Gold’s Gym franchise unit economics
Gold’s Gym franchisees run full-amenity health clubs that sell memberships.
Gold’s Gym franchise at a glance
In its 2026 FDD the franchisor reports gross revenue for 2024 and 2025, with franchised and affiliate-owned facilities shown separately.
Gold’s Gym’s 126 franchised facilities in the 2025 data set averaged $1,797,000 of gross revenue, with a median of $1,759,000, according to Item 19 of Gold’s Gym’s 2026 FDD, issued 14 August 2026. The 126 in that group are 95%* of Gold’s Gym’s 132 franchised facilities. Fees paid to Gold’s Gym come to about 7.03%* of sales.
- A Gold’s Gym franchise costs $2,356,000 to $5,162,000 to open, excluding any real estate purchase, including a $40,000 initial franchise fee, according to the brand’s 2026 FDD.
- Gold’s Gym charges a royalty of the greater of 5% of Gross Revenue or $2,000 a month and a Marketing Contribution of the greater of 2% or $1,350 a month.
- Gold’s Gym’s 48 affiliate-owned facilities in the same data set averaged $2,222,000, 23.7% above the franchised average.*
- Gold’s Gym’s Item 19 reports gross revenue only, with no costs or profit.
- Gold’s Gym had 132 franchised and 50 affiliate-owned outlets at the end of 2025, down from 159 and 52 at the start of the year.
- Gold’s Gym reported 25 franchised outlets that ceased operations in 2025, 22 of them in California.
These figures come from Gold’s Gym's 2026 Franchise Disclosure Document, as the brand reported them, and were read by Averan Advisors. 23.7% is an Averan calculation: the affiliate-owned average of $2,222,000 divided by the franchised average of $1,797,000, less one.
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Talk to Averan → Averan Gold’s Gym Conversion Package →- Twenty-five franchised Gold’s Gym facilities ceased operations in 2025, 15.7% of the 159 open at the start of the year.* 22 of the 25 were in California, where franchised outlets went from 29 to 8. The year also had 5 terminations, 4 of them in Texas, and 1 non-renewal, against 4 openings.
- The franchised average fell 8.5% from 2024 to 2025, while the franchised median rose 0.9%.* The average went from $1,963,000 to $1,797,000 and the median from $1,743,000 to $1,759,000. The franchised data set also changed, from 150 facilities in 2024 to 126 in 2025.
- Affiliate-owned facilities averaged $2,222,000 of gross revenue in 2025, against $1,797,000 for franchised facilities. The affiliate-owned average rose 0.9% from $2,203,000 in 2024.* The affiliate-owned median was $2,078,000 and the franchised median $1,759,000.
- 28.6% of franchised facilities were in the bottom quartile of the 2025 ranking, against 16.7% of affiliate-owned facilities.* In the top quartile the shares were 21.4% and 33.3%.* In the second and third quartiles the franchised and affiliate-owned averages were within $72,000 of each other.*
- The $40,000 initial franchise fee is 1.70% of the low-end investment of $2,356,000.* Leasehold improvements and construction are $1,500,000 to $3,125,000, or 63.7% of the low total.* Selectorized, free-weight and cardiovascular equipment add $585,000 to $1,125,000.*
Revenue
How much does a Gold’s Gym franchise make?
| Group | Year | Facilities | Median | Average | Range | Met or exceeded the average |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Franchised | 2024 | 150 | $1,743 | $1,963 | $420 to $6,209 | 59 |
| Franchised | 2025 | 126 | $1,759 | $1,797 | $357 to $6,316 | 58 |
| Affiliate-owned | 2024 | 51 | $2,027 | $2,203 | $671 to $9,837 | 22 |
| Affiliate-owned | 2025 | 48 | $2,078 | $2,222 | $597 to $9,644 | 20 |
| All | 2024 | 201 | $1,833 | $2,023 | $420 to $9,837 | 79 |
| All | 2025 | 174 | $1,789 | $1,914 | $357 to $9,644 | 77 |
Source: Item 19, 2026 FDD. Item 19 prints these figures in thousands of dollars; the text on this page writes them out in dollars. Each year counts facilities open at least 12 months at December 31 that reported a full year.
The 126 franchised facilities in the 2025 data set averaged $1,797,000 of gross revenue, with a median of $1,759,000. 58 of them, 46%, met or exceeded the average. Their revenue ranged from $357,000 to $6,316,000.
Item 19 counts facilities that had been open at least 12 months at the end of each year. For 2025 it excluded 4 franchised facilities open fewer than 12 months, 2 franchised facilities that did not report a full year of Gross Revenue and 1 affiliate-owned facility open fewer than 12 months. The FDD states that the ramp-up period for most facilities lasts 18 to 24 months.
