Ownership Process
A Clear Path to Opening Your D1 Training Facility
Opening a D1 Training facility is a guided, step-by-step process designed to answer your questions and help you make a confident, informed decision. Our role is to protect the brand and the owners currently in our system, which is why we award franchises to the right people in the right markets.
There are two distinct phases on the path to ownership:
Phase 1:
Discovery & Decision (60–90 days)
Phase 2:
Buildout & Opening Day (approximately 12 months after signing)
Phase 1: Discovery & Decision
(60–90 Days)
This phase is all about learning, asking questions, and determining if D1 Training is the right fit for you.
It all starts with reaching out. Once we receive your information, a member of our franchise development team will contact you to introduce themselves, answer your initial questions, and walk you through the D1 opportunity.
Through a series of conversations, we’ll explore the opportunity together. You’ll review unit economics, connect with leadership, and speak with current D1 Training franchise owners as part of your validation process.
Take time to review the Franchise Disclosure Document (FDD) and Franchise Agreement (FA) with your advisors. This step ensures you fully understand the investment, expectations, and structure of the opportunity.
At D1, we call our discovery day Recruiting Day because that is exactly what it is. Just like an athlete being recruited, this is your chance to meet the Home Office team, experience the D1 culture firsthand, and see how we support our owners. You are evaluating us just as much as we are evaluating you.
If everything aligns, you will be awarded a D1 franchise. Signing your Franchise Agreement is the official start of bringing D1 Training to your community.
After your initial conversations and review of the Franchise Disclosure Document (FDD), you’ll be invited to join us for an in-person Recruiting Day.
You’ll meet the Home Office team, spend time with the people who will support you, and get a firsthand look at how D1 operates day to day. You will also experience the training firsthand, whether by observing or getting on the turf yourself, so you can see exactly what sets D1 apart.
Recruiting Day is designed to help you evaluate the fit from every angle. And just as importantly, it gives our team the opportunity to get to know you as a potential owner.
If it’s a strong mutual fit, you’ll move forward into the final step of signing your Franchise Agreement.
Phase 2: Buildout to Opening Day
Once your Franchise Agreement is signed, you will move into the process of building and opening your D1 Training facility. While timelines vary by market, most owners move from signing to Grand Opening in about 12 months, with many steps happening in parallel and our team working alongside you throughout.
Identify and tour viable sites with D1’s Real Estate Development team and broker
Submit and negotiate Letters of Intent (LOIs)
Complete lease negotiations and execute lease
Conduct due diligence, including site analysis, layout planning, and budget alignment
Goal: Secure the right location with a lease structured for long-term success
Develop construction drawings and submit for permit
Navigate local permitting process
Bid and select a General Contractor
Complete full buildout and obtain Certificate of Occupancy (CO)
Goal: Deliver a fully built, operational D1 Training facility
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Hire your General Manager (typically 100–120 days before opening)
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Complete Operator Training (virtual + in-person at D1 Home Office)
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Recruit and train your coaching staff
Goal: Build a strong, trained team ready to lead from day one
Begin presales to build your membership base before opening
Prepare for launch with on-site support from D1
Host open houses and community events
Open your doors and continue presales momentum post-launch
Goal: Create a strong opening experience that sets the tone for what’s ahead
The D1 Standard Across Every Facility, in Every Community
Every step of this process is designed to set you up to open a facility that delivers the D1 standard from day one. A place where athletes of every age and level are coached, developed, and pushed to reach their goals.
Behind every franchisee is a world-class team working alongside you through each phase of the business. This is the D1 difference. And it starts the moment you decide your community deserves it.
Ready to Look at the Numbers?
We’ll break down the financial requirements, startup costs, and what to expect so you can make an informed decision.