Kids Sports and Enrichment Franchise vs. Starting Your Own
What five years costs on each path, counting every cost we can source on both sides. Change the revenue to see how royalties grow with your sales.
Preview: figures awaiting verification
Some numbers on this page haven't been checked against their sources yet.
At a glance
| Franchise (4 brands) | Independent | |
|---|---|---|
| Franchise fee | $36,500 – $49,500Pending verificationSourcesSoccer Shots 2026 FDD (Minnesota CARDS), issued April 1, 2026(opens in a new tab)Tier 1 · Primary source · Accessed October 31, 2026i9 Sports 2026 FDD (Minnesota CARDS), issued March 26, 2026(opens in a new tab)Tier 1 · Primary source · Accessed October 31, 2026Amazing Athletes 2026 FDD (Minnesota CARDS), issued April 8, 2026(opens in a new tab)Tier 1 · Primary source · Accessed October 31, 2026Snapology 2026 FDD (Minnesota CARDS), issued April 30, 2026(opens in a new tab)Tier 1 · Primary source · Accessed October 31, 2026Last verified October 31, 2026Range across 4 franchise brands. | $0 |
| Initial investment | $36,500 – $105,600Pending verificationSourcesSoccer Shots 2026 FDD (Minnesota CARDS), issued April 1, 2026(opens in a new tab)Tier 1 · Primary source · Accessed October 31, 2026i9 Sports 2026 FDD (Minnesota CARDS), issued March 26, 2026(opens in a new tab)Tier 1 · Primary source · Accessed October 31, 2026Amazing Athletes 2026 FDD (Minnesota CARDS), issued April 8, 2026(opens in a new tab)Tier 1 · Primary source · Accessed October 31, 2026Snapology 2026 FDD (Minnesota CARDS), issued April 30, 2026(opens in a new tab)Tier 1 · Primary source · Accessed October 31, 2026Last verified October 31, 2026FDD Item 7 estimated initial investment (includes the franchise fee), across 4 brands. | $227 – $1,042*Pending verificationSourcesCalifornia Secretary of State — LLC forms and fees (Form LLC-1)(opens in a new tab)Tier 1 · Primary source · Accessed October 31, 2026California DOJ — Applicant Fingerprint Processing Fees (fee sheet dated August 17, 2012, subject to change)(opens in a new tab)Tier 1 · Primary source · Accessed October 31, 2026Quill — Xcello Sports size 3 soccer balls, 12-pack (XS-SB-S3-12-ASST)(opens in a new tab)Tier 1 · Primary source · Accessed October 31, 2026Insureon — cost of insurance for fitness instructors (sports and fitness)(opens in a new tab)Tier 2 · Industry report · Accessed October 31, 2026Last verified October 31, 2026Computed from 6 startup budget line items: lean plan low to professional plan high. Some lines are not sourced yet and are excluded. |
| Ongoing royalties | 7% – 8% of revenuePending verificationSourcesSoccer Shots 2026 FDD (Minnesota CARDS), issued April 1, 2026(opens in a new tab)Tier 1 · Primary source · Accessed October 31, 2026i9 Sports 2026 FDD (Minnesota CARDS), issued March 26, 2026(opens in a new tab)Tier 1 · Primary source · Accessed October 31, 2026Amazing Athletes 2026 FDD (Minnesota CARDS), issued April 8, 2026(opens in a new tab)Tier 1 · Primary source · Accessed October 31, 2026Snapology 2026 FDD (Minnesota CARDS), issued April 30, 2026(opens in a new tab)Tier 1 · Primary source · Accessed October 31, 2026Last verified October 31, 2026Percent of gross revenue, across 4 brands. | None |
