Why Do Pro Athletes and Franchising Make a Winning Team?

Some of the biggest names in franchising are retired sports professionals who are enjoying a successful second career as business entrepreneurs. Well-known athletes like Shaquille O’Neal, Venus Williams and Peyton Manning all own locations of popular chains and reap the benefits of being an operator.

Why is it that so many individuals become franchisees following their time in sports? There are many reasons why athletes make great business owners: they are coachable, have plenty of capital to invest and are often some of the hardest-working people out there.

Key athlete qualities

Much like the rules of football, soccer, basketball or any other sport, franchise systems have carefully constructed playbooks that plan out how to succeed. Athletes know that if they follow their training and listen to their coaches, they can win the game; the same is true for franchising and becoming profitable.

If owners listen to the franchisor and follow the procedures that are already in place, they can be a champion in their segment. Retired athletes are used to working as team players to lead to shared success, making them ideal candidates for companies to work with. They are receptive to direction and put their trust in those in charge.

Financial backing and growth

Most athletes make a decent-sized paycheck when they are on a professional sports team and exit the league with a cushy amount of money. However, that money will likely not last the entirety of their lives, as many retire from sports in their late 20s or in their 30s. Investing the profits in a franchise system allows them to continue to have revenue coming in.

With a high net worth, many athletes are also able to open up multiple units and increase their profits exponentially. It’s very common for a retired sports star to own a couple of locations of a brand or even multiple franchises from different companies. The more they grow their portfolio, the bigger successes they see.

Becoming a professional athlete takes an enormous amount of hard work and grit. Only the best of the best and those who worked the hardest end up at the top, and the same can be said for how franchise systems work.

Those who have had a successful sports career understand the dedication and commitment that certain jobs take. Using these skills in franchising and giving it their all, they are able to be great operators and managers. For athletes in franchising, every day is a new opportunity to win and work towards a metaphorical trophy.