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 on actual franchisee satisfaction and performance.
More than 11,000 franchisees representing 130 low-cost brands participated in Franchise Business Review’s franchisee satisfaction survey over 18 months. The brands that were named to the list of the best low-cost franchises to buy had to have high franchisee satisfaction and an investment of under $100,000 at the time their franchisees participated in FBR’s satisfaction survey.
i9 Sports franchisees were surveyed on 33 benchmark questions about their experience and satisfaction regarding critical areas of their franchise systems, including training & support, operations, franchisor/franchisee relations, culture, and financial opportunity.
“The idea that franchise ownership is out of reach for the average person simply doesn’t hold up to scrutiny, and the data proves it,” said Eric Stites, CEO of Franchise Business Review. “After surveying more than 11,000 franchisees across 130-plus low-cost brands, we found that the median down payment to get started is just $30,000, with a median total startup cost of $86,000. What’s more, the Top 50 Low-Cost Franchises we’ve identified aren’t just affordable, they’re among the most satisfying businesses to own, scoring 30% to 40% above the industry satisfaction benchmark. When 93% of franchisees say they’d recommend their brand to others, it’s a clear signal that this year’s award-winners are all excellent options for anyone considering franchise ownership.”
LEARN MORE about the cost of owning a i9 Sports Franchise.
