Risk Score
Pending analysis
Investment Range
$22,210.46 - $30,749.46
Franchise Fee
$7,500
Total US Locations
339
Business Summary
The American Poolplayers Association (APA) offers franchises for operating amateur pool league businesses. These local leagues host pool matches in various venues like pubs, taverns, and billiards rooms within a designated territory. The APA system is distinguished by its uniform rules for league play, a proprietary scoring and handicapping system called The Equalizer® that allows players of all skill levels to compete, and national championship tournaments. The APA provides its franchisees with confidential computer software, standardized operating procedures, and ongoing training and support to manage and promote their leagues.
Financial Overview
Investment Range
$22,210.46 - $30,749.46
Franchise Fee (Low)
$7,500
Franchise Fee (High)
$14,000
Royalty %
20%
Audited Financials
Yes
Offers Financing
No
Financial Health Notes
The American Poolplayers Association, Inc. demonstrates a strong financial standing with healthy cash reserves and increasing revenues. The company maintains significant working capital, exceeding $10.1 million in 2024, which means it has ample liquid assets to cover its short-term financial obligations. Over the past three years, total revenues have shown consistent growth, reaching over $25.1 million in 2024, and net income has also been robust, totaling more than $7.6 million in the same year. Furthermore, the American Poolplayers Association, Inc.'s operating activities generate substantial cash flow, providing over $8.6 million in 2024. The independent auditors have confirmed the fair presentation of the financial statements without raising any concerns about the company's ability to continue operations, indicating a stable and financially sound franchisor for potential American Poolplayers Association, Inc. franchisees.
Financing Details
The American Poolplayers Association, Inc. does not generally provide financing options to its franchisees, nor does it guarantee any loans, leases, or other financial obligations. Franchisees will need to secure their own funding for the initial investment and ongoing operational costs.
Performance Metrics
Total US Locations
339
Franchised Units
334
Corporate Units
5
Franchising Since
1982
Legal & Compliance Analysis
Recent Litigation
No
Bankruptcy
No
Litigation Count
1
Litigation Summary
The American Poolplayers Association (APA) disclosed one litigation case. This lawsuit, filed in 2016 and dismissed in 2017, was brought by John and Cynthia Devore against an APA franchisee, Jeffrey Duda, and the APA itself. The Devores alleged defamation and tortious interference with a contract, claiming that a Facebook statement posted by Duda (or his wife) harmed John Devore's ability to recruit players for a competing league. The APA was named as a defendant based on an unsupported allegation of agency, despite having no involvement with the post. The case was settled by the insurer, with both Duda and the APA denying liability. No other litigation is required to be disclosed by the APA.
Bankruptcy History
The American Poolplayers Association (APA) has no bankruptcy history to disclose, as explicitly stated in Item 4 of the Franchise Disclosure Document.
Agreement Terms
Initial Term
2 years
Renewal Term
5 years
Renewal Conditions
American Poolplayers Association (APA) franchisees can renew their franchise for an additional five-year term, provided they have fully complied with specific conditions. Franchisees must provide written notice to APA between six and nine months before their current Regular Term expires. They need to certify that they are in full compliance with all obligations under their existing Franchise Agreement and demonstrate that their Players Fund contains the full amount collected from APA Members, minus approved expenses. Franchisees are required to sign APA's then-current form of the Successor Regular Term Franchise Agreement, along with all associated ancillary agreements, which may have materially different terms and conditions. Additionally, they must meet APA's then-current qualifications and training requirements and execute a full general release of any and all claims against APA and its affiliates. If these conditions are met, APA may not reduce the size of the franchisee's territory as a condition of renewal.
