Home

PlayMetrics and Stack Sports Combine to Create Leader in Sports Software

via Business Wire

Merger unites two industry innovators to meet customers’ evolving preferences and ushers in a new era for sports technology

PlayMetrics, a leading provider of operations management software for youth sports organizations, and Stack Sports, a global technology leader for the sports industry, today announced their merger, creating a best-in-class platform in the sports management technology ecosystem. This strategic combination unites two highly complementary and trusted brands, augmenting PlayMetrics’ modern technology platform with the scale, reach, and capabilities of Stack Sports to better serve the evolving needs of sports organizations worldwide. Michael Doernberg, CEO of PlayMetrics, will lead the combined organization as CEO, and Jeff Young, CEO of Stack Sports, will transition to a strategic role as advisor to the board of directors.

Genstar Capital, a leading private equity firm, supported the combination and will be the majority owner of the combined company. As part of the transaction, Genstar acquired PlayMetrics from Blue Star Innovation Partners (“BSIP”), which had been the company’s lead investor since 2023.

PlayMetrics helps customers streamline and modernize every facet of their operations, serving over 2,700 youth sports organizations across a variety of sports. Following a successful expansion beyond its flagship club operating system into governing bodies, leagues, and tournaments – including the acquisition of Crossbar in 2023 – PlayMetrics has experienced unprecedented levels of growth and customer retention over the last few years. Stack Sports is a global technology leader in SaaS platform offerings for the sports industry.

“Sports organizations are increasingly seeking a single, cohesive platform to manage their daily operations and complex business needs,” said Mr. Doernberg. “PlayMetrics has been transformational in delivering a one-stop solution for members, coaches, directors, and administrators. By joining forces with Stack Sports, we further enhance our ability to serve our customers with innovative, reliable, and intuitive software.”

“This merger marks an exciting new chapter for the sports technology industry,” said Mr. Young. “We have long admired the PlayMetrics brand, and by combining our strengths, we will accelerate the speed at which new products are released, customer service is delivered, and industry relationships are forged.”

“The combination of PlayMetrics and Stack Sports creates one of the largest sports technology platforms delivering comprehensive, market-leading solutions to clubs, leagues, tournaments, state associations, and governing bodies,” said Eli Weiss, Managing Partner of Genstar. “We are thrilled to support this transformative combination.”

“We are incredibly proud of what the PlayMetrics team has accomplished under Mike’s visionary leadership,” said Dan Wechsler, CEO of BSIP. “Together, we transformed PlayMetrics from a promising software platform into a market leader in sports management technology, delivering significant value for our investors and customers. Mike and his team’s dedication to innovation and customer success were key drivers, and we wish them all the best as they embark on their next chapter.”

Ropes & Gray acted as legal counsel and Lazard acted as financial advisor to Genstar. Weil, Gotshal & Manges LLP acted as legal counsel and William Blair acted as financial advisor to BSIP.

About PlayMetrics

PlayMetrics, the most user-friendly and intuitive Operating System in youth sports, is purpose-built to simplify the unique complexities of running a club, league, tournament, or governing body. Trusted by forward-thinking leaders across a variety of sports, PlayMetrics empowers directors, coaches, administrators, and player families to modernize their daily operations with unified financial, operational, coaching, and communication tools. Learn more at https://home.playmetrics.com/.

About Stack Sports

Stack Sports provides world-class software and services to support national governing bodies, youth sports associations, leagues, clubs, parents, coaches, and athletes. Some of the largest and most prominent sports organizations, including the U.S. Soccer Federation, Little League Baseball and Softball, and Pop Warner Little Scholars, rely on Stack Sports technology to run and manage their organizations.

Stack Sports is headquartered in Dallas and is leading the industry one team at a time focusing on four key pillars — Grassroots Engagement, Participation Growth, Recruiting Pathways, and Elite Player Development. To learn more about how Stack Sports is transforming the sports experience, please visit https://stacksports.com/.

About Genstar Capital

Genstar Capital (www.gencap.com) is a leading private equity firm that has been actively investing in high-quality companies for over 30 years. Based in San Francisco, Genstar works in partnership with its management teams and its network of strategic advisors to transform its portfolio companies into industry-leading businesses. Genstar currently has approximately $50 billion of assets under management and targets investments focused on targeted segments of the financial services, software, healthcare, and industrials industries.

About Blue Star Innovation Partners

Blue Star Innovation Partners is a Dallas, Texas based growth equity firm built by founders, for founders. Our team brings decades of experience scaling software, payments, and fintech businesses, giving us a unique advantage on the challenges and opportunities that founders face. We’re currently investing out of our third fund, leveraging our proven track record to help management teams accelerate growth and build category leaders. Learn more at https://www.bsipgp.com/.

Contacts