Sport Clips Franchise Cost (2026): $225K–$420K Haircut Shop
Sport Clips franchise startup costs run $225K–$420K — a men's haircut concept built around sports entertainment, with a recurring-revenue clientele and active multi-unit development.
Sport Clips franchise costs at a glance
Total investment
$225,000–$420,000
Franchise fee
$59,500
Royalty
6%
Ad / marketing fee
5%
Net worth required
$400,000
Source: Sport Clips Franchise Disclosure Document (FDD) · as of 2026-07-21. Figures vary by market and site; verify against the current FDD before signing.
Key takeaways
Total estimated startup cost: $225K–$420K (men's sports-themed haircut salons)
Franchise fee: $59,500
Ongoing royalty: 6% of gross sales
Advertising fee: 5% of gross sales
Net worth requirement: $400K+. Approximately 1,800 US locations, with active multi-unit development agreements.
Per Sport Clips' current FDD, total estimated initial investment runs approximately $225K–$420K. Strip-center inline units are the standard format; build-out scope and landlord tenant improvement allowances drive the range. Major cost categories include:
Franchise fee: $59,500
Leasehold improvements and construction: $75K–$175K
Furniture, fixtures, and salon equipment (styling chairs, shampoo bowls, cabinetry): $30K–$70K
Sports entertainment systems (TVs, cable service, sports décor): $15K–$35K
Sport Clips charges a 6% royalty on gross sales and a 5% advertising fee, for a combined 11% ongoing fee load. The 5% ad fee is among the higher in the personal services franchise sector and supports national TV, digital advertising, and sponsorships of sports programming — the brand's core marketing channel for reaching its male demographic.
3 Net worth and liquid capital requirements
Sport Clips requires a minimum net worth of $400K+. Multi-unit development agreements are the primary vehicle for new franchisees — most new franchisees commit to opening 3+ locations. Prior hair industry experience is not required; Sport Clips licenses the real estate and business management operator, not the stylist.
4 Financing options for Sport Clips franchisees
Sport Clips is listed on the SBA Franchise Directory, qualifying franchisees for expedited SBA loan processing. At $225K–$420K per unit, SBA 7(a) is the primary path; SBA 7(a) program terms are published on SBA.gov. Key financing options include:
SBA 7(a) loan: Covers franchise fee, build-out, salon equipment, and working capital. Standard restaurant/service franchise terms run 10 years.
Equipment financing: Styling chairs, shampoo bowls, and salon fixtures can be financed on standalone equipment loans.
Multi-unit development financing: Lenders experienced with Sport Clips can structure facilities covering multiple-location development timelines.
Working capital line of credit: Revolving facility for managing payroll, product inventory, and seasonal cash flow.
Section 179 deduction: Qualifying salon equipment and technology purchases may be immediately expensed under IRS Section 179.
5 What lenders look for in a Sport Clips franchise application
Debt service coverage ratio (DSCR): SBA 7(a) guidelines require a minimum DSCR of 1.15×. Most SBA lenders apply 1.25×–1.35× for personal services franchise startups given the 6–12 month membership ramp before steady-state revenue stabilizes. A monthly cash flow pro forma is required.
Equity injection: SBA requires a minimum 10% equity injection of total project cost from the borrower's personal funds. At the $225K–$420K range, lenders typically prefer 20–25% — at a $300K project, that is $60K–$75K from personal funds.
Net worth quality: Minimum $400K net worth per Sport Clips requirements. Lenders verify that net worth is liquid or near-liquid, not concentrated in illiquid real estate.
Operator experience: Prior retail or multi-unit service business experience is viewed favorably. First-time service-franchise operators should build in a larger working capital reserve.
Multi-unit development commitment: Most Sport Clips franchisees commit to 3+ locations. Lenders will review the full development schedule and may structure a multi-location facility.
6 Apply at ClearValue Lending
ClearValue Lending works with personal services franchise operators from single-unit startups to multi-unit development financing. Compare SBA and equipment options on small business financing, then apply at Find my match. Your file routes to the funding partners best matched to your file. Read our SBA 7(a) application walkthrough to get your docs ready.
Sources
Sport Clips 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 build-out, salon equipment, and working capital. — SBA 7(a) Loan Program
Qualifying salon equipment and technology purchases may be immediately expensed under IRS Section 179. — IRS Publication 946
Census County Business Patterns data shows personal care services (NAICS 8121) — including hair salons and barber shops — among the most resilient small-business categories by establishment count through recent economic cycles. — U.S. Census Bureau — County Business Patterns
Frequently asked questions
How much does a Sport Clips franchise cost in 2026?
Per the current FDD, total estimated initial investment runs $225K–$420K. Strip-center inline units are the standard format; build-out scope and landlord tenant improvement terms determine where in the range a specific project lands.
What is Sport Clips' royalty and ad fee?
Sport Clips charges a 6% royalty on gross sales and a 5% advertising fee, for a combined 11% ongoing fee load. The 5% ad fee is among the higher in personal services franchising and supports national sports-entertainment marketing.
Do I need hairstyling experience to own a Sport Clips franchise?
No. Sport Clips licenses the business operator, not the stylist. You hire licensed stylists; you manage the business. Prior retail or service business management experience is more relevant than personal hairstyling background.
Can I use SBA financing for a Sport Clips franchise?
Yes. Sport Clips is on the SBA Franchise Directory. SBA 7(a) is the standard financing path at the $225K–$420K investment range.
How does Sport Clips compare to Great Clips?
Great Clips is larger (4,500+ units vs. ~1,800 for Sport Clips) with lower total investment ($140K–$285K) and a lower franchise fee ($25K vs. $59.5K). Sport Clips commands a premium on the men's segment specifically and tends to attract franchisees who prefer the sports-entertainment differentiation and are comfortable with a higher initial fee.
What DSCR do lenders require for a Sport Clips franchise SBA loan?
SBA 7(a) guidelines set a minimum debt service coverage ratio (DSCR) of 1.15×. Most SBA lenders apply 1.25×–1.35× for personal services franchise startups, where revenue ramps over 6–12 months as a new client base builds. A monthly cash flow pro forma using realistic stylist productivity and ticket averages is required for underwriting. SBA underwriting guidelines are published at sba.gov.
How much equity injection is required for a Sport Clips SBA loan?
SBA requires a minimum 10% equity injection of total project cost from the borrower's personal funds. At the $225K–$420K investment range, most SBA lenders prefer 20–25% — at a $300K project that means $60K–$75K from your own funds before the loan closes. Equity injection requirements are sourced from SBA SOP 50 10 8.
Summary:
Sport Clips franchise startup costs run $225K–$420K — a men's haircut concept built around sports entertainment, with a recurring-revenue clientele and active multi-unit development.
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.
