D1 Training Franchise Costs, Fees, Profit and Data for 2026

D1 Training is a national fitness franchise that offers athletic training for kids, adults and families. The brand positions itself as “The Place for the Athlete,” combining expert coaching, science-backed programming and a community-focused environment designed to help members build strength, confidence and character.

1. What Is the Brand Overview for D1 Training?

About the Brand

D1 Training was founded in Nashville, Tennessee, by former University of Tennessee football player Will Bartholomew. After a career-ending injury ended his path to the NFL, Bartholomew wanted to bring the high-level training experience of collegiate and professional athletes to everyday communities.

The first D1 Training facility started in a small 2,500-square-foot space in Nashville. By 2016, the brand had grown to 32 locations across the Southeast and began franchising after receiving interest from people who wanted to bring the D1 model to their own markets.

Mission: D1 Training’s mission is to train the athlete in everyone through expert coaching, high-level programming and a community built around growth.

Vision: D1 Training aims to bring Division I-style athletic training to communities across the country while helping kids, adults and families grow in strength, confidence and character.

Unique Selling Points (USPs)

• Athletic training model designed for kids, adults and athletes of all levels.
• Science-backed programming focused on strength, speed, agility and performance.
• 5-Star Training Program backed by more than 20 years of results.
• Training environment inspired by Division I collegiate athletics.
• Programs for youth athletes, adults, first-timers and future pros.
• More than 100 NFL draft picks and 3,000 college athletes trained.
• More than 2 million athletes served nationwide.
• Community-centered culture focused on character, teamwork and accountability.

2. What Are the Franchise Opportunity Details?

Why Franchise With D1 Training?

• National fitness brand with more than 160 facilities across the U.S.
• Membership-driven business model.
• Proven systems for opening and operating a training facility.
• Site selection and lease negotiation support.
• Equipment and facility design guidance.
• Training and onboarding for owners and staff.
• Pre-built marketing campaigns.
• Member retention systems.
• Home office support throughout the ownership process.
• Opportunity to build a purpose-driven business in the fitness and youth sports space.

Available Territories

D1 Training has growth potential in markets across the United States, especially in areas with strong interest in sports, fitness and youth athletics. D1 facilities often perform well in more affluent communities with high levels of participation in youth sports. For more information on available markets, visit the D1 Training franchise website.

Investment Overview

Initial Costs: The estimated initial investment required to begin operation of a D1 Training franchise ranges from $401,776 to $837,381. The 2026 Franchise Disclosure Document (FDD) breaks these costs down as follows:

Initial Franchise Fee: Franchisees pay a $62,500 initial franchise fee in a lump sum upon signing the franchise agreement. Discounts are available for multi-unit developers, reducing the fee to $43,000 for a second location, $38,000 for a third and $33,000 for a fourth.

Ongoing Fees: According to the 2026 FDD, D1 Training franchisees are responsible for the following ongoing payments and fees:

ROI Potential: According to the 2026 FDD, the 83 facilities operating for the entirety of 2025 reported the following annual gross revenue:

3. What Franchisee Support Does D1 Training Provide?

Pre-Opening Support

D1 Training supports franchisees before opening through a structured ownership process. This includes financial qualification, franchise education, validation calls, FDD and franchise agreement review and an in-person Recruiting Day at the company’s Nashville headquarters.

The brand also supports owners with real estate needs, including site selection, lease negotiation and facility preparation.

Training Programs

D1 Training schedules business operations training at its Nashville headquarters. During training, franchisees learn the ins and outs of operating a D1 Training facility and prepare to lead their team, manage the business and deliver the brand’s training experience.

Operational Support

D1 Training provides support in several key areas, including site selection, lease negotiation, equipment planning, facility design, pre-opening preparation, marketing campaigns, member retention systems, staff training and onboarding, as well as ongoing home office support.

Technology and Tools

D1 Training provides franchisees with systems designed to support daily operations, member communication, marketing and retention. The brand’s startup costs include computer equipment and software, and its franchise materials reference member retention systems as part of the support model.

4. What Are the Franchise Requirements for D1 Training?

Eligibility Criteria

• Liquid Assets: $250,000
• Net Worth: $500,000

D1 Training looks for franchise owners who are passionate about community, sports and fitness. Ideal candidates have a proven track record of success, a desire to help others become their best possible selves and the energy to work hard to grow the business.

Operational Commitments

D1 Training is a membership-driven fitness business that requires leadership, team-building and local community engagement. Many D1 facilities operate with as few as six employees, while others have more than 12 depending on size and growth.

The opportunity may be a fit for owners who have experience building teams, leading people and growing a business. Prospective franchisees should confirm with the brand whether semi-absentee ownership is available and what level of day-to-day involvement is expected.

Funding Assistance

D1 Training does not provide direct or indirect financing for franchisees.

5. What Is the Market Potential for Fitness Franchises?

The gym, health and fitness club operation industry in the U.S. reached $47.0 billion in market size in 2026 and grew at a 3.6% CAGR between 2021 and 2026. D1 Training is positioned in the fitness franchise market as a sports-performance and athletic training concept rather than a standard gym. Its focus on youth sports, adult training, expert coaching and character-based development helps differentiate it from general fitness clubs and boutique workout studios.

Competitor Analysis

D1 Training competes with fitness franchises, boutique training concepts, youth sports training programs and local gyms. Primary competitors may include: F45 Training, Orangetheory Fitness, Anytime Fitness, Fit Body Boot Camp and local sports performance facilities. 

D1’s competitive advantage is its athletic training identity, youth sports focus, expert coaching model and positioning as a place for both kids and adults to train like athletes.

6. What Is the Application Process for D1 Training Franchisees?

1. Request Franchise Info: Prospective franchisees submit their information through the D1 Training franchise website.
2. Initial Intro Call: D1’s franchise development team contacts the candidate by phone to introduce the brand and answer initial questions.
3. Unit Economics Call: Candidates learn more about the business model, financial expectations and economics of the opportunity.
4. Leadership and Validation Calls: Candidates speak with the D1 team and may connect with existing franchise owners to better understand the ownership experience.
5. FDD and Franchise Agreement Review: Candidates review the Franchise Disclosure Document and franchise agreement.
6. Attend Recruiting Day in Nashville: Candidates visit D1 Training’s Nashville headquarters to meet the home office team in person.
7. Sign Franchise Agreement: If both sides determine the candidate is a good fit, the franchise agreement is signed and the process of opening the new facility begins.

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