The start-up cost for an i9 Sports franchise ranges from $44,900 to $69,900. Neal put savings from his OIF deployment toward the start-up cost, then financed the rest with a bank loan. Neal also took advantage of i9 Sport’s 10-percent discount off the franchise fee for veterans.
In November 2007, just two months after returning from his deployment to Iraq, Neal bought his franchise.
“Since then, I have had great success, with more than 1,200 kids enrolled,” Neal said. “My programs have been received very well by the community I serve and surrounding areas. When you get to see a kid who is 10 years old, who has never played, and has scored his first touchdown, that is the most rewarding feeling.”