Training & Support Program
Franchisor Assistance
American Poolplayers Association (APA) provides franchisees with comprehensive assistance both before and after their business opens. Prior to opening, APA assigns the territory, offers extensive initial training through Discovery Day, Pre-Training, and Training Seminar I, as well as online courses via the APA Academy. APA also supplies initial sales materials, provides access to its confidential Software Program, the Operations Manual, the Official Team Manual, a local league website, and APA email addresses. Once the Franchised League is operational, APA offers continuous advice and written materials covering management procedures, marketing techniques, and System developments. APA regularly updates the Operations Manual and Official Team Manual, provides membership reports and information upon request, and offers various membership programs and benefits. APA conducts championship tournaments and continuously develops new promotional materials. Franchisees receive ongoing support and maintenance for the Software Program and assistance with establishing appropriate Weekly Team Fees. APA defends franchisees against claims of infringement related to the Software Program or APA Marks (for authorized use) and indemnifies them against certain third-party claims. Additionally, in cases of a franchisee's death, incapacitation, or pending termination/transfer, APA may appoint an interim manager. Franchisees are required to participate in a Webinar Series after initial training and attend a follow-up Training Seminar II approximately 12 months after starting operations, with additional optional training seminars also available.
Initial Training Hours
75
Training Location
Lake Saint Louis, Missouri (headquarters facility) and the franchisee's territory. Some pre-training components are conducted virtually.
Ongoing Support
After opening, American Poolplayers Association (APA) franchisees receive continuous advice and written materials on management procedures, marketing techniques, and System developments. APA regularly updates the Operations Manual and Official Team Manual, and provides membership reports and information upon request. APA also offers membership programs and benefits and conducts championship tournaments. New promotional materials are continuously developed and made available. APA provides support and maintenance for its proprietary Software Program and assists with establishing appropriate Weekly Team Fees. Legal defense is offered against claims of infringement related to the Software Program or APA Marks for authorized use. APA indemnifies franchisees against certain third-party claims arising solely from APA's wrongful conduct. In cases of the franchisee's death, incapacitation, or pending termination/transfer, APA may appoint an interim manager. Franchisees are also required to participate in a Webinar Series in the weeks following initial training and attend Training Seminar II approximately 12 months after starting operations, which is currently virtual but will be in-person at headquarters starting in March 2025. Additional optional training seminars are offered, which may become mandatory, with franchisees responsible for associated costs.
Franchise Requirements
Ideal Candidate Profile
American Poolplayers Association seeks a hands-on, full-time manager who will personally oversee the day-to-day operations of the Franchised League. Ideal candidates are responsible for organizing and administering league play, actively growing the league by recruiting new players and host locations, and ensuring the timely collection and payment of all fees and royalties. They must be diligent in maintaining accurate player scores and handicaps, keeping all required records, and enforcing APA's rules. A critical aspect of the role involves building and maintaining strong relationships with members, teams, and host locations. Candidates should be prepared to reside permanently within their assigned territory and possess the initiative to research and understand the local competitive environment. The franchise typically requires successful completion of a two-year conditional term and growth to at least 100 teams before considering any delegation of management functions.
Industry Experience Required
No
Management Experience Required
Yes
Sales Experience Required
Yes
Technical Skills Required
Yes
Operational Details
Location Type
home-based
Owner Participation
hands-on
Territory Type
non-exclusive
Territory Size Requirements
The American Poolplayers Association, Inc. defines its territories with specific geographic boundaries, which may include county lines or other constructed improvements like public roads. Each APA franchise territory will have a population of at least 25,000 people, though commonly, the territories granted in new franchise agreements range from 300,000 to 600,000 in population. The initial franchise fee is directly tied to population, with a base fee for territories up to 400,000 people, and an additional fee for every 50,000 people (or portion thereof) exceeding that 400,000 threshold.
Staffing Notes
Most American Poolplayers Association, Inc. franchisees initially operate their businesses with no salaried employees, working out of their homes to minimize expenses and working capital needs. The franchisee, or a designated managing owner if it's an entity, must personally manage the Franchised League. This manager is solely responsible for daily operations, including organizing and administering league play, growing the league, maintaining player scores and handicaps, collecting fees, ensuring timely payments to APA, maintaining records, enforcing rules, and fostering relationships with members, teams, and Host Locations. The manager is required to reside permanently within the assigned territory or another APA-assigned territory and must successfully complete the APA training program. Delegation of management functions to another person is generally only considered after the franchisee has successfully completed the Conditional Term and has at least 100 teams regularly participating, and requires APA's prior written consent. Franchisees and their owners are prohibited from holding an ownership interest or management role in any bar or pool room within their territory without APA's prior written approval.