| Operating costs (5 years) | $12,450Pending verificationSourcesInsureon — cost of insurance for fitness instructors (sports and fitness)(opens in a new tab)Tier 2 · Industry report · Accessed October 31, 2026Insuranceopedia — How much does sport and fitness business insurance cost? (updated July 27, 2026)(opens in a new tab)Tier 3 · Guide or blog · Accessed October 31, 2026California Franchise Tax Board — 2025 Instructions for Form FTB 3522, LLC Tax Voucher(opens in a new tab)Tier 1 · Primary source · Accessed October 31, 2026Jackrabbit Class — pricing(opens in a new tab)Tier 1 · Primary source · Accessed October 31, 2026Last verified October 31, 2026Five years of the operating costs we have sourced so far (insurance, software, fees), charged to both paths. | $12,450 |
| Brand, training, and support | Included | You build your own |
| 5-year total cost | $79,320 – $210,572 | $12,677 – $13,492* |
Franchise fee
- Franchise (4 brands)
- $36,500 – $49,500Pending verificationSourcesSoccer Shots 2026 FDD (Minnesota CARDS), issued April 1, 2026(opens in a new tab)Tier 1 · Primary source · Accessed October 31, 2026i9 Sports 2026 FDD (Minnesota CARDS), issued March 26, 2026(opens in a new tab)Tier 1 · Primary source · Accessed October 31, 2026Amazing Athletes 2026 FDD (Minnesota CARDS), issued April 8, 2026(opens in a new tab)Tier 1 · Primary source · Accessed October 31, 2026Snapology 2026 FDD (Minnesota CARDS), issued April 30, 2026(opens in a new tab)Tier 1 · Primary source · Accessed October 31, 2026Last verified October 31, 2026Range across 4 franchise brands.
- Independent
- $0
Initial investment
- Franchise (4 brands)
- $36,500 – $105,600Pending verificationSourcesSoccer Shots 2026 FDD (Minnesota CARDS), issued April 1, 2026(opens in a new tab)Tier 1 · Primary source · Accessed October 31, 2026i9 Sports 2026 FDD (Minnesota CARDS), issued March 26, 2026(opens in a new tab)Tier 1 · Primary source · Accessed October 31, 2026Amazing Athletes 2026 FDD (Minnesota CARDS), issued April 8, 2026(opens in a new tab)Tier 1 · Primary source · Accessed October 31, 2026Snapology 2026 FDD (Minnesota CARDS), issued April 30, 2026(opens in a new tab)Tier 1 · Primary source · Accessed October 31, 2026Last verified October 31, 2026FDD Item 7 estimated initial investment (includes the franchise fee), across 4 brands.
- Independent
- $227 – $1,042*Pending verificationSourcesCalifornia Secretary of State — LLC forms and fees (Form LLC-1)(opens in a new tab)Tier 1 · Primary source · Accessed October 31, 2026California DOJ — Applicant Fingerprint Processing Fees (fee sheet dated August 17, 2012, subject to change)(opens in a new tab)Tier 1 · Primary source · Accessed October 31, 2026Quill — Xcello Sports size 3 soccer balls, 12-pack (XS-SB-S3-12-ASST)(opens in a new tab)Tier 1 · Primary source · Accessed October 31, 2026Insureon — cost of insurance for fitness instructors (sports and fitness)(opens in a new tab)Tier 2 · Industry report · Accessed October 31, 2026Last verified October 31, 2026Computed from 6 startup budget line items: lean plan low to professional plan high. Some lines are not sourced yet and are excluded.
Ongoing royalties
- Franchise (4 brands)
- 7% – 8% of revenuePending verificationSourcesSoccer Shots 2026 FDD (Minnesota CARDS), issued April 1, 2026(opens in a new tab)Tier 1 · Primary source · Accessed October 31, 2026i9 Sports 2026 FDD (Minnesota CARDS), issued March 26, 2026(opens in a new tab)Tier 1 · Primary source · Accessed October 31, 2026Amazing Athletes 2026 FDD (Minnesota CARDS), issued April 8, 2026(opens in a new tab)Tier 1 · Primary source · Accessed October 31, 2026Snapology 2026 FDD (Minnesota CARDS), issued April 30, 2026(opens in a new tab)Tier 1 · Primary source · Accessed October 31, 2026Last verified October 31, 2026Percent of gross revenue, across 4 brands.
