Bubble soccer. Sounds fun, right? Imagine playing soccer while inside a giant inflatable ball. You can bump into people, roll around, and have a blast. That’s exactly what the National Association of Bubble Soccer (NABS) wanted to bring to the world.
But what happened to them after “Shark Tank”? Did the business take off? Or did things fall apart? Let’s dive in.
What is the National Association of Bubble Soccer?
John Anthony Radosta founded NABS in the early 2010s. His goal? To make bubble soccer a popular sport in the U.S. He saw it as the next big thing in recreational sports.
Instead of just selling bubble soccer equipment, NABS wanted to build leagues, rent out equipment, and help others start teams. The idea was to create a structured, nationwide bubble soccer experience.
NABS Shark Tank Pitch
In 2015, John stepped onto the “Shark Tank” stage, hoping to secure funding for his business. He asked for $160,000 in exchange for 10% equity, valuing NABS at $1.6 million.
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Founder | John Anthony Radosta |
| Founded | Early 2010s |
| Shark Tank | Season 7 – Episode 9 |
| Shark Tank Ask | $160,000 for 10% equity |
| Valuation on Show | $1.6 million |
| Did They Get a Deal? | No |
| Revenue Before Shark Tank | Not publicly disclosed |
| Revenue After Shark Tank | Short-term boost, but unsustainable growth |
| Business Status (2025) | Closed since 2016 |
| Net Worth (2025) | $0 – Company no longer exists |
To impress the Sharks, he brought bubble soccer to the set. Even the Sharks got in on the action! It was a fun moment, and it grabbed their attention. But business is more than just fun.
Also read: Rule Breaker Snacks: Net Worth and Journey After Shark Tank
Why Did NABS Not Get a Deal?
The Sharks had concerns.
- How many teams were actually operating? John couldn’t give an exact number.
- How profitable was the business? The financial details weren’t clear.
- Was bubble soccer just a short-term trend? Some Sharks thought so.
Because of these uncertainties, none of the Sharks invested.
What Happened After Shark Tank Appearance?
After the episode aired, NABS saw a boost in interest. More people checked out their website. More people wanted to try bubble soccer.
But the excitement didn’t last.
Also read: Understanding 5StarsStocks.com Staples: Your Guide to Essential Investments
Challenges NABS Faced
- Sustaining Growth – Interest was high at first, but maintaining long-term participation was tough.
- Business Model Issues – Renting and selling bubble soccer equipment wasn’t enough to keep the company running.
- Market Demand – Bubble soccer was fun, but it wasn’t something people played regularly like basketball or soccer.
By 2016, NABS had shut down.
Where is the Founder Now?
After NABS shut down, John Anthony Radosta moved on. He now works in the online furniture retail industry.
It’s a huge shift from bubble soccer, but that’s how business works sometimes.
Lessons from NABS’ Journey
The story of NABS teaches us a few things:
- A fun idea isn’t enough. You need a solid business plan.
- Financial clarity is crucial. Investors need clear numbers.
- Sustained demand matters. Bubble soccer was entertaining, but it didn’t become a long-term habit for most people.
Final Thoughts
NABS had a great concept. It made people laugh, got them active, and created unforgettable moments. But without a clear business model and long-term strategy, it couldn’t survive.
“Shark Tank” gave NABS a chance to shine. Unfortunately, it wasn’t enough to keep the company afloat.
Suggested reads: Understanding Waters CryptoProNetwork.com: A Comprehensive Guide
