Risk Score
Pending analysis
Investment Range
$536,450 - $1,031,100
Franchise Fee
$42,500
Total US Locations
153
Business Summary
D-BAT Academies, LLC offers franchises for baseball and softball training academies and retail pro shops that operate under the D-BAT trademark and a proprietary business system. These facilities provide personal training for pitching, catching, hitting, and fielding, along with batting cage rental services, pitching machines, climate control, and a retail pro shop. D-BAT Academies, LLC also features a proprietary membership program designed to encourage customer loyalty through discounts and unique benefits.
Corporate History
D-BAT Academies, LLC was originally formed on March 4, 1993, as CMNS Properties, Inc., a Texas corporation. The company later changed its name to D-BAT Academies, Inc. in October 2007, and then converted to a Texas limited liability company in December 2023. D-BAT Academies, LLC has been offering franchises since December 2007. Its parent company, D-BAT Sports, Inc. (DSI), licenses the D-BAT trademarks to D-BAT Academies, LLC for use and sublicensing to franchisees.
Financial Overview
Investment Range
$536,450 - $1,031,100
Franchise Fee (Low)
$42,500
Franchise Fee (High)
$45,000
Marketing %
5%
Equipment Costs (Low)
$327,500
Equipment Costs (High)
$730,000
Working Capital
$62,500
Audited Financials
Yes
Offers Financing
No
Audit Opinion
Going concern qualification
Financial Health Notes
D-BAT Academies, LLC's financial condition has raised concerns, with its auditors noting substantial doubt about the company's ability to continue as a going concern. The company reported a significant member's deficit of over $4.1 million at the end of 2023. Due to these financial circumstances, several states require D-BAT Academies, LLC to defer initial franchise fees and development fees until after the franchisee's facility opens and the franchisor has fulfilled its pre-opening obligations. This financial situation calls into question D-BAT Academies, LLC's ability to provide services and support to franchisees.
Financing Details
D-BAT Academies, LLC does not offer any direct or indirect financing to franchisees. The company also does not guarantee any notes, leases, or other financial obligations for its franchisees.
Performance Metrics
Total US Locations
153
Franchised Units
153
Corporate Units
0
Avg Square Footage
16,000
Franchising Since
2007
Legal & Compliance Analysis
Recent Litigation
No
Bankruptcy
No
Litigation Summary
D-BAT Academies, LLC has no litigation to report in Item 3 of its Franchise Disclosure Document. This means D-BAT Academies, LLC has not been involved in any material litigation, including administrative, criminal, or civil actions, within the past three fiscal years.
Bankruptcy History
D-BAT Academies, LLC has no bankruptcy history to report in Item 4 of its Franchise Disclosure Document.
Agreement Terms
Initial Term
10 years
Renewal Term
5 years
Renewal Conditions
To renew, D-BAT Academies, LLC franchisees must provide notice between 8 to 12 months before their current term expires. They must be in good standing, meaning they are not in default of their franchise agreement or any other agreements with the franchisor or its affiliates, and have not been in default for the 12 months prior to renewal. Franchisees must also renovate their facility to meet D-BAT Academies, LLC's then-current image, ensure their principals, general manager, and assistant manager comply with current training requirements, and secure the right to possess their facility premises. Additionally, they must sign a general release of claims against D-BAT Academies, LLC and its affiliates, have operated their business in accordance with the System, and pay a renewal fee of $7,500. Upon satisfying these conditions, franchisees will sign the then-current form of franchise agreement, which may contain materially different terms, including management fees and advertising obligations.
Training & Support Program
Franchisor Assistance
D-BAT Academies, LLC provides comprehensive assistance to its franchisees. Before opening, D-BAT Academies, LLC helps with site approval, developing a space plan, and providing specifications for the facility's design, layout, decor, and equipment. They offer an initial training program for three individuals (the Designated Principal, General Manager, and Assistant Manager) and provide consultation on facility development, purchasing, and inventory control. Franchisees also receive a confidential operating manual. Once open, D-BAT Academies, LLC periodically advises and consults on facility operations, communicates new System developments and techniques through on-site visits, written materials, meetings, seminars, telephone, and email. D-BAT Academies, LLC also administers an Advertising and Promotion Fund and supplies a portion of ongoing pro shop inventory.
Initial Training Hours
21
Training Location
Dallas, Texas or other designated location
Ongoing Support
After opening, D-BAT Academies, LLC provides ongoing advice and consultation on facility operations, communicating new System developments and techniques through on-site visits, printed or electronic materials, meetings, seminars, telephone calls, and email. D-BAT Academies, LLC administers the Advertising and Promotion Fund and supplies a portion of ongoing pro shop inventory. Franchisees' General Managers, Assistant Managers, and any designated Principals must attend and successfully complete all other required operations and training courses and maintain certification, with franchisees covering all associated costs. If a facility's membership fees decrease by more than 35% over a three-month period, D-BAT Academies, LLC may impose a $5,000 mandatory training fee and require up to two individuals to attend additional training, with the franchisee bearing all related salary, travel, lodging, and dining costs.
Franchise Requirements
Ideal Candidate Profile
D-BAT Academies, LLC seeks franchisees, or their Operating Principals, who hold an equity interest in the franchise entity. Ideal candidates must meet D-BAT Academies, LLC's current educational, managerial, and business standards. They should possess good moral character, a strong business reputation, and a solid credit rating, along with the aptitude and ability to operate the D-BAT Academies, LLC business. Franchisees must also have sufficient equity capital to operate the D-BAT Academies, LLC business.
Industry Experience Required
No
Management Experience Required
Yes
Sales Experience Required
No
Technical Skills Required
No
Operational Details
Location Type
Retail
Owner Participation
Full-Time
Territory Type
Non-Exclusive
Territory Size Requirements
For single units, D-BAT Academies, LLC defines the territory as the area within a 5-mile radius from the front door of the D-BAT Academies, LLC facility's location. For multi-unit development, the Development Area is identified in the Area Development Agreement's Attachment B, described by cities, counties, or states.
Staffing Notes
D-BAT Academies, LLC requires franchisees to employ at least one General Manager and one Assistant Manager at all times to operate the facility. Both must successfully complete the initial training program and any subsequent training requirements. If a General Manager or Assistant Manager is replaced, the new individual must complete the initial training within 60 days. D-BAT Academies, LLC emphasizes that franchisees are solely responsible for all aspects of employee management, including hiring, compensation, discipline, and training. Employees must adhere to D-BAT Academies, LLC's dress attire, appearance, and hygiene standards, providing competent and courteous service. D-BAT Academies, LLC does not participate in these HR functions and clarifies that neither the franchisee, employees, nor independent contractors are considered D-BAT Academies, LLC's employees.