America’s Best Franchises (ABF) Brand Insight —
9Round occupies a defined position in the boutique fitness category as the global leader in kickboxing-focused group fitness. ABF tracks the brand as one of the more established operators in the small-footprint fitness model, with 700+ studios across the U.S. and 17 international markets. The 30-minute station-based format and trainer-guided technology differentiate the brand from traditional gyms requiring scheduled class times and from boutique competitors operating larger formats with higher overhead requirements.
At a Glance
- Liquid Capital Required: $75,000 (readily available cash or cash-equivalent assets — not from borrowing, selling a primary residence, or relying on future income)
- Ownership Model: Owner-operator with option for semi-absentee after establishing team
- Location Type: Retail studio space, 1,500-2,500 square feet
- Time Commitment: Full-time owner-operator initially; semi-absentee possible at scale
- Experience Required: Fitness industry experience NOT required; people leadership and operations focus
About 9Round
9Round was founded in 2008 in Greenville, South Carolina by Shannon Hudson, an IKF Kickboxing World Champion, and his wife Heather Hudson, a black belt in Shotokan Karate. The brand built a 30-minute station-based workout combining kickboxing and strength training in compact time and space.
9Round operates 700+ franchised studios across the United States and 17 international markets. The brand combines a compact studio footprint of 1,500-2,500 square feet, trainer-guided technology, and a flexible drop-in workout format that eliminates scheduled class times and accommodates members on their own schedules.
Why Own a 9Round Franchise?
- Compact studio footprint of 1,500-2,500 square feet reduces real estate costs and build-out complexity versus larger fitness concepts.
- Trainer-guided technology with workout videos and voice instruction reduces labor burden and supports consistent member experience across staff.
- Drop-in format eliminates scheduled class times and allows members to start a 30-minute session whenever they arrive.
- Recurring membership revenue plus retail, personal training, and workshops create multiple income streams beyond core membership fees.
- Fixed royalty structure with predictable monthly minimums helps franchisees forecast operating costs more reliably than percentage-only royalty models.
ABF Market Analysis —
The boutique fitness studio market exceeded $47 billion globally in 2023 and is projected to reach $85 billion by 2030, growing at approximately 6.8% annually. Consumer demand for time-efficient workouts, group accountability, and trainer-led programming continues expanding even as discretionary spending tightens in other categories. 9Round occupies the kickboxing-focused position within boutique fitness, differentiating from yoga, cycling, HIIT, and traditional gym competitors through its martial arts heritage and station-based format that combines cardio and strength in a single 30-minute session.
ABF Timing Insight —
Boutique fitness consumers continue prioritizing efficiency and results over facility scale. 9Round’s 30-minute format directly addresses the time constraints that limit gym attendance for working professionals and parents. The brand’s compact 1,500-2,500 square foot footprint also positions it favorably as commercial real estate dynamics make larger fitness formats increasingly expensive to build and operate. Established operators with proven small-footprint models like 9Round benefit from these category trends more than emerging brands lacking comparable system maturity and operational tooling.
Training & Support
- Comprehensive onboarding training covering brand standards, operational procedures, sales, marketing, and trainer instruction to deliver the 9Round experience consistently across locations.
- Franchise Business Coach assignment providing ongoing guidance on operations, marketing, sales strategy, and overall business growth throughout the franchisee relationship.
- Site selection and lease negotiation support from the corporate team, plus comprehensive grand opening planning and launch marketing campaign assistance.
- Proprietary technology stack including the 9Round app, PULSE heart rate monitoring system, and Daily Workout Screen Systems providing trainer-guided instruction at each station.
- Ongoing marketing, operations, and sales support from in-house corporate experts who develop innovative solutions and strategies to support franchisee business growth over time.
Franchise Owners That Thrive
- Business operators passionate about fitness and community wellness
- People leaders comfortable managing trainers and front-desk staff
- First-time business owners drawn to a proven turnkey system
- Entrepreneurs valuing recurring membership revenue stability
- Operators comfortable with retail studio operations and member relationships
Who 9Round Is NOT For
- Buyers without $75,000 in readily accessible liquid capital
- Operators expecting home-based or mobile fitness business models
- Candidates uncomfortable with retail leasing and storefront operations
- Buyers seeking passive ownership from day one without operator involvement
- Operators unwilling to actively recruit, train, and manage fitness staff
Frequently Asked Questions
Q. Is 9Round a good investment?
A. 9Round operates as the global leader in kickboxing fitness with 700+ studios across the U.S. and 17 international markets. The boutique fitness category is projected to grow from $47 billion to $85 billion globally by 2030. The 2025 FDD does not include Item 19 financial performance representations, so franchisees evaluate the opportunity through unit count growth, system maturity, franchisee validation calls, and the brand’s compact-footprint model rather than franchisor-disclosed revenue data.
Q. Do I need fitness industry experience to own a 9Round franchise?
A. No. Fitness industry experience is not required. 9Round’s training program covers brand standards, operational procedures, sales, marketing, and trainer development. The franchisor seeks candidates with business operations capability, people leadership skills, and genuine passion for health and fitness rather than clinical, training, or martial arts credentials.
Q. What is the studio format and member experience?
A. Each 9Round studio operates a 30-minute station-based workout combining kickboxing and strength training across nine stations. Members can drop in anytime during operating hours without scheduled class times. Trainer-guided technology including video demonstrations and voice instruction supports consistent workout experience while reducing labor requirements. The compact 1,500-2,500 square foot studio footprint creates an intimate community atmosphere.
Q. What is the investment range and what does it include?
A. The total initial investment for a 9Round franchise ranges from $111,049 to $383,700 per the 2025 FDD Item 7. Investment includes the initial franchise fee ($14,900-$24,900), studio build-out and leasehold improvements, equipment and technology systems, grand opening marketing, training costs, and three months of working capital. Investment varies significantly based on local real estate, build-out scope, and optional equipment additions like advanced heart rate monitoring systems.
Q. What ongoing fees should I expect?
A. Royalty is the greater of $750 or 6% of gross monthly sales. Brand Building Fund Fee is the greater of $300 or 2% of gross monthly sales. Local advertising commitment is the greater of $6,000 or 8% of gross revenue per rolling three-month period. Technology fee is $199/month, plus insurance ranging from $126-$240/month. The fixed-minimum royalty structure provides predictability that pure-percentage royalties don’t offer.
Q. What revenue streams does a 9Round franchise generate?
A. Recurring membership fees provide the primary revenue stream and create predictable monthly income similar to gym subscriptions. Additional revenue streams include personal training services, specialized workshops, branded retail merchandise, and supplementary fitness programs. The combination of recurring base revenue and transactional revenue creates multiple income streams from the same member relationships.
Next Steps
If you are drawn to a global kickboxing fitness franchise with 700+ established studios, compact 1,500-2,500 square foot footprint, drop-in 30-minute workout format, trainer-guided technology, and positioning in the $47+ billion boutique fitness market, 9Round is worth a direct conversation. Complete the form below to request a qualification review and discuss territory availability for 9Round.
This profile represents general franchise information. Individual results may vary. Refer to the Franchise Disclosure Document for complete details.