Ryan Silver, President of Attitude of Gratitude, is a trailblazer in youth sports and event operations. With a vision rooted in appreciation and impact, he has built one of the fastest-growing event platforms in the country, spanning basketball, volleyball, soccer, golf, and more. Silver’s philosophy of gratitude—shaped by personal experiences—drives his mission to transform youth sports into not just competitions, but meaningful experiences that empower athletes, families, and communities.
Under Silver’s leadership, Attitude of Gratitude has rapidly expanded to become a premier operator of over 200 annual basketball tournaments, with camps and showcases across multiple states. Recently acquired by Rocket Youth Brands, the company now stands at the forefront of the evolving youth sports industry. With private equity investment, a powerful partner ecosystem, and Silver’s deep operational expertise, the organization is poised to redefine the future of youth events, blending growth with lasting community impact.
Beyond his impressive business achievements, Silver has a rare distinction: he is one of the very few entrepreneurs who has successfully built and sold multiple youth sports companies, including West Coast Elite. His journey highlights both the challenges and opportunities in the commercialization of youth sports—while keeping gratitude, service, and athlete empowerment at the heart of it all.
Podcast Chapters:
02:44 Growth and Expansion in Youth Sports 0
5:21 The Business of Youth Sports: Insights and Challenges
07:54 Rocket Youth Brands: A New Partnership
10:22 The Future of Youth Sports and Private Equity
13:07 NIL and Its Impact on College Sports
15:44 Closing Thoughts and Future Plans