- Independent
- None
Operating costs (5 years)
- Franchise (4 brands)
- $12,450Pending verificationSourcesInsureon — cost of insurance for fitness instructors (sports and fitness)(opens in a new tab)Tier 2 · Industry report · Accessed October 31, 2026Insuranceopedia — How much does sport and fitness business insurance cost? (updated July 27, 2026)(opens in a new tab)Tier 3 · Guide or blog · Accessed October 31, 2026California Franchise Tax Board — 2025 Instructions for Form FTB 3522, LLC Tax Voucher(opens in a new tab)Tier 1 · Primary source · Accessed October 31, 2026Jackrabbit Class — pricing(opens in a new tab)Tier 1 · Primary source · Accessed October 31, 2026Last verified October 31, 2026Five years of the operating costs we have sourced so far (insurance, software, fees), charged to both paths.
- Independent
- $12,450
Brand, training, and support
- Franchise (4 brands)
- Included
- Independent
- You build your own
5-year total cost
- Franchise (4 brands)
- $79,320 – $210,572
- Independent
- $12,677 – $13,492*
5-year totals assume $59,800–$186,160 in yearly revenue (our forecast presets at full volume), the same sourced operating costs (insurance, software, fees) on both paths, and both the lean and professional independent plans. Franchise investment figures come from each brand's disclosure (FDD Item 7) and already include the franchise fee. * Excludes independent startup lines we haven't sourced yet.
What franchisees report taking in
From each brand's own disclosure (FDD Item 19), copied exactly. These are gross sales before royalties and costs, not profit, and not a promise of what you will earn.
Soccer Shots
Item 19 reports 2025 gross sales by number of territories owned, per territory and for early-stage owners, and also gives average expenses and net income from unaudited franchisee reports.
- Average 2025 gross sales, single-territory franchisees (57 franchisees open at least 9 months of 2025; gross sales, not profit)$222,830.36 a yearPending verificationSourceSoccer Shots 2026 FDD (Minnesota CARDS), issued April 1, 2026(opens in a new tab)Tier 1 · Primary source · Accessed October 31, 2026Last verified October 31, 202618 of 57 (31.6%) exceeded this average. The FDD text says 58 single-territory franchisees were included, but Schedules 1 and 5 count 57. FDD Item 19, Schedules 1–7: 2025 Gross Sales from unaudited franchisee reports, before royalties and all expenses — not profit. Covers franchisees open at least 9 months of 2025; 6 franchisees (6 territories) excluded. Some outlets have sold this amount; your results may differ.
- Median 2025 gross sales, single-territory franchisees (same 57 franchisees; gross sales, not profit)$189,389.95 a yearPending verificationSourceSoccer Shots 2026 FDD (Minnesota CARDS), issued April 1, 2026(opens in a new tab)Tier 1 · Primary source · Accessed October 31, 2026Last verified October 31, 2026Range $25,099.54 to $627,101.52. FDD Item 19, Schedules 1–7: 2025 Gross Sales from unaudited franchisee reports, before royalties and all expenses — not profit. Covers franchisees open at least 9 months of 2025; 6 franchisees (6 territories) excluded. Some outlets have sold this amount; your results may differ.
- Median 2025 gross sales per territory, all reporting franchisees (149 franchisees; each territory about 500,000 people; gross sales, not profit)$221,755.90 a yearPending verificationSourceSoccer Shots 2026 FDD (Minnesota CARDS), issued April 1, 2026(opens in a new tab)Tier 1 · Primary source · Accessed October 31, 2026Last verified October 31, 2026Schedule 6. Older franchises with large territories were split into 500,000-person territories for this table. FDD Item 19, Schedules 1–7: 2025 Gross Sales from unaudited franchisee reports, before royalties and all expenses — not profit. Covers franchisees open at least 9 months of 2025; 6 franchisees (6 territories) excluded. Some outlets have sold this amount; your results may differ.
