Guide 8 min read Updated July 25, 2026

Cost to Start a 9Round Franchise in 2026

9Round franchise startup costs run $93K–$176K for a kickboxing-style HIIT fitness studio with a 30-minute circuit workout format. The brand operates approximately 750 studios and offers one of the lowest entry-cost models in the boutique fitness franchise sector.

9Round franchise costs at a glance

Total investment	$93,000–$176,000
Franchise fee	$20,000
Royalty	7%
Ad / marketing fee	2%
Liquid capital required	$50,000
Net worth required	$250,000

Source: 9Round Franchise Disclosure Document (FDD) · as of 2026-07-25. Figures vary by market and site; verify against the current FDD before signing.

Key takeaways

Total estimated startup cost: $93K–$176K (kickboxing-style HIIT fitness — 30-minute circuit format)
Franchise fee: $20,000
Ongoing royalty: 7% of net sales; advertising fund: 2%
Net worth requirement: $250K+; liquid capital requirement: $50K+
~750 studios globally — one of the lower entry-cost options in boutique fitness franchising

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Total startup cost breakdown

Per the current FDD, total estimated initial investment for a 9Round franchise runs $93,000–$176,000. The compact studio format and equipment-centric model keeps build-out costs well below most fitness franchise concepts:

Franchise fee: $20,000
Real estate and leasehold improvements: $25,000–$80,000 (1,200–1,600 sqft inline space)
Equipment (heavy bags, speed bags, floor pads, resistance equipment): $20,000–$40,000
Signage and branding: $5,000–$15,000
Technology (member management software, music system, heart rate display): $5,000–$10,000
Furniture, flooring, and matting: $8,000–$15,000
Training and travel: $3,000–$6,000
Marketing and launch: $3,000–$8,000
Working capital: $5,000–$20,000
Miscellaneous and licenses: $3,000–$8,000

Ongoing fees and royalty structure

9Round franchisees pay a 7% royalty on net sales plus a 2% advertising fund contribution — for a combined 9% of net sales. The 7% royalty is at the higher end for boutique fitness concepts; however, the low entry investment and low overhead model means that absolute royalty dollars at typical unit volumes remain manageable. The 2% advertising fund supports 9Round's national digital marketing, social media campaigns, and lead generation infrastructure that flows membership leads to franchisees.

Net worth and liquid capital requirements

9Round requires prospective franchisees to demonstrate net worth of $250,000 or more and liquid capital of $50,000 or more. The liquid capital requirement is notably low relative to most franchise concepts — reflecting the lower all-in investment and the lower staffing overhead of the circuit training model. Fitness or personal training background is helpful but not required. 9Round evaluates candidates on sales and marketing orientation, community engagement, and financial stability.

Financing options

9Round is listed on the SBA Franchise Directory, qualifying franchisees for expedited SBA loan processing. Common financing paths:

SBA 7(a) loan: Covers franchise fee, leasehold improvements, equipment, and working capital. The sub-$180K investment range is very accessible with standard SBA 7(a) financing.
Equipment financing: Heavy bags, speed bags, and specialized fitness equipment can be financed separately — useful for reducing the primary loan amount.
SBA Microloans: For franchisees with lower startup cost profiles, SBA Microloans (up to $50,000) can fund startup costs at the lower end of the 9Round investment range.
Working capital line of credit: Supports pre-opening marketing and the initial membership ramp-up period.

What lenders look for in a 9Round franchise application

9Round is on the SBA Franchise Directory, qualifying franchisees for expedited SBA loan eligibility. At $93K–$176K, SBA 7(a) is the standard financing path. Underwriters evaluate:

