Ali Clougherty, Author at i9 Sports Franchise

Youth Sports’ Biggest Competitor Isn’t Another League. It’s the Screen.

In a new Sports Business Journal op-ed, Youth Enrichment Brands CEO Rob Price explains what it takes to keep kids in sports, and why the i9 Sports model is built for it. At the end of every i9 Sports game,...

October 21, 2026

Franchisee Spotlight

How an i9 Sports Parent Became the Owner of the Brand’s 300th Franchise

Jeremy and Katie Dillard opened the 300th i9 Sports franchise in Greater York, Pennsylvania, after eight seasons as i9 Sports parents and volunteer coaches.Their first season launched with 140 kids in soccer, flag football, and T-ball, 10 staff members, and...

October 13, 2026

i9 Sports Celebrates Major Milestone with 300th Franchise

Franchise News

i9 Sports Celebrates Major Milestone with 300th Franchise

i9 Sports has reached a major system milestone with the signing of its 300th franchise location. The new territory in Greater York, Pennsylvania, reflects continued nationwide expansion as demand grows for structured, flexible youth sports programs that serve both families...

September 1, 2026

i9 Sports Franchise Owners Jay and Danielle Mechtly Named 2026 IFA Franchisees of the Year

Awards & Recognition Franchisee Spotlight

i9 Sports Franchise Owners Jay and Danielle Mechtly Named 2026 IFA Franchisees of the Year

The Wilmington, NC owners are recognized for building a market from the ground up through disciplined marketing, high operating standards, and a commitment to the families they serve. The International Franchise Association (IFA) has named i9 Sports franchise owners Jay...

September 1, 2026

i9 Sports One of 50 Companies Named a 2026 Top Low-Cost Franchise by Franchise Business Review

Awards & Recognition

i9 Sports One of 50 Companies Named a 2026 Top Low-Cost Franchise by Franchise Business Review

i9 Sports was identified by independent franchise research firm, Franchise Business Review, as a 2026 Top Low-Cost Franchise. Franchise Business Review (FBR), a research firm that conducts independent surveys of franchisee satisfaction, provides the only ratings of franchises based solely...

June 8, 2026

From the Notre Dame Hardwood to Your Local Field: Meet i9 Sports Owner Diana Braendly

Franchisee Spotlight

From the Notre Dame Hardwood to Your Local Field: Meet i9 Sports Owner Diana Braendly

Diana Braendly knows what it feels like to run out of the tunnel while the fight song plays. As a member of the University of Notre Dame women’s basketball team, she made it to the NCAA tournament every year she...

April 29, 2026

Meet Dan Jacobson: A franchisee balancing his role as a CFO with his love for youth sports and education.

Franchisee Spotlight

Meet Dan Jacobson: A franchisee balancing his role as a CFO with his love for youth sports and education.

Meet Dan Jacobson Dan Jacobson became an i9 Sports owner to support his family, quickly growing passionate about the business, leveraging his finance background, mentoring franchisees, leading successful Nike Kids Camps, and balancing his role as a CFO with his love...

March 25, 2026

i9 Sports Tackles Dropout Crisis in Girls Sports With “Gains are for the Girls” Campaign

Franchise News

i9 Sports Tackles Dropout Crisis in Girls Sports With “Gains are for the Girls” Campaign

Across the U.S., girls leave sports earlier than boys — often because pressure, cost, and intimidation outweigh fun. i9 Sports is trying to change that. With its new “Gains are for the Girls” initiative, the nation’s leading youth sports provider...

February 3, 2026

i9 Sports® Announces Expansion of Nike Kids Camps

Franchise Business Model Franchise News

i9 Sports® Announces Expansion of Nike Kids Camps

i9 Sports® announces its expanded offerings through Nike Kids Camps. These camps are redefining the youth sports experience by offering families high-quality, flexible, and fun athletic programs that blend Nike’s renowned expertise with i9 Sports’ unique focus on teamwork, sportsmanship,...

February 12, 2025

Author: Ali Clougherty