Planet Fitness franchise startup costs run $1M–$4.3M — largest fitness franchise globally. Net worth $1.5M+, liquid $500K+. Here's the full FDD cost breakdown plus what SBA lenders require to approve the financing.
Planet Fitness franchise cost runs $1.0M–$4.7M total initial investment, with a $20,000 franchise fee, $1.5M minimum net worth requirement, and $500,000 liquid-capital requirement. Planet Fitness is the largest fitness franchise in the world by location count, with more than 2,300 clubs in the U.S. and a rapidly growing international footprint.
Per Planet Fitness's current FDD, total estimated initial investment runs approximately $1M–$4.3M. The large facility footprint, extensive equipment package, and market-dependent real estate costs drive the wide range. Major cost categories include:
Planet Fitness charges a 7% royalty on gross sales and a 9% advertising fund contribution, for a combined 16% ongoing fee load. The 9% advertising fee is among the highest in fitness franchising — but it funds a substantial national marketing program that drives brand recognition and member acquisition across the entire system. The advertising fund covers national television, digital, and social media campaigns. Royalty and advertising fees are paid monthly.
Planet Fitness requires prospective franchisees to demonstrate a net worth of $1.5M+ and liquid capital of $500K+. These are among the higher thresholds in fitness franchising, reflecting the large facility investment, multi-unit development expectations, and the capital needed to sustain operations during the ramp-up period before reaching breakeven membership levels. Planet Fitness generally prefers experienced multi-unit operators — first-time franchisees are less commonly approved.
Planet Fitness is listed on the SBA Franchise Directory, qualifying franchisees for expedited SBA loan processing. At the $1M–$4.3M investment scale, financing typically involves a combination of products. For real estate purchases, the SBA 504 program provides fixed long-term rates:
Because Planet Fitness is on the SBA Franchise Directory, SBA-approved lenders can underwrite applications using an expedited eligibility review (no need for individual franchise agreement review by SBA). That speeds the process — but lender underwriting requirements still apply. Key factors:
Structure the Planet Fitness deal early: separate the real estate component (SBA 504 if owner-occupied) from the equipment and leasehold improvement component (SBA 7(a) or equipment financing). Layering properly preserves borrowing capacity for future locations in your development pipeline.
ClearValue Lending works with fitness franchise operators at first-location and multi-unit portfolio scale. Apply at Find my match. Your file routes to one matched lender. Read our SBA 504 loan explained guide if real estate is in scope.
For a detailed financing breakdown, see how to finance a Planet Fitness franchise. Comparing fitness franchise options? See Anytime Fitness franchise costs — a higher-investment boutique alternative with a flat royalty model.
Per the current FDD, total estimated initial investment runs $1M–$4.3M. The large footprint (15,000–25,000 sq ft) and extensive equipment package account for the bulk of the investment. Market, lease rates, and build-out scope determine where in the range a specific project falls.
Planet Fitness's 9% advertising fee reflects the brand's substantial national marketing spend — television, digital, and social campaigns that drive brand recognition and member acquisition system-wide. The trade-off is that individual franchisees benefit from a level of national brand investment that would be impossible to replicate locally.
Planet Fitness generally prefers experienced multi-unit operators. The brand's high financial requirements ($1.5M+ net worth, $500K+ liquid capital) and preference for multi-unit development agreements mean first-time franchisees are less commonly approved. Prior multi-unit franchise ownership or significant business management experience strengthens an application.
Yes. Planet Fitness is on the SBA Franchise Directory. SBA 7(a) is the most common financing path for the lower end of the range. At higher investment levels, a combination of SBA 7(a), SBA 504 (for real estate), and equipment financing is typical.
As of 2026, Planet Fitness operates more than 2,300 clubs in the U.S. and has been expanding internationally. It is the largest fitness franchise globally by location count.
SBA 7(a) guidelines set a minimum debt service coverage ratio (DSCR) of 1.15× — the business must generate at least $1.15 in annual cash flow for every $1.00 in annual debt service. Most SBA lenders set their own floor higher: 1.25× is a common lender floor for franchise startups at this investment scale. For a Planet Fitness, lenders model projected membership revenue (based on ramp-up to target membership levels) against total annual principal and interest payments. A detailed pro forma showing membership growth and revenue projections is essential for the application. SBA's underwriting guidelines are published at sba.gov.
Planet Fitness clubs typically target break-even within 24–48 months of opening, depending on real estate cost structure, lease vs. own, and how quickly the club ramps to target membership. The low-cost membership model ($10–$25/month) requires volume: a club needs thousands of active members to generate sufficient revenue to service debt and cover operating expenses. Clubs in high-traffic, high-visibility locations with strong marketing support tend to ramp faster. Because Planet Fitness is a public company (ticker: PLNT), its annual 10-K filings at sec.gov include system-wide financial performance data that can inform franchise investment modeling.
SBA 7(a) requires a minimum 10% equity injection of total project cost. For Planet Fitness — with typical investment costs of $969K–$4.2M — lenders routinely require 20–25% in documented borrower equity. At $1M in total cost, that's $200K–$250K out-of-pocket. ROBS (Rollover for Business Startups, using retirement funds without early withdrawal penalties) is a common equity source at this investment level. Source: SBA Standard Operating Procedure 50 10 7 (sba.gov), Subpart B, Chapter 4.
Most states require a health club license or facility permit before a gym can open for business — and many states require proof of license as a condition of final SBA loan disbursement. This can add 30–90 days to the closing timeline depending on state processing speed. Planet Fitness franchisees should initiate health club license applications early in the build-out phase to avoid disbursement delays. Verify specific requirements with the relevant state athletic commission or health club licensing board. Source: State health club licensing requirements vary by jurisdiction; Planet Fitness FDD.
Planet Fitness accepts first-time franchise applicants, but SBA lenders will scrutinize management-team depth if the applicant lacks direct fitness or multi-unit retail experience. The low-cost membership model requires high volume — thousands of active members — to service SBA debt, which makes the 6–12 month ramp period financially demanding. For a first-time buyer, the high investment cost ($969K–$4.2M), real estate intensity, and health club licensing complexity mean professional franchise development support (a Certified Franchise Executive or franchise attorney) is especially valuable before signing the FDD. Source: Planet Fitness FDD; SBA SOP 50 10 7 (sba.gov).