#Canada #Montreal #Youth Sports #Ascent Sports #LiveBarn

Ascent Sports Group Acquires LiveBarn

Ascent Sports Group, a company dedicated to enhancing connections and engagement in youth and amateur sports, has successfully acquired LiveBarn, a prominent provider of livestreaming and video analytics for ice hockey and other sports across North America. This acquisition not only marks a significant strategic move for Ascent but also represents their commitment to improving the digital experience for athletes, families, and organizations involved in sports.

A Step Towards Enhanced Connectivity

Founded in January 2026, Ascent is the result of a partnership between GTCR and CEO Gary Swidler, who has extensive experience in consumer technology and digital platforms. The acquisition of LiveBarn is a cornerstone of Ascent's strategy to create a robust digital ecosystem within youth and amateur sports, enabling more accessibility to their events.

LiveBarn, headquartered in Montreal, specializes in automated livestreaming and video-on-demand services from thousands of sports facilities throughout the United States and Canada. This innovative platform primarily caters to the youth ice hockey community, allowing athletes, families, and coaches to easily watch games and share highlights across vast distances.

Ascent aims to leverage LiveBarn's existing capabilities while exploring opportunities to expand services into other sports. With a focus on improving the overall user experience, Ascent plans to make significant investments in LiveBarn’s products, enhancing their quality, reliability, and accessibility.

Leadership and Future Goals

Following the acquisition, Ray Giroux, a veteran with over a decade of experience at LiveBarn and formerly the Chief Operating Officer, will step into the role of Chief Executive Officer. He will succeed the founder, Farrel Miller, who will transition to a position on the Board of Directors at Ascent Sports Group. Giroux expressed excitement about leading LiveBarn into this new chapter that promises to bring significant advancements to the platform, particularly from a technological standpoint.

“I’m honored to lead LiveBarn during this exciting next chapter,” said Giroux. “Having been involved with the platform as a hockey parent and player, I truly understand the value it provides to families and our partners.”

Community Impact and Vision

Ascent Sports Group's strategic investment in LiveBarn reflects a long-term commitment to supporting the youth sports ecosystem, which includes athletes, families, rink operators, and governing bodies. By improving LivBarn’s technological foundation, they seek to streamline the experience for users and maintain a trustworthy partnership with venues and leagues.

The acquisition has been received positively within the community, acknowledging LiveBarn’s role in fostering relationships and participation in sports for families and athletes. As families often find themselves navigating multiple disconnected tools for sports engagement, Ascent intends to consolidate these resources into a singular, more functional digital experience.

“The past decade has seen LiveBarn build a unique platform that connects players with their families, no matter where they are,” said Miller. “I am proud of what we’ve built and look forward to continuing to support the business in the years to come.”

While the financial specifics of the transaction remain undisclosed, it’s clear that with the backing of Ares Credit funds and advisory support from Raymond James, the future looks bright for both Ascent and LiveBarn. Together, they are set to redefine how youth and amateur sports are experienced, ultimately fostering a stronger sense of community and connection.

For more information about LiveBarn and its services, interested parties can explore its website at livebarn.com. Likewise, Ascent Sports Group invites inquiries at ascentsportsgroup.com.