Prep Network acquires Coast 2 Coast Preps

Prep Network has acquired Dallas-based Coast 2 Coast Preps for $30 million, marking its first acquisition since aligning with Maple Park Capital Partners. This transaction aims to strengthen Prep Network's position in the youth sports sector by integrating Coast 2 Coast’s middle school basketball events and coverage with Prep Network's high school-focused brand, Prep Hoops. By bridging the gap between middle and high school activities, Prep Network seeks to offer a seamless basketball development pathway.

The acquisition comes on the heels of Maple Park Capital's $30 million investment in Prep Network in September 2025. Both companies had previously indicated that growth through strategic acquisitions would be a priority, and Coast 2 Coast is their initial step in that strategy. Coast 2 Coast Preps operates at the national level in the middle school segment, providing player evaluations and event coverage, which complements Prep Network’s high school content and event offerings.

This move aligns with Prep Network's strategic vision of creating a comprehensive basketball experience from middle school through high school. Nick Carroll, Chief Growth Officer at Prep Network, characterized the acquisition as crucial for developing a complete grassroots basketball pipeline. The group plans to expand its event lineup by launching numerous showcases and tournaments, enhancing its capacity to engage with young athletes earlier in their development.

The acquisition reflects a broader trend of consolidation in the youth sports industry, particularly in media and events. With increasing private equity interest, companies like Prep Network are capitalizing on the opportunity to build extensive platforms that aggregate audiences and generate consistent event revenue. Prep Network's existing operations include over 450 events annually and the publication of more than 4,000 articles each month across eight media properties. The addition of Coast 2 Coast is expected to enhance these efforts further.

As the youth sports landscape continues to evolve, Prep Network's strategy underscores the importance of creating vertically integrated platforms that capture athletes' attention from an earlier age. While the deal solidifies Prep Network's footprint in middle school and high school basketball, the focus will now shift to executing the expanded event calendar and integrating Coast 2 Coast into the broader operational framework. The path forward will involve executing on planned showcases and maximizing the combined digital storytelling and player evaluation strengths of both entities.