Brand Velocity Group has acquired RCX Sports from Raine Partners, anchoring its new BVG Sports vertical. Eli Manning among other NFL athletes invested alongside institutional partners Hamilton Lane and St. Cloud Capital. The $1tn asset manager Hamilton Lane came through its Impact platform, emphasizing the deal's social impact focus.

RCX operates at the base of the youth sports pyramid with steady participation and recurring fees. The platform maintains relationships with professional leagues and has a national footprint while keeping its own brand and management. Four years of prior discussions preceded this acquisition, according to founding partner Austin Ramos.

The acquisition comes as private equity deepens its presence in grassroots sports, drawing political attention. Democratic congressmen introduced a bill that would bar some private equity firms from investing in youth sports. RCX will continue under CEO Izell Reese with a focus on expanding access to sports experiences across the country.