Ninja Warrior Franchise Guide: Costs, Opportunities, and Requirements

If you have ever watched a competitive obstacle course show and thought, “I could do that,” you’re not alone. With the rise of local ninja warrior venues, you no longer have to apply for a TV show to try an obstacle course. Ninja warrior gyms bring climbing, swinging, and balance challenges into local communities, offering a fun and rewarding way for people of all ages to build strength, confidence, and new skills. As these venues continue to appear in more cities, interest in owning and operating a ninja warrior gym is rising as well.

If you are curious about what it takes to start a ninja warrior franchise, this guide breaks down the essentials. You will learn how the franchise model works, what the typical costs are, and what to consider before taking the leap.

What is a ninja warrior franchise?

A ninja warrior gym is a space built around obstacle-based fitness, inspired by the challenges you see on competitive obstacle course shows. Instead of treadmills or traditional weight machines, you’ll find warped walls, swinging holds, balance obstacles, grip challenges, and upper-body courses that encourage people to climb, jump, swing, and problem-solve their way from one feature to the next.

A ninja warrior gym franchise is a business model that allows you to operate one of these obstacle-based fitness facilities under an established brand. As the franchisee, you manage daily operations while following the franchisor’s proven systems for course design, safety standards, programming, pricing, marketing, and guest experience. In exchange for an upfront franchise fee and ongoing royalties, you gain access to the brand’s training, operational playbooks, vendor partnerships, and ongoing support.

Safety padding, trained staff, and clear coaching standards make these facilities accessible to a wide range of ages and abilities, while still offering the challenge and excitement that attract returning guests. This combination of structured training and playful, experience-driven fitness is what sets ninja warrior gyms apart in the broader attractions and fitness market.

How ninja warrior gyms compare to kids’ fitness centers

Ninja warrior gyms are obstacle-based training spaces built around climbing, swinging, jumping, and balancing. While they often offer kids’ classes and youth leagues, the core focus is athletic progression, strength, and skill development for teens and adults.

By contrast, a kids gym franchise or children’s fitness franchise emphasizes soft play, early motor skills, and safe exploration for young children. Both encourage movement and confidence, but ninja warrior gyms are designed to challenge a wider age range and grow with participants, rather than just entertain.

Ninja warrior industry opportunities

Franchise ninja warrior gyms are thriving because people are looking for experiences alongside their exercise. Instead of repetitive workouts, these gyms offer obstacle-based challenges that feel rewarding and fun. 

Kids and families are a key part of the growth. Parents want activities that get children off screens and build confidence, and Ninja-style training offers individual progress, problem-solving, and low-pressure skill development.

Adults are joining the trend as well. The obstacle course racing boom, including events like Spartan races and Tough Mudders, has created demand for spaces to practice strength, balance, and technique. Even those not training for competitions enjoy the variety and challenge each session provides.

The global ninja warrior gym industry is projected to reach $3.87 billion by 2033. In the U.S., suburban areas with young families are driving rapid growth for the American Ninja Warrior franchise, while international interest is rising in Germany, the UK, France, and Australia. By combining family-friendly fun with athletic challenge, these gyms stand out in the experiential fitness and entertainment market.

Franchise vs. independent ninja warrior gym

Deciding between a franchise and independent ownership is a key step in opening a ninja warrior gym. The right choice depends on your experience, resources, and goals for the business.

Franchise

Franchises offer a tested system for facility layout, obstacle selection, pricing, and marketing. The franchisor has already determined which obstacles perform best, how to train staff efficiently, and how to attract members in different markets. Brand recognition can also help establish credibility, and parents often trust familiar names.

Franchises also provide ongoing support, including updated training materials, seasonal promotions, and access to a network of other owners who can share solutions to common challenges. However, there are tradeoffs including franchise fees, ongoing royalties, and less flexibility since introducing new pricing or unique obstacles may require approval.

Independent

Independent gyms provide full control over brand, facility design, pricing, and programming. You keep all revenue since there are no royalties, but upfront costs are higher because you must develop your own marketing, operations, and staff systems.

The main challenge is building systems from scratch, such as selecting obstacles, setting membership prices, and testing marketing strategies. Scaling requires additional planning. Franchises provide a replicable model for multiple locations, while independent gyms require customization for each new site.

Operational considerations for ninja warrior gyms

Running a ninja warrior gym requires careful planning across multiple operational areas. One of the most important is facility size, as most gyms require approximately 11,000 to 30,000 square feet with high ceilings to safely accommodate obstacles like warped walls, salmon ladders, and cargo nets.

