SPIRE Academy and Vensure Employer Solutions have announced a $6 million multi-year partnership, marking one of the largest corporate sponsorship agreements in youth sports. The deal positions Vensure HR as the top-tier sponsor across SPIRE’s programs, facilities, and major events.
The collaboration centers on a shared focus on talent development both in athletics and the workforce. Leaders from both organizations emphasized their alignment around preparing young people for long-term success beyond sports, connecting athlete development with career readiness and life skills.
Phil Urso, Chief Sales Officer at Vensure HR, said SPIRE’s commitment to developing the “whole athlete” was a key driver behind the partnership. He noted that the institution’s focus on performance, education, and personal growth mirrors Vensure’s work helping organizations build stronger teams and nurture talent.
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Amy Liles, Head of Corporate Partnerships at SPIRE, highlighted the growing influence of youth sports sponsorships as an effective way for brands to connect with families in trusted environments. She added that Vensure joins other partners including Third Federal Savings and Loan, Waffle House, and Chick-fil-A in supporting initiatives centered on community impact, performance development, and future workforce readiness.
The announcement comes as youth sports sponsorship continues to gain traction. A 2026 national study by YouGov Sport and Priority Partnerships found that 84% of parents view youth sports sponsorships positively, and 68% are more likely to purchase from brands supporting their child’s team compared with professional teams. The study also indicated youth sports generate significantly higher engagement than influencer marketing while offering a brand-safe environment.
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Under the agreement, Vensure HR will receive prominent brand exposure across key SPIRE initiatives, including national basketball events, naming rights for the Vensure HR SPIRE Performance Research Institute, and community-based programs. Both organizations also plan to explore initiatives linking athletic development with workforce pathways.
Steve Sanders, CEO of SPIRE Academy, said the partnership reflects a broader convergence between youth sports and workforce development, noting that both organizations are committed to building systems that support performance, opportunity, and long-term success.
With more than 161,000 clients globally and over $150 billion in payroll processed annually, Vensure Employer Solutions continues to expand its footprint in HR technology, including the recent acquisition of AI recruiting platform Distro. Meanwhile, SPIRE’s advanced training facilities and academic programs have strengthened its national profile as a destination for student-athletes pursuing collegiate and professional pathways
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