Youth basketball was supposed to be about opportunity, development, and building futures.
In 2025, it’s become something uglier:
a pay-to-play system that preys on families and players who don't know any better.

The Basketball Alliance (TBA) in South Florida promised something new.
Instead, it's just more of the same — and worse.

Families showing up to TBA events are immediately hit with outrageous costs:

  • $80 for a weekend pass

  • $35 for a single-day pass

And for what?

  • Basic gyms with no real exposure.

  • No college coaches watching.

  • No national scouts or true recruiting media.

  • No real player development opportunities.

It’s not a platform for growth.
It’s a system that sells dreams to players and parents — while quietly cashing in behind the scenes.


False Promises and Real Damage

TBA, like many similar organizations, leans heavily on marketing messages like:
"We’re keeping kids off the streets."

But that doesn't stand up to reality.

  • The majority of the kids participating aren't "at risk."

  • They're already safe — at home, gaming, training, living normal lives.

  • The truly at-risk kids — the ones whose lives could be changed — aren't even there.

  • Their families can’t afford these outrageous tournament fees.

The sad truth is that these events aren't saving kids.
They're pricing out the very kids who might actually need the opportunity most.

Meanwhile, players who show up are made to feel like if they’re not spending hundreds every weekend to play meaningless games, they’re falling behind their peers.
It’s manipulation — dressed up as “opportunity.”


Real Voices from the Community:

"We just wanted good competition for our kids, not to get robbed at the door. $80 for a weekend pass? $35 a day? Come on. It feels like they care more about gate money than the players."
— Parent from Miami, FL

"They sold us on ‘growth opportunities’ but all we grew was our credit card bill. There’s no way working families should have to pay this much just to support their kids."
— Parent from Palm Beach County

"The games are fine, but everything around it is pure greed. Families shouldn’t have to choose between groceries and watching their child play a basketball game."
— Travel team coach in South Florida

A National Problem, Not Just South Florida

And it’s not just The Basketball Alliance or just South Florida.
Across the country, pay-to-play basketball is taking over the culture.

From California to Texas to New York, “exposure events” are popping up every weekend, charging outrageous gate fees, tournament fees, and team fees — without delivering any real exposure or development.

Parents everywhere are being sold the same lie:
Pay more or your kid will be left behind.

But the truth is simple:
If college coaches aren’t watching, if there’s no real skill development, if there’s no pathway being built —
then you’re just paying for games.
And those games aren’t building anything except someone else’s bank account.

Youth basketball is being watered down nationwide.
And unless families start demanding more, it’s only going to get worse.



Bottom Line:

South Florida basketball has real talent, real dreams, and real passion.
But organizations like TBA are watering down the game — charging families insane prices for meaningless tournaments with no true pathway to college or professional opportunities.

Parents and players deserve better.
Basketball deserves better.

Because if we keep letting fake "exposure" events dominate youth basketball,
we’re not building futures —
we’re selling false hope.