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 and franchise owners.
The 300th franchise is owned and operated by Jeremy and Katie Dillard, with a planned launch for its first season in September 2026.
This achievement underscores the appeal of the i9 Sports model and growing demand for service-based franchises that are simple to operate and built to scale. Its centralized support, low overhead, and standardized programming create a system designed for consistency and repeatable success across markets.
“Reaching our 300th franchise is a huge achievement for the brand and our franchise system,” said Ron Shimek, President of i9 Sports. “We’re seeing strong demand from operators who value a proven, well-supported business model and the opportunity to make a meaningful impact in their local communities.”
At the core of the i9 Sports model is a one-day-per-week league format that simplifies scheduling, staffing, and field use while making youth sports more accessible for families. This structure supports recurring leagues, camps, and clinics and allows franchisees to efficiently manage programming across seasons.
The Dillard’s path to ownership reflects a growing trend within the system, where families who first participate in i9 Sports programs later become franchise owners. After eight seasons as participants, the Dillards transitioned into ownership, having first discovered the brand while searching for a flag football league for their kids.
“We were drawn to the i9 Sports model because of how well it runs and how accessible it is for families,” said franchise owner Jeremy Dillard. “From an operator standpoint, it provides a clear structure and the opportunity to build something meaningful.”
This latest franchise signing builds on i9 Sports’ continued expansion under Youth Enrichment Brands, as the company scales its national footprint through a franchise-led strategy. The brand’s growth follows recent leadership appointments, including Ron Shimek as President and Jeremy Oliver as VP of Franchise Operations.
With 300 franchise territories signed and hundreds of venues operating or in development, i9 Sports continues to attract both first-time and experienced franchisees seeking a proven, community-focused business opportunity.