The figures are gross revenue only. The FDD states that they do not reflect payroll, occupancy, operating or any other costs. Item 19 gives no profit figure.
The 48 affiliate-owned facilities averaged $2,222,000 in 2025, with a median of $2,078,000. The affiliate-owned average was 23.7% above the franchised average.* Across all 174 facilities the 2025 average was $1,914,000 and the median $1,789,000.
The franchised average fell from $1,963,000 in 2024 to $1,797,000 in 2025, a drop of 8.5%.* Over the same years the franchised median rose from $1,743,000 to $1,759,000. The 2024 figures cover 150 franchised facilities and the 2025 figures 126, so the two years do not describe the same group.
Quartiles
Revenue by quartile, 2025
| Quartile | Group | Facilities | Median | Average | Range | Met or exceeded the average |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Top | Franchised | 27 | $2,858 | $2,988 | $2,282–$6,316 | 10 (37.0%) |
| Top | Affiliate-owned | 16 | $2,874 | $3,409 | $2,420–$9,644 | 4 (25.0%) |
| Top | All | 43 | $2,859 | $3,145 | $2,282–$9,644 | 13 (30.2%) |
| 2nd | Franchised | 31 | $2,063 | $2,045 | $1,812–$2,280 | 16 (51.6%) |
| 2nd | Affiliate-owned | 12 | $2,126 | $2,117 | $1,804–$2,270 | 7 (58.3%) |
| 2nd | All | 43 | $2,109 | $2,065 | $1,804–$2,280 | 23 (53.5%) |
| 3rd | Franchised | 32 | $1,601 | $1,599 | $1,361–$1,791 | 16 (50.0%) |
| 3rd | Affiliate-owned | 12 | $1,564 | $1,574 | $1,375–$1,787 | 5 (41.7%) |
| 3rd | All | 44 | $1,587 | $1,593 | $1,361–$1,791 | 21 (47.7%) |
| 4th | Franchised | 36 | $863 | $866 | $357–$1,293 | 18 (50.0%) |
| 4th | Affiliate-owned | 8 | $1,073 | $977 | $597–$1,113 | 6 (75.0%) |
| 4th | All | 44 | $902 | $886 | $357–$1,293 | 23 (52.3%) |
Source: Item 19, 2026 FDD. Quartiles rank all 174 facilities in the 2025 data set, franchised and affiliate-owned together.
Item 19 ranks all 174 facilities in the 2025 data set into four quartiles by Gross Revenue. The franchised facilities in the top quartile averaged $2,988,000 and those in the bottom quartile $866,000.
36 of the 126 franchised facilities, 28.6%, were in the bottom quartile.* For affiliate-owned facilities the figure was 8 of 48, or 16.7%.* In the top quartile the shares were 21.4% of franchised facilities and 33.3% of affiliate-owned facilities.*
In the middle two quartiles the two groups had similar averages. In the second quartile franchised facilities averaged $2,045,000 and affiliate-owned facilities $2,117,000. In the third quartile the figures were $1,599,000 and $1,574,000.
The highest-revenue facility in the 2025 data set was affiliate-owned, at $9,644,000. The highest franchised facility reported $6,316,000 and the lowest $357,000.
Brand charges
Brand charges
| Charge | Amount | Annual minimum | Revenue at which the percentage exceeds the minimum |
|---|---|---|---|
| Royalty | Greater of 5% of Gross Revenue or $2,000 a month | $24,000* | $480,000* |
| Marketing Contribution | Greater of 2% of Gross Revenue or $1,350 a month | $16,200* | $810,000* |
| Cooperative contributions | Set by the Cooperative, up to 3% of Gross Revenue, where one exists | None | Not applicable |
| Convention registration | $500, about once a year, payable even if you do not attend | $500 | Not applicable |
| Ongoing training | $500 per person per session, when it occurs | None | Not applicable |
| Non-compliance fee | $500 per default per month until cured | None | Not applicable |
| Transfer fee | $2,500 for a non-control transfer, $10,000 for a control transfer | None | Not applicable |
Source: Item 6, 2026 FDD. Annual minimums and crossover revenue are Averan calculations from the monthly minimums.
The royalty is the greater of 5% of Gross Revenue or $2,000 a month, and the Marketing Contribution the greater of 2% or $1,350 a month. The two minimums come to $40,200 a year.* Above $810,000 of annual revenue both percentages exceed their minimums,* and the two charges total 7% of revenue. Royalty is calculated from the first Gross Revenue recognized, including membership pre-sale revenue.
