Former 'Bachelor' Contestant Launches Innovative Dating Events

Lexi Young's 'In the Wild' events bring singles together through shared experiences at sporting events

Apr. 12, 2026 at 8:36pm

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A softly blurred, atmospheric photograph in warm, hazy tones depicting a group of people engaged in lively conversation at a crowded sporting event, with the action on the field or court barely visible in the background, conceptually representing the authentic connections fostered by 'In the Wild' dating events.The vibrant energy and shared experiences of sporting events provide the perfect backdrop for 'In the Wild' dating events, where singles can connect beyond the confines of dating apps.Brooklyn Today

Lexi Young, a former contestant on 'The Bachelor', has created a new dating experience called 'In the Wild' that aims to get singles off dating apps and connecting in person at sporting events. The events focus on creating shared experiences and leveraging common interests to spark conversations and potential relationships, with a pre-vetting process and compatibility surveys to increase the chances of successful connections.

Why it matters

The 'In the Wild' events represent a shift away from the superficial nature of online dating, tapping into a growing desire among singles to break free from the swiping culture and engage in more authentic, in-person interactions. By integrating dating into everyday activities like sporting events, the events also address the gender imbalance often seen at singles events.

The details

The 'In the Wild' events take place at sporting events, such as Brooklyn Nets games, and include a pre-vetting process and compatibility surveys to match attendees. The events have been successful in creating connections, with one participant describing how she connected with a fellow attendee over their shared love of the game. The events have expanded to multiple cities and have partnered with sports teams like the NFL and pro soccer.

  • The first 'In the Wild' event took place in 2026.
  • The Brooklyn Nets game event described in the article occurred in 2026.

The players

Lexi Young

A former contestant on 'The Bachelor' who has created the 'In the Wild' dating experience.

Ethan

A fellow attendee at the Brooklyn Nets game event who connected with the author over their shared love of the game.

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What’s next

As 'In the Wild' continues to expand, it will be interesting to see if the trend of in-person dating experiences coexists with the digital world or if it leads to a shift back to more traditional dating methods.

The takeaway

The success of 'In the Wild' events highlights a growing desire among singles for more authentic, in-person connections, moving away from the superficial nature of dating apps. By integrating dating into everyday activities like sporting events, the events address the gender imbalance often seen at singles events and provide a solution to the limitations of online dating.