#United States #New York #MADE Hoops #Player Development #Youth Basketball

MADE Hoops Unveils New Foundation and Development Center

In a landmark announcement, MADE Hoops, the premier platform for youth basketball in the United States, has introduced two transformative initiatives aimed at enhancing access to the sport for young athletes. This comes on the back of significant investments from SC Holdings and LRMR Ventures, which is helmed by sports icons LeBron James and Maverick Carter. The foundational aspect of this initiative is the establishment of the "MADE for All" non-profit foundation, alongside a multi-million-dollar player development center opening in early 2026 in New York City.

Founded in 2014 by Chad Babel, MADE Hoops has rapidly evolved into a vital component of the grassroots basketball ecosystem in North America, organizing over 125 events for boys and girls each year. By serving a community of more than 100,000 student-athletes aged 10 to 18, and drawing a staggering 120,000 spectators annually, the platform has cemented its position as the largest independent grassroots basketball circuit in the country. The MADE Hoops Circuit (MHC) currently features teams from more than 25 states and Canada.

Babel emphasized the importance of these initiatives, stating, "This investment allows us to take everything we've built — the events, the platform, and the brand — and elevate it to new heights, which will benefit the most important part of our ecosystem: the player community. We've always believed in the power of grassroots basketball to change lives, and this partnership gives us the resources to make that impact even deeper."

Youth basketball holds the title of the largest participatory youth sport in America, attracting millions of young boys and girls annually. MADE Hoops stands at the forefront, fostering connections between emerging players, coaches, and communities across the nation. The new investments will facilitate the expansion of MADE Hoops' digital and physical presence, incorporating innovative media initiatives along with a comprehensive national training framework that aligns with their mission of maximizing athlete development and exposure.

The newly launched "MADE for All" foundation is designed to increase accessibility and opportunities for youth players by funding scholarships, training resources, and community initiatives aimed at nurturing young athletes both on the court and in their personal development. The first Player Development Center, which is set to break ground in New York City, will be a state-of-the-art facility dedicated to skill development, performance training, and overall conditioning. This center will be modeled after elite European basketball academies, striving to serve as a template for future player development in the United States.

With an investment well into seven figures being funneled back into the basketball community, MADE Hoops is committed to supporting young athletes on and off the court, clearly demonstrating their dedication to fostering new opportunities in basketball.

Jason Stein, co-founder of SC Holdings, praised MADE Hoops' commitment to maximizing player development and exposure, stating, "What's impressed me the most with Chad and the MADE Hoops' team is their intense commitment to their namesake. At MADE, it always starts and ends with what's best for the kid and the game of basketball. That level of authenticity and purpose is how you create a meaningful and lasting brand."

Over its impressive 12-year journey, MADE Hoops has acted as a springboard for many of the sport's emerging stars, making significant strides in connecting talent with opportunities through a robust array of leagues, tournaments, and showcases. Operating without external capital until now, the organization has also secured long-term partnerships with established brands like U.S. Army National Guard, Gatorade, and Wilson, contributing to its viability and impact.

As MADE Hoops prepares to embark on this exciting new chapter, its newly formed Board of Directors will comprise industry leaders, including Maverick Carter (LRMR Ventures), Jason Stein (SC Holdings), and Chad Babel, who will continue to lead as the CEO and retain significant ownership in the organization.

Maverick Carter, an enduring figure in youth basketball, reflected on the significance of MADE's initiatives: "As someone who grew up playing youth travel basketball, it's clear that what Chad and his team at MADE are doing is vital for the future of youth basketball."

Through groundbreaking investments, MADE Hoops is poised to reshape the landscape of youth basketball in America, ensuring that aspiring athletes have the resources and support they need to excel both on and off the court.