i9 Sports Celebrates Major Milestone with 300th Franchise

Latest Franchise Signing Reflects Continued National Growth and Rising Interest in Flexible, Family-First Programming in Youth Sports

TAMPA, FL, UNITED STATES, September 1, 2026 /EINPresswire.com/ — i9 Sports, the nation’s largest multisport youth sports provider and franchisor, and part of the Youth Enrichment Brands portfolio, has reached a major system milestone with the signing of its 300th franchise location. The new territory in Greater York, Pennsylvania, reflects continued nationwide expansion as demand grows for structured, flexible youth sports programs that serve both families and franchise owners.

The 300th franchise is owned and operated by Jeremy and Katie Dillard, with a planned launch for its first season in September 2026.

This achievement underscores the appeal of the i9 Sports model and growing demand for service-based franchises that are simple to operate and built to scale. Its centralized support, low overhead, and standardized programming create a system designed for consistency and repeatable success across markets.

“Reaching our 300th franchise is a huge achievement for the brand and our franchise system,” said Ron Shimek, President of i9 Sports. “We’re seeing strong demand from operators who value a proven, well-supported business model and the opportunity to make a meaningful impact in their local communities.”

At the core of the i9 Sports model is a one-day-per-week league format that simplifies scheduling, staffing, and field use while making youth sports more accessible for families. This structure supports recurring leagues, camps, and clinics and allows franchisees to efficiently manage programming across seasons.

The Dillard’s path to ownership reflects a growing trend within the system, where families who first participate in i9 Sports programs later become franchise owners. After eight seasons as participants, the Dillards transitioned into ownership, having first discovered the brand while searching for a flag football league for their kids.

“We were drawn to the i9 Sports model because of how well it runs and how accessible it is for families,” said franchise owner Jeremy Dillard. “From an operator standpoint, it provides a clear structure and the opportunity to build something meaningful.”

This latest franchise signing builds on i9 Sports’ continued expansion under Youth Enrichment Brands, as the company scales its national footprint through a franchise-led strategy. The brand’s growth follows recent leadership appointments, including Ron Shimek as President and Jeremy Oliver as VP of Franchise Operations.

The announcement also comes during a year of strong recognition for the i9 Sports franchise system. In 2026, the brand was named one of Franchise Business Review’s Top Low-Cost Franchises, an honor based entirely on independent franchisee satisfaction and awarded to brands with startup investments under $100,000. i9 Sports has also been recognized in Franchise Business Review’s Most Innovative Franchise List and Entrepreneur’s Franchise 500^®, reinforcing its position as a leading franchise opportunity in the youth sports industry.

With 300 franchise territories signed and hundreds of venues operating or in development, i9 Sports continues to attract both first-time and experienced franchisees seeking a proven, community-focused business opportunity.

To learn more about franchising with i9 Sports, visit i9sportsfranchise.com.

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About i9 Sports^®
i9 Sports, owned by Youth Enrichment Brands, is a multi-sport youth sports provider offering leagues, camps, and clinics for children starting at age 3. Dedicated to Helping Kids Succeed in Life Through Sports^®, i9 Sports creates a fun and supportive environment where kids of all skill levels can build confidence, develop their athletic abilities, and discover a lifelong love of sports and an active lifestyle. Through a fun-first, multi-sport approach, i9 Sports gives kids opportunities to learn new skills, explore different sports, and grow both on and off the field. At the heart of the i9 Sports Experience^® is a commitment to developing great athletes and great people, embodying The Way Youth Sports Should Be^®.

In 2026, i9 Sports was named one of Franchise Business Review’s Top Low-Cost Franchises and recognized on its Most Innovative Franchise List, as well as Entrepreneur’s Franchise 500^®. With 300 franchise territories signed and hundreds of locations operating or in development, i9 Sports continues to attract first-time and experienced franchisees seeking a proven, community-focused business opportunity. To learn more, visit i9sportsfranchise.com.

Brynna Schroeder
Proof PR
yeb@proof-pr.com

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