Photo courtesy TGA Premier Sports
Key Points:
- The youth sports industry is a proven, high-demand market. The youth sports industry is worth approximately $40 billion, making it one of the most resilient and growing segments in franchising with consistent demand driven by parents investing in their children’s development.
- Youth sports franchises offer low startup costs with strong returns. Many youth sports franchise opportunities require as little as $25K–$50K to start, making it one of the more accessible franchise categories for first-time investors.
- Franchisee satisfaction is the most reliable way to evaluate a youth sports franchise. Unlike brand recognition or marketing claims, franchisee satisfaction data reveals how owners actually feel about their investment, support, and profitability—making it the most trustworthy benchmark when comparing youth sports franchise brands.
The Rise of Youth Sports
Youth sports have always been popular. But over the last few decades the industry has skyrocketed. This rapidly growing industry is now worth over $40 billion. For entrepreneurs looking to tap into this lucrative and growing space, franchising offers an appealing avenue. As the youth sports space has grown, dozens of new youth sports franchise concepts have emerged.
Youth sports franchise opportunities typically require low capital investment and can be run out of a home office. Plus, many franchisees cite the immense satisfaction they receive from helping children as a major benefit. Franchise concepts in the space include everything from general exercise programs for babies and toddlers, to specific sports training including soccer, golf, tennis, and even cheerleading.
While there are tons of options in the youth sports space, not all franchises are created equal. That’s why it’s critical to talk to current franchisees about their experience owning and operating said brand. To help you expedite this process, Franchise Business Review surveys hundreds of franchisees, every year, from dozens of youth sports franchise brands. FBR then rates the top brands in the category based solely on franchisee satisfaction.
See all 200 Top Rated Franchises of the Year
If you’re eager to jump into the youth sports space, here are eight great options. While there are more youth sports franchise brands available in addition to the ones listed below, the brands we feature are rated highest by franchise owners and were recognized with a Franchisee Satisfaction Award.
Top-Rated Youth Sports Franchise Brands of 2026
Amazing Athletes
Bring the fun directly to kids! Amazing Athletes is a mobile, year-round business focused on educational sports programs for children ages 2 – 6. Classes are offered at schools, community centers, churches, and daycare centers.
Minimum cash required: $50,000
Total startup investment: $75,000 – $108,500
Download a free franchisee satisfaction report and learn more about Amazing Athletes.
Tutu School
Catering to children six months to eight years old, Tutu School is a boutique style ballet studio. Their mission is to inspire growth, confidence, creativity, and joy through dance in even the youngest children. They offer classes, parties, camps, and Bravo Bashes—a twist on the traditional recital.
Total startup investment: $103,900 – $178,300
Download a free franchisee satisfaction report and learn more about owning a Tutu School franchise.
i9 Sports
i9 Sports is the first and largest youth sports franchise, offering leagues, camps, and clinics for kids ages 3-14. As a home-based, low-cost business, i9 offers flexibility and affordability along with a strong franchisee community. FBR’s research shows 95% of franchisees agree they feel supported by each other.
Minimum cash required: $50,000
Total startup investment: $36,500 – $60,000
Download a free franchisee satisfaction report and learn more about owning an i9 Sports franchise.
TGA Premier Sports
TGA offers three related but separate franchise opportunities – TGA Premier Junior Golf, TGA Premier Youth Tennis, and TGA Premier AthleticsSports, which offers sports instructional programs in flag football, floor hockey, lacrosse, and even cheerleading. Most recently, they added pickleball, designed to teach kids the fundamentals of America’s fastest-growing sport.
Minimum cash required: $50,000
Total startup investment: $77,550 – $116,000
Learn more about owning a TGA Premier Sports franchise.
Back Nine
Not just for kids, Back Nine is an indoor golf franchise featuring year-round demand with state-of-the-art simulators. It offers a semi-passive ownership model without a huge investment.
Minimum cash required: $50,000
Total startup investment: $250,000 – $400,000
Learn more about owning a Back Nine franchise.
Lil’ Kickers
A youth soccer franchise, Lil’ Kickers is focused on child development rather than competition. It introduces children to sports while improving coordination, teamwork, and confidence. With an initial investment starting under $25K, Lil’ Kickers offers a low barrier to entry.
Total startup investment: $24,450 – $64,435
Learn more about owning a Lil’ Kickers franchise.
Soccer Stars
Another popular soccer franchise, Soccer Stars offers programs for kids aged 12 months to 18 years. Soccer Stars teaches soccer skills while instilling important life skills and values.
Minimum cash required: $40,000
Total startup investment: $73,300 – $106,300
Learn more about owning a Soccer Stars franchise.
TSS Photography
If you’re looking for an affordable, home-based business that charges no royalty fees and offers flexibility and fun by combining photography and sports, TSS Photography might be for you!
Minimum cash required: $10,500
Total startup investment: $20,415 – $74,725
Learn more about owning a TSS Photography franchise.
Do Your Homework Before Buying a Youth Sports Franchise
Regardless of which franchise business you choose to invest in, be sure to do your homework. Talk to franchisees and ask them the hard questions. Are they getting the support they need from corporate? Does their business model provide a competitive advantage? Are they optimistic about their growth and the future growth of the brand?
See This Year’s Top Rated Low-Cost Franchise Brands
At the end of the day, your success in franchising will ultimately be up to you. Owning any business requires a lot of hard work, and while franchising offers a proven model and support, it’s not a “silver bullet.” Find a business that gets you excited to go to work everyday—and then work hard to make that business successful.
Start Your Research With Franchisee Satisfaction Data
If a youth sports franchise sounds exciting and like a good fit for you, then we encourage you to reach out to learn more about the brands you are interested in by clicking on their links above! You’ll get information on investment requirements and you’ll be able to easily request a full franchising information packet directly from the brand(s) you’re are interested in. Many of them also make their franchisee satisfaction report publicly available on our website. You can download them at no cost and start comparing franchise opportunities armed with feedback we’ve collected directly from the people running these businesses every day!
