Play It Again Sports franchise
Play It Again Sports buys and sells used sporting goods, from bats and gloves to hockey gear and fitness equipment, topped up with new merchandise. Buying used gear from customers keeps inventory costs low. It is one of several Winmark resale brands. At the end of 2025 there were 309 Play It Again Sports locations in the US, all franchised.
- Cost to open
- $346K–$460K
- Franchise fee
- $25,000
- Royalty
- 5%
- Locations, 2025
- 309
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Company snapshot
- Franchising since
- 1988
- Franchisor based in
- Minneapolis, Minnesota
- Time to open
- About 9 to 12 months after signing
- Agreement length
- 10 years
- Territory
- Protected territory
- Financing
- Some financing offered
From Winmark Corporation’s 2026 filing.
How much a Play It Again Sports franchise costs
Opening one Play It Again Sports store costs an estimated $346,300 to $459,700. That covers the franchise fee and everything else needed to open, through the first months of working capital.
Source: Winmark Corporation, 2026 filing, page 17
Play It Again Sports franchise fee
The franchise fee is $25,000, for a single store ($15,000 for an additional store or for existing Winmark franchisees). You pay it when you sign the franchise agreement.
Source: Winmark Corporation, 2026 filing, page 12
Royalty and ongoing fees
| Royalty | A continuing fee of 5% of gross sales, paid weekly. |
|---|---|
| Brand or marketing fund | A $1,500 yearly marketing fee, plus at least 5% of gross sales on local and co-op advertising. |
Source: Winmark Corporation, 2026 filing, page 13
Sales and earnings
Shares figures Play It Again Sports publishes sales or earnings figures for its locations: it gives average annual sales and gross profit for stores. The full tables, with notes on which locations are counted, are in its filing.
Source: Winmark Corporation, 2026 filing, page 43
Locations opened and closed
| Year | Franchised | Company-owned |
|---|---|---|
| 2023 | 294 (+13) | 0 |
| 2024 | 302 (+8) | 0 |
| 2025 | 309 (+7) | 0 |
Closed or left counts terminations, non-renewals, locations bought back by the franchisor and locations that stopped operating.
Source: Winmark Corporation, 2026 filing, page 47
How Play It Again Sports compares
Of the 16 retail franchises on this site, Play It Again Sports is the 11th cheapest to open and the 11th largest by number of locations.
| Measure | Play It Again Sports | Typical retail |
|---|---|---|
| Cost to open, low end | $346K | $231K |
| Royalty | 5% | 5% |
| Change in franchised locations, 0 yrs | +10% | +7.2% |
| Shares earnings figures | Yes | 15 of 16 |
Typical is the median across the 16 brands in retail franchises.
Other retail franchises
Play It Again Sports franchise questions
How long does it take to open a Play It Again Sports?
About 9 to 12 months after signing, according to Play It Again Sports's 2026 filing. Finding a site, permits and build-out are what usually stretch it.
Does Play It Again Sports help with financing?
Yes, in some cases. Play It Again Sports may finance part of the cost, such as the franchise fee, for qualified buyers; terms are in its filing.
Do Play It Again Sports franchisees get a protected territory?
Yes. Play It Again Sports assigns a protected territory where it won't open or license another location while you meet the agreement's terms.
How long is a Play It Again Sports franchise agreement?
The initial term is 10 years. Renewal is usually possible if you're in good standing, often for a fee and a remodel.
How does Play It Again Sports compare with other retail franchises?
Of the 16 retail franchises here, Play It Again Sports is the 11th cheapest to open (low end $346K against a $231K median) and the 11th largest by number of locations. Its 5% royalty is in line with the 5% median.
Does Play It Again Sports say how much franchisees make?
Yes: it gives average annual sales and gross profit for stores. Your results can differ; the filing explains which locations are counted.
Where is Play It Again Sports based?
Winmark Corporation is based in Minneapolis, Minnesota and the brand has sold franchises since 1988.