The economics of girls club basketball are changing FAST, and I don’t think people realize where this is headed. Let’s be clear. Money changing hands in AAU basketball isn’t new. It’s been happening on the boys side for years, and the truly elite girls have always had some negotiating power. But traditionally, having your travel expenses covered was considered a pretty good deal. Not anymore. We’re now seeing parents asking for travel expenses PLUS CASH. And it’s no longer just the elite, program-changing players. Even role players on circuit teams are starting to expect compensation. A big reason? The circuit wars. New circuits are throwing serious money around to compete with the Big 3 shoe companies. And when you’re trying to convince established programs and elite players to leave, money is one of the quickest ways to get their attention. I heard about a girl last year who received a deal worth more than her parents make in an entire year. And seriously, WHO ISN’T TAKING THAT DEAL? I certainly don’t blame the families. But here’s what happens next. The superstar gets paid. Then the next-best player wants money. Then the starter. Then the role player. What was once the exception slowly becomes the expectation. My prediction? Within 3–5 years, top girls club programs will need their own version of collectives just to remain competitive. And that’s where things get interesting. You can have great coaching, development, exposure, college relationships and a proven track record of getting players recruited. But what happens when another program can offer all of that AND money? I think we’re heading toward a massive divide between the HAVES and HAVE-NOTS in girls club basketball. Some really good programs are going to get priced out. Not because they aren’t good enough, but because they can’t afford to compete financially. We’re watching girls club basketball evolve from a development and exposure model into a player-acquisition marketplace. The question isn’t whether money will change the game. It’s how fast the club model will die for what comes next.

Dear AAU Parents, Please take a little advice from a parent who has been around AAU basketball as a Coach & parent for 20+ years. Stop chasing imaginary rankings from paid services like PGH and cool social media posts from programs that over hype players on socials because that is all they can offer. Don't get caught up with trainers who are only worried about your children when they are in their gym. Ask real questions of program directors about approach on player development, college relationships and track record of getting players to college programs. Ask directors about recruiting plans for their players. Pay attention to programs that retain players and are not out recruiting over entire rosters year over year. Track record & trust between families & programs matters; especially in a rapidly changing recruiting landscape, you better be with a program that is committed to all their players and not just a few high profile girls. The top of EVERY circuit has really good players/teams but the bottom of EVERY circuit has bad teams too. Being on an EYBL or 3SSB team, and playing 6-8 mpg can really hurt your recruitment. Not every program is a fit for every player/family but PLEASE do your homework!! Have honest discussions about potential level of play in college and where your child might fit. Be very weary of anyone who only talks about D1. Winning games in AAU is nice and hopefully your daughter is competitive and wants to win but it ultimately doesn't mean anything and not many college coaches are paying attention to the score unless one team is getting smoked. In fact, a coach might pay more attention to how your daughter is acting as a player when they are losing vs how they are playing in a 25pt win. Good luck to all as the girls get prepared for the High School season. @nj_panthers @CoachJordanNJP @unitedNJaau @ShoreshotsGirls @newjerseyrise @ESBC_BlueFlames @NJLadiesHoops @TinyGreenNBS @coachschoiceusa