Dynasty Financial Partners, the RIA platform overseeing more than 725 advisors and $125 billion in client assets, has hired former Cleveland Indians first baseman Matt LaPorta as an executive-in-residence. LaPorta, selected seventh overall in the 2007 MLB Draft, will support the firm's push into sports-focused investing and athlete financial services through its Advisor to CEO program, launched in 2023.
LaPorta, who played four MLB seasons from 2009 to 2012, brings experience from investor roles at Wayfinder Capital Partners, A111 Capital, and True Up Capital. At Dynasty, he will advise advisors on middle-market M&A, capital raising, and deal sourcing within the sports ecosystem. Dynasty CEO Shirl Penney previously backed an Alex Rodriguez-led group's bid to acquire the New York Mets in 2020.
Youth sports, now a $40 billion industry, is a key focus for LaPorta. In May 2025, a group of congressional Democrats introduced the Let Kids Play Act, which would bar private equity firms from investing in youth sports, citing rising costs for families. The average U.S. sports family spent $1,016 on a child's primary sport in 2024, a 46% increase from 2019, according to the Aspen Institute's 2025 parent survey.
LaPorta argues that private equity can professionalize youth sports without necessarily driving up prices. He cited a group of former players rolling up youth baseball travel organizations, noting that such consolidation could create exit opportunities for founders and streamline operations for families. "Everything has been pretty clunky, and we're going to start to see that smooth out," he said.
Private equity firms have already invested in leagues, facilities, and technology platforms across youth sports. For example, Eli Manning's Brand Velocity Group recently acquired RCX Sports, a youth sports licensing company. LaPorta's own firm, Wayfinder Capital Partners, has invested in Dirty Mids, a lifestyle brand selling youth baseball apparel.
LaPorta, a father of twin 12-year-old boys who play baseball, has firsthand experience with the costs of travel sports. He noted that entry fees for tournaments can reach $20 per person per day, adding up quickly for families. "It's just expensive to play travel sports, there's no other way around it," he said.
He also highlighted a talent gap between today's travel ball participants and his own youth. LaPorta, who grew up playing both football and baseball in Florida before starring at the University of Florida, believes many children would be better served by local recreational leagues. "The reality is 1% of kids, maybe 2% of kids ever make it to college and to the major leagues," he said.
Dynasty's move into sports investing aligns with broader industry trends. The firm previously backed Factory Holdings, an RIA launched for athletes and creators. LaPorta's appointment also follows other personnel moves in the wealth management space, such as Caprock's hiring of impact investing veteran Jennifer Ayer.