DSCR 1.25×–1.35× on membership revenue pro forma: SBA SOP 50 10 8 sets the minimum DSCR at 1.15×; SBA participating lenders for franchise startups typically require 1.25×–1.35×. For 9Round, lenders model recurring membership revenue (monthly dues × projected active member count) net of the 9% combined fee load (7% royalty + 2% ad), lease, trainer payroll, and operating costs. The membership ramp period (3–6 months to reach break-even member count) is the primary working capital sizing input.
Equity injection 10–20% of project cost: Per SBA SOP 50 10 8, borrowers must contribute equity from personal funds. At $93K–$176K, equity injection runs $9K–$35K — among the lowest absolute equity injection requirements in boutique fitness franchising.
Net worth $250K+ per franchisor requirement: 9Round requires a minimum net worth of $250K — significantly above the $93K–$176K investment range. Lenders verify the borrower meets this threshold as a financial stability indicator.
Equipment collateral and lease term: 9Round's core equipment (heavy bags, speed bags, resistance gear) provides tangible collateral value relative to most fitness concepts. Lenders verify the lease term extends at least through the SBA loan repayment period.
Sales and community engagement orientation: 9Round's membership model depends on local member acquisition and retention. Lenders assign lower risk to operators with demonstrated sales, fitness, or community engagement experience.

Apply at ClearValue Lending

ClearValue Lending works with boutique fitness franchise operators on SBA and equipment financing structures. Start at small business financing or apply at Find my match. Your file routes to the funding partners best matched to your file.

Sources

9Round is listed on the SBA Franchise Directory, qualifying franchisees for expedited SBA loan eligibility. — SBA Franchise Directory
SBA 7(a) loans finance franchise startups including leasehold improvements, equipment, and working capital for boutique fitness studio concepts. — SBA 7(a) Loan Program
Qualifying fitness equipment placed in service during the tax year may be immediately expensed under IRS Section 179. — IRS Publication 946
All 9Round franchise cost and fee data derives from the current Franchise Disclosure Document (FDD) filed under the FTC Franchise Rule. — FTC Franchise Rule — Buying a Franchise: A Consumer Guide

Frequently asked questions

How much does a 9Round franchise cost in 2026?

Per the current FDD, total estimated initial investment runs $93,000–$176,000. The compact studio format (1,200–1,600 sqft) and equipment-focused model keeps investment well below most boutique fitness concepts.

What makes the 9Round workout format different?

9Round uses nine 3-minute stations in a continuous circuit format. Members begin their workout the moment they arrive — there are no scheduled class times to wait for. A single trainer coaches the floor throughout the circuit, reducing staffing complexity versus traditional group fitness models.

What is the 9Round royalty rate?

9Round charges a 7% royalty on net sales plus a 2% advertising fund contribution, for a combined 9% of net sales.

How much space does a 9Round studio require?

9Round studios typically occupy 1,200–1,600 square feet of inline retail or commercial space — smaller than most fitness studio formats, which reduces lease costs and makes the brand accessible in a wider range of markets and shopping centers.

Can I finance a 9Round franchise with an SBA loan?

Yes. 9Round is on the SBA Franchise Directory. SBA 7(a) covers franchise fee, leasehold improvements, equipment, and working capital. Equipment financing for heavy bags and specialized fitness gear can supplement the primary loan.

What DSCR do lenders require for a 9Round franchise SBA loan?

SBA SOP 50 10 8 sets the minimum global DSCR at 1.15× — projected net cash flow must cover all debt obligations at 1.15× or better. Most SBA participating lenders require 1.25×–1.35× for franchise startups. For 9Round, lenders build the DSCR from recurring membership revenue (monthly dues × projected active member count), net of the 9% combined fee load (7% royalty + 2% ad), lease, trainer payroll, and operating costs. The membership ramp period (3–6 months to break-even member count) is the key working capital sizing variable. Source: SBA SOP 50 10 8 (https://www.sba.gov/document/sop-50-10-lender-development-company-loan-programs).

How much equity injection is required for a 9Round franchise SBA loan?

Borrowers must inject equity from personal funds — not borrowed for this purpose — per SBA SOP 50 10 8. For 9Round's $93K–$176K range, equity injection runs $9K–$35K (10–20% of project cost) — among the lowest absolute requirements in boutique fitness SBA lending. Equity is documented at closing with bank statements showing funds seasoned for 60+ days.

Summary:

This article is for educational purposes and is not financial, legal, or tax advice. Rates, fees, qualification requirements, and product availability are illustrative ranges that vary by lender, market conditions, and individual business profile. ClearValue Lending is a funding platform; all financing is subject to lender partner approval and terms. Always read your contract end-to-end and verify specific numbers before signing.

https://clearvaluelending.com/franchises/9round/cost-to-start

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