Athlete-Led. Education-First.
Built for Discipline.
Next Play Acquisitions is a franchise platform built by athletes, for athletes. We specialize exclusively in youth sports and youth education franchises high-demand, community-rooted businesses that align with the values and skills of competitive athletes.
We provide the education, operational playbook, and disciplined framework to help athletes move from the field to franchise ownership with hyper-disciplined, fiscally conservative operational growth at the core of everything we do.
Youth Focused
Sports & Education Franchises
Learn Before You Leap
Like the best military-to-civilian transition programs, we believe preparation is everything. Master the fundamentals before you invest a dollar.
Franchise Fundamentals
Understand the franchise model, FDD analysis, territory rights, and what makes a franchise worth owning.
Financial Discipline
Conservative underwriting, unit economics, cash flow management, and avoiding over-leverage.
Operations Excellence
Day-to-day management, hiring systems, KPI tracking, and building a culture of accountability.
From Athlete to Owner
Translating competitive discipline, team leadership, and performance mindset into business success.
Youth Sports & Education
From swim schools to soccer fields to strength training — we invest in the franchises that shape the next generation.
Hyper-Disciplined.
Fiscally Conservative.
Operational Growth.
We don't chase hype. We don't over-leverage. We build franchise portfolios the way elite athletes train: with discipline, consistency, and a relentless focus on fundamentals. Every decision is underwritten conservatively. Every operation is built to scale.
Typical Investment Range
Target Break-Even
Units for Optimal Scale
Target Cash-on-Cash
Know the Pitfalls
Before You Invest
Most franchise failures are preventable. We've documented the most common mistakes athletes and first-time operators make — so you don't have to learn the hard way.
Most common mistake
Over-leveraging
Franchise Opportunities
We focus exclusively on youth sports and youth education franchises — high-demand, community-rooted businesses with proven models and strong unit economics.
Big Blue Swim School
Premium swim instruction for children ages 3 months to 12 years. Proprietary curriculum, heated pools, and a proven multi-unit model.
KidStrong
Science-based youth development program building physical, character, and brain strength in kids ages 1–11.
Soccer Shots
The nation's leading youth soccer enrichment program for ages 2–8. Character development through sport with low overhead.
Led by Those Who've Been There
Jimmy Maurer
MLS Professional · Houston Dynamo
Jimmy Maurer is a seasoned professional athlete and leader with over 15 years of experience across top-tier soccer leagues in the U.S. and abroad, including the MLS and Chile's Primera División. A Harvard Business School–trained professional and UEFA-certified football manager, he brings a rare blend of athletic discipline, operational insight, and business acumen to franchise ownership.