- Average 2025 gross sales, early-stage single-territory franchisees open under 23 months (3 franchisees; gross sales, not profit)$75,140.35 a yearPending verificationSourceSoccer Shots 2026 FDD (Minnesota CARDS), issued April 1, 2026(opens in a new tab)Tier 1 · Primary source · Accessed October 31, 2026Last verified October 31, 2026Schedule 7. Only 3 franchisees; median $61,484.68. FDD Item 19, Schedules 1–7: 2025 Gross Sales from unaudited franchisee reports, before royalties and all expenses — not profit. Covers franchisees open at least 9 months of 2025; 6 franchisees (6 territories) excluded. Some outlets have sold this amount; your results may differ.
i9 Sports (youth leagues)
Item 19 reports 2025 registration revenue (average, median, halves and by number of venues) for 213 units, plus an income statement for 129 units for October 2024–September 2025.
- Average 2025 registration revenue per unit (213 units operating all of 2025; registration sales, not profit)$458,817 a yearPending verificationSourcei9 Sports 2026 FDD (Minnesota CARDS), issued March 26, 2026(opens in a new tab)Tier 1 · Primary source · Accessed October 31, 2026Last verified October 31, 202681 of 213 (38%) met or exceeded this average. Averaged 3.8 venues and 4.1 sports per unit. FDD Item 19, Part I: 'Registration Revenue' only (excludes sponsorships, merchandise and concessions), January–December 2025, before royalties and all expenses — not profit. Covers 213 of 294 units that ran programs all four seasons of 2025; 81 newer or partial-year units excluded. Some units have earned this amount; your results may differ.
- Median 2025 registration revenue per unit (same 213 units; not profit)$359,546 a yearPending verificationSourcei9 Sports 2026 FDD (Minnesota CARDS), issued March 26, 2026(opens in a new tab)Tier 1 · Primary source · Accessed October 31, 2026Last verified October 31, 2026FDD Item 19, Part I: 'Registration Revenue' only (excludes sponsorships, merchandise and concessions), January–December 2025, before royalties and all expenses — not profit. Covers 213 of 294 units that ran programs all four seasons of 2025; 81 newer or partial-year units excluded. Some units have earned this amount; your results may differ.
- Average 2025 registration revenue, bottom half of units (106 units; not profit)$195,257 a yearPending verificationSourcei9 Sports 2026 FDD (Minnesota CARDS), issued March 26, 2026(opens in a new tab)Tier 1 · Primary source · Accessed October 31, 2026Last verified October 31, 2026Bottom-half units averaged 2.3 venues. FDD Item 19, Part I: 'Registration Revenue' only (excludes sponsorships, merchandise and concessions), January–December 2025, before royalties and all expenses — not profit. Covers 213 of 294 units that ran programs all four seasons of 2025; 81 newer or partial-year units excluded. Some units have earned this amount; your results may differ.
- Average 2025 registration revenue, units running 1 venue (21 units; not profit)$149,590 a yearPending verificationSourcei9 Sports 2026 FDD (Minnesota CARDS), issued March 26, 2026(opens in a new tab)Tier 1 · Primary source · Accessed October 31, 2026Last verified October 31, 2026Chart 2. Median $144,310; range $44,151 to $313,087. FDD Item 19, Part I: 'Registration Revenue' only (excludes sponsorships, merchandise and concessions), January–December 2025, before royalties and all expenses — not profit. Covers 213 of 294 units that ran programs all four seasons of 2025; 81 newer or partial-year units excluded. Some units have earned this amount; your results may differ.
Amazing Athletes
Item 19 reports 2025 gross revenue, gross profit and net income after royalties per franchise owner (many own several territories), by quartile and for one-unit owners, plus two affiliate-owned outlets.
- Average 2025 gross revenue per franchise owner, all reporting owners (62 owners, many with several territories; gross sales, not profit)$257,984 a yearPending verificationSourceAmazing Athletes 2026 FDD (Minnesota CARDS), issued April 8, 2026(opens in a new tab)Tier 1 · Primary source · Accessed October 31, 2026Last verified October 31, 2026Table 4. 25 of 62 owners (40.3%) exceeded this average. FDD Item 19: 2025 Gross Revenues from franchisees' monthly royalty reports, per owner (not per territory), before royalties, wages and all expenses — not profit. Only owners open all of 2025 under the same owner. The FDD's text says 83 franchisees and 133 units reported, but its owner tables list 62 owners; ask the franchisor which is right. Some outlets have sold these amounts; your results may differ.
