Risk Score
Pending analysis
Investment Range
$299,900 - $673,500
Franchise Fee
$30,000
Total US Locations
41
Business Summary
Athletic Republic operates training centers that provide performance sports training programs to athletes of all ages and adults. Athletic Republic uses evidence-based methods, technology, and specialized equipment to help individuals maximize their athletic potential and improve specific skills like speed, power, strength, quickness, and agility, as well as overall athleticism and fitness. These training centers can be stand-alone facilities or co-located within sports medicine hospitals, physical therapy clinics, or other sports complexes.
Corporate History
Athletic Republic, Inc. was incorporated in North Dakota in 1990, initially operating under the name Acceleration Products, Inc. From its inception, Athletic Republic has focused on developing evidence-based performance sports training standards, programs, and equipment. The company opened its first training center in 1990. In 2005, Athletic Republic began offering franchises in the United States, having previously offered licenses for its proprietary products. While new licenses ceased being offered in 2005, the company continues to offer renewal terms to existing licensees and occasionally enters into license arrangements with colleges and universities. The corporate name was officially changed to Athletic Republic, Inc. in April 2020.
Financial Overview
Investment Range
$299,900 - $673,500
Franchise Fee (Low)
$30,000
Franchise Fee (High)
$60,000
Minimum Net Worth
$500,000
Royalty %
6%
Equipment Costs (Low)
$153,000
Equipment Costs (High)
$425,000
Working Capital
$28,200
Audited Financials
Yes
Offers Financing
No
Audit Opinion
Unqualified opinion
Financial Health Notes
Athletic Republic has been experiencing recurring net losses and negative cash flows from operations, primarily due to investments in franchise systems, marketing, and technology. The company reported a net loss of $716,485 in 2024, $751,216 in 2023, and $310,469 in 2022. Additionally, Athletic Republic has a significant accumulated deficit, exceeding $3.2 million in 2024, and relies on substantial related-party debt from stockholders to meet its liquidity needs. The auditors, Forvis Mazars, LLP, have a responsibility to evaluate if these conditions raise substantial doubt about Athletic Republic's ability to continue as a going concern, a standard disclosure in these circumstances given the financial trends. To address its financial position, Athletic Republic has commitments from its stockholders to provide additional funding through April 1, 2026. Despite these challenges, the company notes positive operational momentum, including a 6% increase in average unit volume for its training centers in 2024 and strong new center membership pre-sales, and is focused on accelerating new training center openings.
Financing Details
Athletic Republic does not offer any direct or indirect financing to its franchisees. Franchisees will need to arrange their own funding for notes, leases, or other obligations, as Athletic Republic does not guarantee them.
Performance Metrics
Total US Locations
41
Franchised Units
41
Corporate Units
0
Avg Square Footage
4,000
Franchising Since
2005
Legal & Compliance Analysis
Recent Litigation
No
Bankruptcy
No
Litigation Summary
Athletic Republic has a clean legal history. Item 3 of their Franchise Disclosure Document states that no litigation is required to be disclosed, indicating there are no material legal proceedings, bankruptcies, or regulatory actions that would impact a prospective franchisee's decision.
Bankruptcy History
Athletic Republic has no bankruptcy history to disclose.
Agreement Terms
Initial Term
11 years
Renewal Term
5 years
Renewal Conditions
To renew, Athletic Republic franchisees must provide written notice of their intent to renew between 180 and 365 days before the current term expires. They must be in good standing, meaning they are current on all financial obligations (Royalties, Marketing Fees, outstanding invoices) and have not had any uncured defaults or a series of four or more defaults during the term. Athletic Republic franchisees are required to renovate and re-equip their Training Center to meet Athletic Republic's then-current standards and image, including signs, equipment, furnishings, fixtures, and décor. A renewal fee, equal to Athletic Republic's actual expenses for the renewal process but not exceeding 20% of the initial franchise fee, must be paid. Franchisees also need to demonstrate their right to occupy the Franchised Location for the renewal term, comply with current training and staff certification requirements, and sign a general release of claims. Finally, Athletic Republic franchisees must sign Athletic Republic's then-current standard franchise agreement, which may include materially different terms such as higher Royalty, Marketing, BOS, or other fees, and modifications to their Protected Territory.