Safety standards should be a top priority for any operator.  Proper foam pits, mats, padding, and clear rules help prevent injuries, reduce liability, and create a safer environment for guests. Because obstacle-based activities carry inherent risk, liability insurance is essential, and premiums may be higher than traditional fitness facilities.

Staffing is another critical component, as coaches must understand obstacle techniques, safety protocols, and how to work effectively with both kids and adults. Some gyms require certifications or specialized training programs, which can be provided by franchisors or developed in-house for independent gyms.

Most ninja warrior gyms rely on multiple revenue streams, which helps support predictable cash flow. Memberships help provide recurring monthly income, while birthday parties and private events can generate high-margin revenue during peak times. Classes, camps, competitive teams, and corporate events further diversify income and keep the facility busy year-round. Successful gyms often combine several revenue channels to create a stable and scalable business model.

Read more: Revenue Diversity: How to Avoid the Single-Stream Trap

Finding the best technology for your ninja warrior gym

Running a ninja warrior franchise means juggling class registrations, party bookings, membership billing, liability waivers, retail sales, attendance tracking, and financial reporting. 

This is where modern venue management software makes a real difference. Platforms like ROLLER consolidate everything into a single system. When a parent books a birthday party online, signs a waiver, and adds extra guests, it all flows seamlessly through one interface. Staff are not toggling between programs or manually entering data, and customers get a smooth, convenient experience.

Key features that make a difference

• Integrated booking and scheduling: Online bookings allow guests to reserve class spots and open gym time online, reducing front desk workload while giving customers 24/7 access.
• Membership management: Membership software automates billing, sends renewal reminders, and offers family account options, simplifying what would otherwise be a time-consuming administrative task.
• Party management: Party software makes it easy to coordinate birthday parties by handling bookings, deposits, add-ons, and parent communications automatically.
• Digital waivers: Digital waivers save time and ensure compliance by storing electronic forms that are completed once and kept on file.
• Point of sale (POS): POS software keeps all transactions, from snacks to merchandise, tied into a single system for smoother operations.
• Reporting and analytics: Reporting and analytics provide clear visibility into class popularity, party conversion rates, and revenue trends, helping you make informed business decisions.
• Multi-location management: Multi-location management streamlines operations for gyms with multiple sites by efficiently handling each location without duplicating setup work.

Steps to open a ninja warrior franchise

Opening a ninja warrior franchise is exciting, but it requires careful planning and preparation. Following a clear, step-by-step approach can help you avoid costly mistakes, stay organized, and launch successfully. Here are some of the first steps you should consider: 

1. Research your franchise options thoroughly

Begin by exploring the brands available in your region and understanding how they differ in terms of programming, support, fees, and required investment. Request the Franchise Disclosure Document (FDD) from any brand you’re considering, as it reveals financial performance, franchisee turnover, litigation history, and total investment required. Talk to current franchise owners beyond those recommended by the franchisor, and ask tough questions about profitability, hidden costs, and lessons learned.

2. Secure financing

Many operators  use a combination of savings, loans, and investors to finance their venue. Some franchisors have relationships with lenders familiar with their model to help you get started. 

3. Choose your location strategically

Location plays a major role in visibility, guest access, and long-term growth. If you’re joining a franchise, the franchisor may need to approve or even assist with site selection. Consider ceiling height, square footage, foot traffic, parking, and surrounding demographics when evaluating potential spaces.

4. Plan operations and staffing before opening

Make sure your team and systems are ready so your opening goes off without a hitch. Hire staff, set up standard operating procedures, and plan your class schedule, pricing, party packages, membership tiers, and staffing. While franchises often provide templates and guidelines, you’ll still need to tailor them to your local market. Build detailed checklists for everything, from opening routines to emergency protocols, so nothing slips through the cracks.

5. Select your management technology platform early 

Implement your booking, waiver, POS, and membership systems well before your launch so you have time to configure settings, train staff, and test the customer journey. This is especially important if you’re migrating member data from another system or integrating multiple tools. Early setup ensures your team is comfortable with the technology and reduces operational friction once guests begin booking.

Read more: How Ninja Warrior UK Achieved Over 3 Million Bookings In 4 Years

Next steps

Opening a ninja warrior franchise involves choosing the right location, creating a safe and engaging environment, hiring staff who care, and putting strong operational systems in place. Do your research and plan carefully to set yourself up for long-term success. 

Ready to explore how the right venue management platform can support your ninja warrior gym?

ROLLER helps franchise operators and independent gyms streamline bookings, memberships, parties, and daily operations so you can focus on building an incredible experience for every person who walks through your door. Book a demo to see how ROLLER could help your venue thrive.

Disclaimer: This article is not intended as legal advice. Venues should coordinate with the appropriate bodies for specific information about regulations and guidelines.