Rising costs, shifting interests contribute to decline in girls high school basketball, survey shows
COLUMBIA, Mo. (KMIZ)
Fewer girls are participating in high school basketball across the country. According to the National Federation of State High School Associations, participation in girls basketball has dropped about 21 percent over the past 25 years.
Missouri is among several states seeing an even larger decline, with participation down 34 percent. There were 8,321 players at 568 schools in 2024-25 compared to 12,646 players at 534 schools in 1999-2000.
The Federation-- which relies on schools to self-report participation numbers-- says student athletes are still playing sports, just less basketball. Experts point to a combination of factors, including rising costs and an increased interest in other sports.
Families are feeling the financial strain of keeping their kids active in basketball. According to the NFHS report, the average sports family spent about $1,016 on their child’s primary sport in 2024, a 46 percent increase since 2019.
Parents told ABC 17 News that costs can be significantly higher, with some families spending up to $20,000 per season on travel, tournaments, uniforms, and training.
"You're talking tens to $20,000 in a summer," Mark Means said. "It just prices kids out. Basketball is not meant to be that way."
Erin Dean, a mother to an eighth grader said it all adds up.
"I probably don't want to calculate that number," Dean said. "But it's probably on an annual basis, probably about 20 to 25k with our travel."
Some programs, like Columbia Supreme, are working to make basketball more accessible. Founder Anthony Johnson said fees are cut roughly in half, ranging from $500 for younger players to $750 for older age groups.
"We make it affordable to make it more accessible. And we actively recruit girls from areas that typically don't play," Johnson said. “A lot of the kids, if we didn't have this format, you know, they wouldn't be on the team. That's a very high percentage of the kids."
Part of the decline is also attributed to shifting interests. Many girls are choosing sports such as soccer, softball, track, volleyball, flag football, and even girls wrestling, which have all seen a rise in participation.
Experts and parents also point to changes in the youth basketball structure, noting an overemphasis on tournaments and competition over skill development.
"We don’t need all of these tournaments over and over," Means said. "Teaching them the skills they need at a young age to be successful at the next level is what matters."
According to the American Academy of Pediatrics, nearly 70 percent of kids quit organized sports by age 13.
Many parents said their children participate in multiple sports beyond basketball, adding to the financial expenses.
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