- Median 2025 gross revenue per franchise owner (same 62 owners; not profit)$214,219 a yearPending verificationSourceAmazing Athletes 2026 FDD (Minnesota CARDS), issued April 8, 2026(opens in a new tab)Tier 1 · Primary source · Accessed October 31, 2026Last verified October 31, 2026Table 4. Range $39,822 to $813,085. FDD Item 19: 2025 Gross Revenues from franchisees' monthly royalty reports, per owner (not per territory), before royalties, wages and all expenses — not profit. Only owners open all of 2025 under the same owner. The FDD's text says 83 franchisees and 133 units reported, but its owner tables list 62 owners; ask the franchisor which is right. Some outlets have sold these amounts; your results may differ.
- Average 2025 gross revenue, top half of owners with one territory (20 owners; not profit)$257,089 a yearPending verificationSourceAmazing Athletes 2026 FDD (Minnesota CARDS), issued April 8, 2026(opens in a new tab)Tier 1 · Primary source · Accessed October 31, 2026Last verified October 31, 2026Table 11. Median $214,219. FDD Item 19: 2025 Gross Revenues from franchisees' monthly royalty reports, per owner (not per territory), before royalties, wages and all expenses — not profit. Only owners open all of 2025 under the same owner. The FDD's text says 83 franchisees and 133 units reported, but its owner tables list 62 owners; ask the franchisor which is right. Some outlets have sold these amounts; your results may differ.
- Average 2025 gross revenue, bottom half of owners with one territory (20 owners; not profit)$115,044 a yearPending verificationSourceAmazing Athletes 2026 FDD (Minnesota CARDS), issued April 8, 2026(opens in a new tab)Tier 1 · Primary source · Accessed October 31, 2026Last verified October 31, 2026Table 11. Median $107,135; 17 of these 20 owners had been in the system under 5 years. FDD Item 19: 2025 Gross Revenues from franchisees' monthly royalty reports, per owner (not per territory), before royalties, wages and all expenses — not profit. Only owners open all of 2025 under the same owner. The FDD's text says 83 franchisees and 133 units reported, but its owner tables list 62 owners; ask the franchisor which is right. Some outlets have sold these amounts; your results may differ.
Snapology (STEM, mobile)
Item 19 reports 2025 gross sales by quartile for 53 full-time mobile franchises, and for a 29-unit subset with the territory size now offered (50,000 children or fewer).
- Average 2025 gross sales, full-time mobile franchises with territories of 50,000 children or fewer (29 units, the size now offered; not profit)$77,917 a yearPending verificationSourceSnapology 2026 FDD (Minnesota CARDS), issued April 30, 2026(opens in a new tab)Tier 1 · Primary source · Accessed October 31, 2026Last verified October 31, 202611 of 29 (37.9%) were above this average. FDD Item 19: 2025 Gross Sales of full-time mobile franchises open all of 2025, from unaudited franchisee reports, before royalties and all expenses — not profit. 76 of 129 units were excluded, including 35 part-time or non-reporting units, 22 centers and 9 not open all year. Some outlets have sold this amount; your results may differ.
- Median 2025 gross sales, same 29 units (not profit)$51,447 a yearPending verificationSourceSnapology 2026 FDD (Minnesota CARDS), issued April 30, 2026(opens in a new tab)Tier 1 · Primary source · Accessed October 31, 2026Last verified October 31, 2026Range $2,289 to $602,333. FDD Item 19: 2025 Gross Sales of full-time mobile franchises open all of 2025, from unaudited franchisee reports, before royalties and all expenses — not profit. 76 of 129 units were excluded, including 35 part-time or non-reporting units, 22 centers and 9 not open all year. Some outlets have sold this amount; your results may differ.
