i9 Sports signs 300th franchise as expansion continues

i9 Sports has reached 300 signed franchise territories with a new location in Greater York, Pennsylvania, marking another step in its national growth. The milestone highlights rising demand for flexible, family-friendly youth sports programming and a franchise model built around low overhead and centralized support.

Why it matters: - The 300th signed franchise shows i9 Sports’ expansion is still accelerating across the U.S. - The milestone reflects demand for youth sports programs that fit family schedules and for franchise models that are easier to operate. - The brand’s growth also signals continued interest in service-based, community-focused franchises.

What happened: - i9 Sports signed its 300th franchise location in Greater York, Pennsylvania. - The new territory is owned and operated by Jeremy and Katie Dillard. - The first season is planned for September 2026. - i9 Sports is part of the Youth Enrichment Brands portfolio. - Ron Shimek is president of i9 Sports. - Jeremy Oliver serves as vice president of franchise operations.

The details: - The new territory adds to a system with 300 franchise territories signed and hundreds of venues operating or in development. - i9 Sports runs a one-day-per-week league format. - The format is designed to simplify scheduling, staffing and field use. - The structure supports recurring leagues, camps and clinics. - The company says the model uses centralized support, low overhead and standardized programming to create consistency across markets. - Jeremy and Katie Dillard spent eight seasons as i9 Sports participants before becoming franchise owners. - Jeremy Dillard said the couple first found the brand while looking for a flag football league for their kids. - To learn more about franchising, visit i9sportsfranchise.com.

Between the lines: - The Dillard family’s move from participants to owners suggests the franchise system is turning customers into operators. - The model appears built to appeal to first-time franchisees as well as experienced owners looking for a repeatable business. - The latest signing comes after leadership changes and a year of outside recognition, which may be helping reinforce the brand’s profile. - i9 Sports was named one of Franchise Business Review’s Top Low-Cost Franchises in 2026, based on independent franchisee satisfaction and startup investments under $100,000. - i9 Sports also appeared on Franchise Business Review’s Most Innovative Franchise List and Entrepreneur’s Franchise 500®.

What’s next: - i9 Sports plans to launch the Greater York territory’s first season in September 2026. - The company is expected to keep growing through its franchise-led expansion strategy. - Additional owners may continue to come from families already using the program.

The bottom line: - i9 Sports is using a low-cost, flexible franchise model to scale youth sports nationally while keeping the business rooted in local communities.