At the 2025 franchised average of $1,797,000, the royalty and Marketing Contribution come to $125,790 a year.* With the $500 convention fee that is 7.03% of revenue.* At the lowest franchised revenue in the 2025 data set, $357,000, the two minimums apply and come to 11.26% of revenue.*
The franchisor can require up to 3% of Gross Revenue each quarter for cooperative contributions and approved local marketing combined. This is the Marketing Spending Requirement in Item 11. At the franchised average, 3% is $53,910 a year.* Before opening, a membership pre-sale program is required, with spending capped at $25,000.
The franchisor may raise the Marketing Contribution by any amount if at least two-thirds of US Gold’s Gym facility owners vote for the increase. Each owner has one vote for each facility it owns, and facilities operated by the franchisor’s affiliates are counted.
About 85% to 95% of purchases to establish a facility and about 75% of purchases to operate it must be made from the franchisor or its affiliates, from approved suppliers or to the franchisor’s standards. The franchisor names designated and approved suppliers in its manuals.
Cost to open
Cost to open
| Line | Low | High |
|---|---|---|
| Initial franchise fee | $40,000 | $40,000 |
| Travel and living during training | $4,000 | $7,000 |
| Three months’ rent | $52,500 | $320,000 |
| Lease security deposit | $17,500 | $110,000 |
| Leasehold improvements and construction | $1,500,000 | $3,125,000 |
| Selectorized equipment and free weights | $425,000 | $850,000 |
| Cardiovascular equipment | $160,000 | $275,000 |
| Signage | $40,000 | $85,000 |
| Initial inventory, other equipment and supplies | $7,000 | $40,000 |
| Computer system and Gym Management System | $10,000 | $25,000 |
| Advertising and marketing | $50,000 | $120,000 |
| Miscellaneous opening costs | $10,000 | $65,000 |
| Additional funds, three months | $40,000 | $100,000 |
| Total | $2,356,000 | $5,162,000 |
Source: Item 7, 2026 FDD. The estimates assume a newly constructed 25,000 square foot facility and exclude the cost of buying real estate.
The FDD estimates $2,356,000 to $5,162,000 to open one facility. Of that, $40,000 to $40,500 is paid to the franchisor or its affiliate. The $40,000 initial franchise fee is 1.70% of the low total and 0.77% of the high total.* Qualifying veterans pay $32,000 on a first franchise agreement.
Leasehold improvements and construction are the largest line, at $1,500,000 to $3,125,000. That is 63.7% of the low total.* The FDD puts leasehold work at $60 to $125 per square foot for a 25,000 square foot facility and rent at 70¢ to $4.25 per square foot per month.
Equipment adds $585,000 to $1,125,000.* Selectorized equipment and free weights are $425,000 to $850,000 and cardiovascular equipment $160,000 to $275,000, or 24.8% of the low total combined.* The FDD recommends at least 35 pieces of cardiovascular equipment.
The optional Gold’s Fit and Gold’s Burn Studio Programs are not in the totals. Each has a $500 initial fee plus equipment, signage, audio-visual and training costs described in Items 5 and 7.
A facility must open within 18 months of signing the Franchise Agreement. Where no site has been accepted at signing, the franchisee must have an accepted site and a signed lease within 9 months. A development rights agreement costs $10,000 for each facility committed, with a minimum of 2, credited against later initial franchise fees.
Locations
Locations, 2023 to 2025
| Year | Franchised at start | Opened | Terminated | Not renewed | Reacquired | Ceased, other reasons | Franchised at end | Affiliate-owned at end | Total at end |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2023 | 158 | 10 | 0 | 5 | 0 | 5 | 158 | 52 | 210 |
| 2024 | 158 | 7 | 1 | 4 | 0 | 1 | 159 | 52 | 211 |
| 2025 | 159 | 4 | 5 | 1 | 0 | 25 | 132 | 50 | 182 |
| 2023–2025 | 158 | 21 | 6 | 10 | 0 | 31 | 132 | 50 | 182 |
Source: Item 20 Tables 1 and 3, 2026 FDD. Affiliate-owned outlets were 63 at the start of 2023. Item 19 lists 49 affiliate-owned and 181 total facilities open at December 31, 2025; Item 20 lists 50 and 182.
Franchised outlets fell from 159 to 132 during 2025. 25 ceased operations for other reasons, 15.7% of the outlets open at the start of the year,* along with 5 terminations and 1 non-renewal, against 4 openings.
22 of the 25 franchised outlets that ceased operations in 2025 were in California. California’s franchised count went from 29 to 8 during the year. 4 of the 5 terminations in 2025 were in Texas.
From 2023 to 2025 there were 21 franchised openings and 47 franchised outlets that left the system.* Total outlets, franchised and affiliate-owned, went from 221 at the start of 2023 to 182 at the end of 2025.
