Sport franchises in Europe

The sports and fitness market in Europe is growing at an unprecedented pace, driven by increasing awareness of health and wellness. This trend has opened up lucrative opportunities for entrepreneurs to partner with established brands through franchising. From gyms and fitness studios to specialty stores offering sports equipment and services, sport-related franchises provide a structured way to enter a thriving industry with lower risk. 

Leading sport franchises in Europe

Europe is home to numerous successful sport franchises that offer opportunities for business-minded individuals. Popular brands like Anytime Fitness, Orangetheory Fitness, and Snap Fitness have created accessible models for aspiring entrepreneurs looking to tap into the fitness and wellness market.

Anytime Fitness is a globally recognized brand with over 5,000 locations across 50 countries, including a strong presence in Europe. Its 24/7 gym model appeals to customers seeking flexibility and convenience. The investment required to open an Anytime Fitness franchise typically ranges between €300,000 and €500,000, including a franchise fee of €30,000 to €40,000, equipment, and location setup costs. The franchise also has a recurring royalty fee of about 8% of monthly revenue.

Orangetheory Fitness, known for its group high-intensity interval training (HIIT) programs, operates in several European countries, including the UK, Germany, and Spain. This model thrives in cities where boutique fitness is popular. Opening an Orangetheory Fitness studio requires an initial investment of €450,000 to €800,000, which covers the franchise fee (approximately €40,000 to €50,000), studio setup, and marketing. The brand is particularly appealing due to its focus on technology-driven workouts and strong community engagement.

Snap Fitness, a fast-growing gym franchise, offers a more affordable entry point for entrepreneurs compared to larger players. The initial investment required to open a Snap Fitness club ranges from €200,000 to €400,000, including a franchise fee of around €20,000. Snap Fitness emphasizes low operational costs, making it an excellent option for franchisees entering the fitness market for the first time.

Investment and costs

The cost of starting a sport franchise depends on the business model, location, and size of the operation. Gym franchises like Anytime Fitness or Snap Fitness require investments in equipment, such as cardio machines, weights, and training facilities. These costs often account for a significant portion of the total budget, which can exceed €300,000 for a mid-sized gym.

Franchise fees typically range from €20,000 to €50,000, depending on the brand. In addition to these upfront costs, many franchisors require royalty payments based on a percentage of monthly revenue, which can range between 6% and 10%. Working capital is also essential, as operating costs like rent, salaries, and marketing need to be covered during the initial months until the business becomes profitable.

Steps to starting 

Starting a sport franchise begins with selecting the right brand and location. Market research is crucial to identify demand for fitness or sports services in a specific area. Once a brand is chosen, the franchisor typically requires an application and an interview to evaluate the candidate’s financial situation and business acumen. While prior experience in the fitness or retail industry is not always mandatory, passion for the field and a strong work ethic are often essential.

After approval, securing funding is the next step. Financing can come from personal savings, loans, or investors. Some franchisors, such as Anytime Fitness and Snap Fitness, assist franchisees in obtaining funding by partnering with banks or financial institutions. Once funding is secured, the franchisor helps with location scouting, lease negotiations, and facility setup to ensure alignment with brand standards.

Comprehensive training is usually provided to new franchisees and their teams. This covers topics like marketing, customer service, daily operations, and staff management. For fitness studios, franchisors like Orangetheory Fitness also provide training for coaches and instructors to ensure consistency in class quality and customer experience.

Support from franchisors

Franchisors offer extensive support to help franchisees succeed. This includes assistance with marketing campaigns, access to proprietary technology, and ongoing operational guidance. For example, Anytime Fitness provides franchisees with member management software, marketing tools, and regular updates to training programs. Its established supply chain ensures high-quality gym equipment is delivered on time and at competitive prices.

Orangetheory Fitness supports its franchisees with brand marketing at both local and national levels, leveraging its strong social media presence and reputation for innovation. Franchisees also receive guidance on community engagement strategies, which are crucial for building loyalty in a boutique fitness model.

For budget-conscious entrepreneurs, Snap Fitness emphasizes affordability and operational simplicity. Franchisees benefit from a proven model that includes low overhead costs, simplified equipment maintenance, and centralized marketing resources.