s boarding school and camps.