Four more franchised outlets have left since the end of 2025. The FDD lists two Florida terminations, one North Carolina outlet that ceased operations and one New Jersey non-renewal.
19 franchise agreements were signed for outlets not yet open at the end of 2025. The franchisor projects 9 new franchised outlets and 1 new affiliate-owned outlet in the next year. There were 4 transfers between franchisees from 2023 to 2025.
Questions we get asked
Questions owners ask
How much does a Gold’s Gym franchise make?
Gold’s Gym’s 126 franchised facilities in the 2025 data set averaged $1,797,000 of gross revenue, with a median of $1,759,000, according to Item 19 of Gold’s Gym’s 2026 FDD, issued 14 August 2026. The 126 in that group are 95%* of Gold’s Gym’s 132 franchised facilities. Fees paid to Gold’s Gym come to about 7.03%* of sales.
How much does it cost to open a Gold’s Gym franchise?
The 2026 FDD estimates $2,356,000 to $5,162,000 for one facility, excluding the purchase of real estate. The estimate assumes a newly built 25,000 square foot facility. It includes the $40,000 initial franchise fee and $40,000 to $100,000 of additional funds for the first three months.
What fees does a Gold’s Gym franchisee pay?
A royalty of the greater of 5% of Gross Revenue or $2,000 a month, and a Marketing Contribution of the greater of 2% or $1,350 a month. Where a cooperative exists it can set contributions of up to 3% of Gross Revenue, and the franchisor can require up to 3% a quarter for cooperative contributions and local marketing combined. On Averan’s calculation, royalty, Marketing Contribution and the $500 convention fee come to 7.03% of revenue at the 2025 franchised average.
What is the average revenue of a Gold’s Gym franchise?
Item 19 reports that the 126 franchised facilities in the 2025 data set averaged $1,797,000 of gross revenue, with a median of $1,759,000. The 48 affiliate-owned facilities averaged $2,222,000. The data set covers facilities open at least 12 months at the end of 2025.
Does the Gold’s Gym FDD show profit?
No. Item 19 reports gross revenue only. The FDD states the figures do not reflect payroll, occupancy, operating or any other costs.
How many Gold’s Gym locations are there?
At the end of 2025 there were 132 franchised and 50 affiliate-owned outlets in the US, 182 in total, down from 211 a year earlier. During 2025, 25 franchised outlets ceased operations, 5 were terminated and 1 was not renewed, against 4 openings.
Does a Gold’s Gym franchise come with an exclusive territory?
No. The FDD states the franchisee will not receive an exclusive territory. Once a site is accepted, the franchisor defines a protected Territory as a circle around the facility, which may be as small as one-eighth of a mile in a densely populated area or up to 3 miles in some rural areas.
Questions worth putting to Gold’s Gym
These are questions the filing leaves open. An owner or a buyer can put them to the franchisor directly.
- Is the revenue in Item 19 gross sales or collected revenue, and how many locations sit below the average?
- Which factors does Gold’s Gym see in its highest-selling locations, such as territory, years open and staffing?
- How long does a new location take to reach the average you publish, and what does the build-up look like month by month?
- At what level of sales do the minimum charges stop applying and the percentage take over?
- How many Gold’s Gym locations closed, were sold, or changed hands last year, and why?
Run your own numbers.
The Franchise Numbers Check runs the same checks on your own numbers. It scores where you stand and compares you with Item 19 of your brand’s FDD. It works out what one location earns and spends, and builds a 13-week cash forecast. It also checks whether you are ready to open another one. It is free and it runs in your browser.
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Questions owners ask next
The figures above raise these, and each one is answered on its own page.
- At what level of sales does a minimum fee stop costing me more than the percentage?It works out the sales level where a minimum fee stops applying.
- How much cash do I fund before a new location covers its own costs?It builds a 13-week forecast for the months before break-even.
- What does this location earn on the money I put into it?It works out the payback period and cash-on-cash return for one unit.
- How much of Item 19 can I rely on?It explains what an Item 19 financial performance representation tells you and what it leaves out.
Where these figures come from
Every figure here comes from Gold’s Gym Franchise LLC’s 2026 FDD and is unaudited by us. We are unaffiliated with the brand. Calculations of our own are labeled where they appear. The figures describe past performance at other businesses and are not a projection of yours. This page is an educational summary. It is not an offer to sell a franchise, and it is not financial, legal or tax advice. Gold’s Gym is a trademark of its owner. How Averan reads a Franchise Disclosure Document.
These figures come from the brand's disclosure. They are not a forecast, an offer to sell a franchise or advice. Source: Gold’s Gym Franchise LLC, 2026 Franchise Disclosure Document, issued 14 August 2026.