Play It Again Sports®

Sports & Recreation

Play It Again Sports provides entrepreneurs with the opportunity to own a locally focused sporting goods resale business that serves athletes, families, and fitness enthusiasts. The brand's distinctive buy, sell & trade model keeps inventory fresh while promoting value and sustainability. Franchisees benefit from established operating systems, proprietary technology, comprehensive training, and ongoing support from the Winmark franchise network.

Availability

Play It Again Sports® is currently accepting inquiries from the following states:

AK, AL, AR, AZ, CA, CO, CT, DC, DE, FL, GA, HI, IA, ID, IL, IN, KS, KY, LA, MA, MD, ME, MI, MN, MO, MS, MT, NC, ND, NE, NH, NJ, NM, NV, NY, OH, OK, OR, PA, RI, SC, SD, TN, TX, UT, VA, VT, WA, WI, WV, WY

Play It Again Sports®
  • Requirements

    Financial requirements for this franchise:
    Minimum Cash Required$90,000
    Net Worth$400,000
    Franchise Fee$25,000
    Royalty Fee5%
    Total Investment$346,300 - $459,700
  • Options

    Options available to franchisees:
    Home BasedNo
    Mobile FranchiseNo
    Military DiscountNot Available
    FinancingAvailable
    TrainingAvailable
  • Franchisor Details

    Facts about this franchise:
    HeadquartersMinneapolis, MN
    Total Units302
    Year Founded1988
    Franchising Since1988

What does a Play It Again Sports® Franchise Cost?

To open a Play It Again Sports® franchise, prospective owners need a minimum of $90,000 in cash available (liquid capital) upfront. This amount is part of the estimated total initial investment required to start the franchise, which ranges from approximately $346,300 to $459,700. *

A Retail Opportunity Built Around Active Lifestyles

Play It Again Sports invites entrepreneurs to become part of one of North America's leading sports and fitness resale retail concepts. Since 1983, the brand has helped families, athletes, fitness enthusiasts, and recreational sports participants access quality equipment through a unique buy, sell, and trade model that combines new merchandise with carefully selected pre-owned gear. As part of the Winmark family of franchise brands, franchise owners benefit from a business model that has been refined over decades while serving the evolving needs of local communities.

By creating an affordable destination for sports and fitness equipment, Play It Again Sports delivers value to customers while supporting the growing interest in sustainable purchasing and extending the life of quality sporting goods.

The Power of the Buy, Sell & Trade Model

Unlike traditional sporting goods retailers, Play It Again Sports continuously refreshes inventory by purchasing quality used equipment directly from local customers while also offering new products from recognized brands. This creates an ever-changing selection that encourages repeat visits and gives customers multiple ways to participate—whether they are buying equipment, trading up, or selling items they no longer need.

The model provides a convenient solution for growing families, seasonal athletes, fitness enthusiasts, coaches, and recreational players who want access to quality equipment at a compelling value. Local inventory reflects the interests and activities of each community, allowing every store to maintain a unique product mix while serving regional demand.

Meeting the Needs of Today's Value-Conscious Consumer

Consumers increasingly appreciate businesses that combine affordability, convenience, and sustainability. Play It Again Sports aligns with these priorities by helping customers keep quality equipment in circulation while making sports and fitness more accessible for individuals and families.

The opportunity extends beyond resale alone. Customers can shop for both new and used equipment in one location, creating a comprehensive destination for sports participation at every level—from first-time players to experienced athletes.

A Brand That Connects with Local Communities

Every Play It Again Sports location is independently owned and operated, allowing franchise owners to build meaningful relationships within their communities. Many owners actively engage with local schools, youth leagues, fitness organizations, coaches, and sports enthusiasts, creating a welcoming environment where knowledgeable service and community involvement help strengthen customer loyalty.

This neighborhood-focused approach allows each location to become a trusted resource for athletes of all ages while reflecting the unique interests and seasonal activities of its local market.

Technology and Systems That Support Daily Operations

Play It Again Sports franchisees operate within a proven retail system supported by proprietary technology and operational resources. Franchisees receive access to point-of-sale software designed to assist with resale pricing, cloud-based reporting tools that provide operational visibility, and an e-commerce platform that enables individual stores to promote and sell both new and used inventory online.

Additional resources, vendor relationships, and specialized buying programs help franchisees source quality merchandise while supporting consistent operational practices across the franchise system.

Comprehensive Training for Every Stage of Ownership

Franchisees receive structured training designed to prepare them for launching and operating a successful retail business, regardless of prior retail experience. The program covers business planning, retail site selection, lease fundamentals, product knowledge, inventory purchasing, merchandising, and operational best practices.

Hands-on education helps owners develop confidence in evaluating sports and fitness equipment, understanding product categories, and managing the buying process that supports the brand's distinctive resale model.

Continuing Guidance Beyond Grand Opening

Support continues well after opening day through an established franchise support network focused on long-term success. Franchisees have access to field operations consulting, online learning resources, operational guidance, and experienced professionals who assist with ongoing business development.

The franchise system is designed to provide practical tools, educational resources, and operational support that help owners adapt as their businesses grow and local markets evolve.

What Sets Play It Again Sports Apart

  • A distinctive retail model that combines new merchandise with quality used sports and fitness equipment.
  • An ever-changing inventory created through ongoing local buying, selling, and trading.
  • A customer experience built around knowledgeable product guidance and personalized service.
  • Locally owned stores that actively engage with athletes, families, schools, and community organizations.
  • Proprietary operational technology and systems developed specifically for the resale retail environment.
  • An established franchise system backed by decades of retail resale experience.

Who May Be a Strong Fit for This Opportunity

Play It Again Sports is well suited for entrepreneurs who enjoy building relationships within their communities, appreciate active lifestyles, and are committed to delivering exceptional customer experiences. While an interest in sports and fitness can be valuable, the franchise emphasizes training, operational systems, and ongoing support to help franchisees develop the knowledge and skills needed to operate their businesses successfully.

Owners who enjoy engaging with customers, leading teams, and creating a welcoming retail environment have the opportunity to build a business that serves athletes and families while supporting participation in sports and fitness throughout their communities.

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