Training & Support Program
Franchisor Assistance
Athletic Republic provides extensive support to its franchisees both before and after a Training Center opens. Pre-opening, Athletic Republic assists with designating the Protected Territory, approving the site, and providing specifications for equipment, interior branding, and facility layout. Athletic Republic franchisees receive a 28-week Business Acceleration Program (BAP) that covers business planning, operating practices, staff recruiting, training, and equipment ordering support. This includes access to the Athletic Republic Academy for staff certifications (Level 1, 2, and 3 for trainers; GM Training Camp for owners/managers) and on-site support from Athletic Republic instructors and sales managers during the soft opening. Athletic Republic also assists with website development, construction, hosting, and provides initial access to its Business Operating Systems (BOS) which include the Athletic Republic Technology (ART) suite for athlete management, scheduling, point-of-sale, and assessment, as well as sales and marketing tools like CRM and digital advertising support for the grand opening. After opening, Athletic Republic continues to approve vendors, products, and services, and provides regular updates to the system standards and operating manuals. Athletic Republic also offers additional training as advisable for system changes and provides special assistance for unusual operating problems upon request, for a daily fee plus expenses. For marketing, Athletic Republic manages a national Marketing Fund for brand promotion and development, to which franchisees contribute a weekly fee, and provides franchisees with access to an online Marketing Resource Center for local campaign customization. Ongoing technology support includes website hosting, online scheduling, point-of-sale software, and athlete data management systems (all part of the monthly BOS fee). Athletic Republic also provides access to its intranet (LockerRoom) with an AI Assistant and its online learning system (Athletic Republic Academy). Franchisees, Managers, and Head Trainers are expected to participate in monthly network webinars and are encouraged to attend weekly open office hours. They are also required to attend scheduled conventions and meetings for new products, operational procedures, training, and sales.
Initial Training Hours
136
Training Location
Primarily online/virtual through Athletic Republic Academy, with some in-person options at Athletic Republic's headquarters in Park City, Utah, and on-site at the franchisee's Training Center for soft-opening support.
Ongoing Support
After opening, Athletic Republic provides ongoing support to its franchisees. This includes continuous updates and modifications to the system's standards, procedures, and manuals, along with regular information about approved vendors and new contracts. Athletic Republic offers additional training as advisable for system changes and updates. For specific operational issues, Athletic Republic may provide special assistance upon request for a daily fee plus expenses. For marketing, Athletic Republic manages a national Marketing Fund for brand promotion and provides franchisees with access to an online Marketing Resource Center to customize local materials. Athletic Republic also provides and supports a comprehensive Business Operating Systems (BOS) package (for a monthly fee) which includes website hosting and management, online scheduling, point-of-sale software, athlete assessment technology (ART suite), CRM, KPI dashboards, and email marketing. Franchisees have access to the Athletic Republic LockerRoom (intranet) with an AI Assistant and the Athletic Republic Academy for ongoing online learning. Franchisees, Managers, and Head Trainers are expected to participate in monthly network webinars and are encouraged to attend weekly open office hours. They are also required to attend scheduled conventions and meetings covering new products, operational procedures, training, and sales. Team members must re-certify their Level 1, 2, and 3 certifications every 5 years.
Franchise Requirements
Industry Experience Required
No
Management Experience Required
No
Sales Experience Required
No
Technical Skills Required
No
Operational Details
Location Type
Retail
Owner Participation
supervisory
Territory Type
limited
Territory Size Requirements
Athletic Republic defines a Training Center's Protected Territory based on an "Athlete Density" of 8,000 to 10,000 Potential Athletes. This "Athlete Density" is specifically calculated as 30% of all Middle School, Junior High, and High School students enrolled in schools within the territory, excluding other athlete demographics. The boundaries for an Athletic Republic Training Center are determined by criteria such as the Training Center's address, the programs offered, population density and affluence, student enrollment in local schools, traffic patterns, driving times, major roadways, and clear topographical features like rivers or mountains. For an Area Development Agreement, the Development Territory is sized to support the agreed number of Athletic Republic Training Centers and generally comprises a portion of a city, county, or designated market area.
Staffing Notes
Athletic Republic Training Centers require "on-premises" supervision by two key roles: a Manager (e.g., General Manager, Assistant Manager, Sales & Marketing Manager) and a Head Trainer (Director of Sports Performance Training). The Manager oversees business operations, sales, and customer service, while the Head Trainer is responsible for delivering training, athlete assessment, and supervising the training team. Both must be appointed and approved by Athletic Republic 30 days prior to opening and complete Level 1 and Level 2 certifications. The Head Trainer is also required to obtain Level 3 certification, and the Manager must attend the GM Training Camp, with the franchisee covering associated travel and payroll expenses. All individuals who train athletes must complete Level 1 certification. Athletic Republic provides up to four days of on-site instruction from a Level 3 instructor to the Manager, Head Trainer, and the entire Training Team post-equipment installation. Beyond these roles, franchisees must employ additional competent staff as per Athletic Republic's criteria and ensure ongoing training and participation in monthly webinars and quarterly open office hours.