Yes, AAU does cost money because there are various expenses associated with participating in AAU basketball tournaments. Parent’s can expect to pay anywhere from zero dollars to $250 per month and up for their player to participate on an AAU team.
These costs are similar to participation in any travel or club basketball program. AAU costs vary so much and it is dependent on multiple factors. In fact, some players could be sponsored and not incur any costs at all where other teams are completely self funded relying on parents.
If you are a parent or youth basketball player and looking for the answer to this question you have come to the right place. I have coached AAU basketball teams for years and was heavily involved in the financial aspects of AAU costs.
This article aims to provide a comprehensive understanding of the finances related to AAU participation, exploring the various costs and potential benefits for athletes and their families.
Understanding AAU:
The Amateur Athletic Union, commonly known as AAU, serves as a platform for young athletes to engage in competitive sports, such as basketball, outside of school-sponsored programs.
AAU basketball provides a competitive environment for athletes to showcase their skills and potentially gain exposure to higher levels of competition and college recruiters. For more information about AAU, please see this article.
How Much Does AAU Cost?:
At the time of this article, AAU costs less than $20 per player. This is strictly for registering a single player which is absolutely mandatory for AAU teams. However, if you are a parent trying to determine how much AAU travel basketball will cost your family my best estimate is anywhere from zero to $250 per month and up.
These costs have so many variables depending on the type of team you are playing for and the number of tournaments. Each team is managed independently and some are better than others at fundraising and money management. Much of this is explained below.
The Financial Realities (why is AAU basketball so expensive?):
Participation in AAU basketball typically does come with a financial commitment. While the exact cost can vary significantly based on the location, and level of competition, there are several common expenses associated with AAU participation. Here are a few:
- Membership Fees: Athletes and coaches need to pay annual membership fees to be a part of the AAU. These fees can vary depending on the sport and the specific AAU branch. Teams may include this in their monthly fees or expect parents to register on their own. Currently, as mentioned above these costs per individual are less than $20.
- Tournament and Event Fees: AAU athletes participate in various tournaments and events throughout the year. These events generally require entry fees, which can accumulate depending on the number of events attended. The fees per tournament can be anywhere from $250 and up. These fees include facility rental, referees and more. Costs are divided by the number of players on the team.
- Travel and Accommodation: Depending on the location of tournaments and events, athletes and their families may incur substantial travel and accommodation expenses, including transportation, lodging, and meals.
- Coaching and Training Costs: Some AAU programs may involve additional coaching and training fees, especially if athletes require specialized training to improve their skills. Parents may want to consider finding a personal trainer to ensure individual development of skills.
I know most of you reading this article are very likely parents but I wrote an article on the cost of starting a travel basketball team. This is an excellent breakdown of costs for an entire team. Keep in mind these are team costs, which means this will be divided by the number of players on the team.
Balancing the Costs and Benefits:
While the financial aspect of participating in AAU cannot be overlooked, it is essential to consider the potential benefits that can offset these costs:
- Exposure and Opportunities: AAU basketball tournaments and events often attract college recruiters and scouts, providing young athletes with increased visibility and potential scholarship opportunities.
- Enhanced Skill Development: The competitive environment of AAU basketball can foster accelerated skill development, enabling athletes to improve their performance and potentially excel in their chosen sport.
- Team Experience and Camaraderie: AAU participation allows athletes to be part of a team and experience the camaraderie and teamwork essential for success in sports and life.
If you are interested in learning more about youth basketball and the role you should take as a parent. I highly suggest reading the Parent’s Guide to Youth Basketball and Beyond, written by Kevin Cantwell and Pat Alacqua.
Conclusion:
In conclusion, while participation in AAU basketball does entail certain financial commitments, the potential benefits in terms of skill development, exposure, and team experience can make it a valuable investment for aspiring young athletes. Understanding the financial aspects of AAU basketball participation is crucial for athletes and their families to make informed decisions about their involvement in the program. Therefore, considering the costs alongside the potential rewards is vital when determining whether AAU participation is the right choice for an aspiring athlete.