- Average 2025 gross sales, top quarter of all full-time mobile franchises (13 units; not profit)$279,820 a yearPending verificationSourceSnapology 2026 FDD (Minnesota CARDS), issued April 30, 2026(opens in a new tab)Tier 1 · Primary source · Accessed October 31, 2026Last verified October 31, 2026These units' territories averaged 132,714 children, far larger than the 50,000 now offered. FDD Item 19: 2025 Gross Sales of full-time mobile franchises open all of 2025, from unaudited franchisee reports, before royalties and all expenses — not profit. 76 of 129 units were excluded, including 35 part-time or non-reporting units, 22 centers and 9 not open all year. Some outlets have sold this amount; your results may differ.
- Average 2025 gross sales, bottom quarter of all full-time mobile franchises (14 units; not profit)$20,842 a yearPending verificationSourceSnapology 2026 FDD (Minnesota CARDS), issued April 30, 2026(opens in a new tab)Tier 1 · Primary source · Accessed October 31, 2026Last verified October 31, 2026FDD Item 19: 2025 Gross Sales of full-time mobile franchises open all of 2025, from unaudited franchisee reports, before royalties and all expenses — not profit. 76 of 129 units were excluded, including 35 part-time or non-reporting units, 22 centers and 9 not open all year. Some outlets have sold this amount; your results may differ.
What a franchise does give you
Franchises cost more, but the fees buy real things. Weigh them honestly.
- Long-running preschool soccer curriculum (franchising since 2005)
- 4–5 day initial training for two people
- Online enrollment system and website provided through the software fee
- Run from home with no facility lease in the FDD estimate
- Large, growing league brand (264 to 294 franchised units in 2025)
- Franchisor call center handles registrations and parent questions
- Mandatory group insurance program covers players, coaches and abuse claims
- Lower-upfront 5-year option with a monthly franchise fee
- Multi-sport curriculum for ages 18 months to 12 years, taught at preschools and schools
- Starter equipment kit, uniforms and curriculum videos supplied
- In-territory business coaching visits for first-time owners
- Discounts for veterans and educators
- STEM curriculum (LEGO building, robotics, coding, animation) rather than sports
- Initial training for you and one more manager with no training fee
- Initial inventory and grand-opening marketing handled through the franchisor
- Part of a larger kids-brand group (Unleashed Brands)
Going independent means
- You keep 100% of what you earn after costs — no royalties.
- You build your own brand, systems, and customer base.
- You need more self-reliance, especially in the first year.
Brand by brand
| Option | Initial investment | Royalties | Marketing fund | Fixed fees | Operating costs | 5-year total | vs. independent |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Soccer Shots | $42,950 – $54,300 | $20,930 – $65,156 | $2,990 – $9,308 | $0 | $12,450 | $79,320 – $141,214 | +$66,643 – $128,537 |
| i9 Sports (youth leagues) | $36,500 – $69,900 | $22,425 – $69,810 | $5,980 – $18,616 | $20,850 – $21,750 | $12,450 | $98,205 – $192,526 | +$85,528 – $179,849 |
| Amazing Athletes | $74,550 – $100,550 | $23,920 – $74,464 | $2,990 – $9,308 | $13,800 | $12,450 | $127,710 – $210,572 | +$115,033 – $197,895 |
| Snapology (STEM, mobile) | $74,950 – $105,600 | $20,930 – $65,156 | $2,990 – $9,308 | $7,500 | $12,450 | $118,820 – $200,014 | +$106,143 – $187,337 |
| Independent (lean start) | $227* | $0 | $0 | $0 | $12,450 | $12,677 | — |
Low figures pair the low end of each cost with low revenue; high figures pair the high ends. Franchise initial investment is each brand's FDD Item 7 estimate and already includes the franchise fee. Marketing fund and fixed fees show $0 where we have no sourced figure for that brand.
* Excludes independent startup lines we haven't sourced yet.
Costs are only half the picture
A franchise's brand, training, and support can help some owners reach customers faster. Weigh what those are worth to you against the difference above.
Back to the Kids Sports and Enrichment guide · Sources for these figures