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 Haircuts is a men's and boys' haircut franchise positioned around a sports-entertainment experience — TVs at every station, sports décor, and a proprietary MVP haircut service. Founded in 1993 and headquartered in Georgetown, Texas, Sport Clips has grown to approximately 1,800 US locations, making it the second-largest men's haircut franchise in the country. The recurring-revenue model (men get haircuts every 3–5 weeks) and walk-in convenience create a relatively stable, predictable revenue base. This guide is for prospective Sport Clips franchisees at the capital planning stage.
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:
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.
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.
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:
At $225K–$420K per unit, a single-unit Sport Clips project fits comfortably within a standard SBA 7(a) facility covering franchise fee, leasehold improvements, salon equipment, and working capital. Multi-unit development financing typically involves a staged draw structure tied to construction milestones. SBA underwriting guidelines are published at sba.gov.
ClearValue Lending works with personal services franchise operators from single-unit startups to multi-unit development financing. Apply at Find my match. Your file routes to one matched lender. Read our SBA 7(a) application walkthrough to get your docs ready.
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.
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.
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.
Yes. Sport Clips is on the SBA Franchise Directory. SBA 7(a) is the standard financing path at the $225K–$420K investment range.
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.
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.
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 7.