Established
1995
Franchise Units
250
Minimum Investment
$45,000
Franchise Fee
$25,000
Total Investment Range
$95,000
Home Based
No
Description
Sportball is a leading youth sports education franchise built around one simple but powerful idea: introduce children to sports the right way—early, positively, and developmentally appropriate. Designed for children aged 16 months to 12 years, Sportball delivers structured, research-backed sports programs that focus on motor skill development, confidence-building, teamwork, and lifelong physical literacy.
Unlike traditional youth leagues that emphasize competition and performance, Sportball follows a non-competitive, skill-based learning model. Each class introduces children to the fundamentals of multiple sports such as soccer, basketball, baseball, football, hockey, tennis, and volleyball through fun, progressive lesson plans tailored to age and ability. This approach strongly resonates with parents and educators who value healthy development over early specialization.
In the U.S. market, Sportball occupies a highly attractive niche at the intersection of youth sports, early childhood education, and experiential enrichment programs. With growing awareness around childhood wellness, reduced screen time, and structured physical activity, demand for organized kids’ sports programs continues to rise across suburban and urban communities.
Why Invest in This Franchise?
Sportball operates in a recession-resistant, parent-funded industry where spending on children’s development remains a priority even during economic uncertainty. Youth enrichment franchises consistently outperform many discretionary categories due to their emotional value and long-term benefits.
Key investment highlights include:
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Proven youth sports education model refined over decades
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Low fixed costs with no permanent retail or real estate requirement
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Scalable structure allowing multi-territory and program expansion
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Recurring revenue through seasonal programs and institutional contracts
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Strong community integration with schools and recreation departments
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Mission-driven brand focused on health, confidence, and early learning
Background
Established Year
Sportball was founded in 1995.
Founders
The concept was developed by Michael and Dena Hirsh, who recognized the need for age-appropriate sports instruction focused on fundamentals rather than competition.
Brand Journey and Company History
Sportball began as a small program aimed at helping young children build basic sports skills in a fun, pressure-free environment. Over time, the curriculum expanded to include multiple sports and structured progressions aligned with child development research.
As demand increased, the company adopted a franchise model to expand into new communities. Today, Sportball operates across North America and internationally, with a strong and growing presence in the United States.
Franchise Active Units: 250
Industry Category and Market Presence
Sportball operates within the children’s education and youth sports franchise category. The U.S. market offers strong demographic tailwinds, including family-oriented suburban growth, increased focus on childhood wellness, and rising demand for structured extracurricular activities.
Support Training
Sportball provides a comprehensive support system designed to help franchisees launch, operate, and scale successfully.
Pre-Launch Support
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Territory selection and demographic evaluation
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Business planning and local market entry guidance
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Equipment sourcing and startup logistics
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Technology onboarding for scheduling, registration, and payments
Initial Training
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Franchise operations and business management training
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Coach recruitment and certification programs
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Child development fundamentals and instructional techniques
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Safety standards and class management best practices
Operational Support
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Standardized lesson plans and curriculum updates
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Ongoing program development and innovation
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Staffing guidance and operational efficiencies
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Quality control and brand consistency support
Marketing and Growth Support
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Brand-approved marketing materials
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Local marketing playbooks for schools and community outreach
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Enrollment growth strategies and seasonal campaign planning
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National brand positioning and system-wide initiatives
Ongoing Support
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Dedicated franchise support team
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Peer networking and best-practice sharing
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Continued education, workshops, and system updates
This structure allows franchisees with or without prior sports or education experience to operate professionally and confidently.
Ideal Candidate
Sportball is well-suited for entrepreneurs who align with its mission and community-first approach.
Best-Fit Candidates
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Parents, educators, or coaches passionate about youth development
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Entrepreneurs seeking a flexible, service-based business
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First-time franchise owners looking for a manageable investment
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Investors interested in purpose-driven, scalable opportunities
Key Attributes
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Strong interpersonal and organizational skills
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Comfort working with children, parents, and institutions
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Ability to recruit, train, and manage part-time staff
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Willingness to actively engage in local community partnerships
Location Preferences
Ideal territories are family-oriented areas with strong school density, access to community facilities, and households that value structured extracurricular activities.
Financial Detail
| Financial Parameter | Estimated Amount (USD) |
|---|---|
| Total Investment Required | $45,000 – $95,000 |
| Minimum Investment | ~$45,000 |
| Franchise Fee | $25,000 – $35,000 |
| Franchise Units | Territory-based model |
| Infrastructure / Setup Cost | Low (sports equipment, uniforms, storage) |
| Initial Marketing Budget | $3,000 – $8,000 |
| Working Capital Requirement | 3–6 months |
| Royalty Fee | Ongoing royalty on gross revenue |
| Expected ROI Timeline | 18 – 30 months |
| Estimated Break-Even Period | 12 – 24 months |
| Primary Revenue Streams | Classes, school contracts, camps, birthday parties |
