As more research is published, and transmission rates of COVID-19 remain minimal for recreational sports while adhering to CDC guidelines, sports franchises have massive potential for a comeback victory in 2021 after a difficult 2020.   

According to Research and Markets, the recreational sports franchise market size dropped from $28.7 in 2019 to $6.7 billion in 2020 as a result of the pandemic. With warm weather coming and vaccination spreading, however, recreational sports will also create a fever for sport franchises as both children and adults seek physical activity and safe social engagement after being stuck in quarantine. Experts expect “significant growth” in a post-vaccine world, and by 2026 they project the sports franchise market will reach $77.6 billion. 

For additional good news, the National Federation of State High School Associations recently removed its tiered risk recommendations after finding that direct COVID-19 transmission during athletics remains relatively rare across all sports if players and coaches follow CDC guidelines. This decision will likely mean that the few states still maintaining bans on high school sports (like California) will open recreational activities in the near future. Currently, the CDC recommends wearing masks, playing outdoors, and using your own equipment to reduce the risk of transmission. The center also notes that non-contact sports are a safer option.  

With positive news on the upswing, let’s check out how four top recreational sport franchises and are handling the pandemic. 

I9 Sports 

I9 Sports has adapted to COVID-19 by focusing on small-sided games such as flag football, volleyball, and soccer consisting of 3×3 or 4×4 teams on modified fields and court sizehaving players rotate through sport-specific skill and drill stations with their coachequipment sharinghalf-day camps and virtual programming to accommodate everyone’s needs and concerns during the pandemic. To explore a franchise opportunity with I9 Sports, click here. 

Sportball 

Sportball provides a fun, engaging athletic environment to introduce sports to young children. The franchise’s coaches will review safety rules and demonstrate how to create a safe distance during practice and play before each class, and the company has modified games to maximize participant safety and maintain social distancing. Coaches also collect and sanitize Sportball–provided equipment after every use. For more information on starting a franchise with Sportball, click here. 

PickUp USA Fitness 

Before reopening during quarantine, PickUp USA Fitness invested substantial resources into ensuring industry–leading cleanliness and sanitation. The franchise’s large gyms allow social distancing with new layouts, and locations now feature contact-less check-ins and sanitation stations positioned throughout the facility. Team members are also dedicated exclusively to completing sanitation routines during all operating hours.

For more information on starting a sports franchise with PickUp USA Fitness, click here. 

Soccer Shots 

Soccer Shots has modified its curriculum and operating procedures to adhere to the recommendations and guidelines of public health officials. The franchise has created a health and safety course specifically for COVID-19 that each coach must complete, and the chain’s guidelines include: avoiding unnecessary physical contact and sharing of items face coveringkeeping children spread out when possiblecleaning up equipment and reminding children about the importance of social distancing when playing. To learn how to begin a sports franchise with Soccer Shots, click here.  

To learn more about other sport and fitness franchise opportunities, click here.