Key Takeaways
- Rob and Lauren Powers acquired two underperforming Shoot 360 locations in Frisco and Grapevine, Texas, in October 2024
- Their first St. Louis-area unit attracted 250 members in its first 90 days and now serves approximately 500 members
- Shoot 360’s training software is used by 28 NBA teams, with investors including Sue Bird, Trae Young, and Breanna Stewart
- The Dallas units currently have 215 and 345 members respectively as turnaround efforts continue
From First-Time Franchisees to Multi-Unit Operators
Rob and Lauren Powers opened their first Shoot 360 location in a St. Louis suburb in April 2024 after signing with the basketball training franchise in 2023. Both brought coaching backgrounds to the business, with Lauren in volleyball and Rob in basketball.
The couple focused on community building before opening, hosting a VIP week that invited local coaches and basketball influencers to tour the facility and learn about the technology-driven training model. That approach paid off quickly. The location signed 250 members within its first 90 days and has grown to approximately 500 members today.
That early success positioned them for expansion. In October 2024, they acquired two underperforming units in Frisco and Grapevine, Texas, both suburbs in the Dallas-Fort Worth metro.
Identifying and Addressing Operational Gaps
The previous owners of the Texas locations had stepped back from day-to-day operations due to personal circumstances, leaving gaps in staffing expectations, facility maintenance, and overall energy.
“There were no clear expectations of what each person needed to do in their job here as far as employees,” Rob Powers said. “The facilities were not up to par either. Everything from lighting to cleanliness to overall look and feel of the franchise was under what expectations were from corporate.”
The Powers started their turnaround with hands-on work, spending their first days scraping gum off floors and cleaning the facilities themselves. They followed that with one-on-one conversations with every employee to understand individual goals and reset expectations.
The Grapevine location currently has approximately 215 members, while Frisco has about 345. Both units are now building local relationships through partnerships with area basketball leagues.
A Player Development Model in a Competitive Market
Shoot 360 differentiates itself by focusing exclusively on individual skill development rather than team-based competitive programming. The franchise uses proprietary software currently deployed by 28 NBA teams, and has attracted investment from professional players including Sue Bird, Breanna Stewart, Trae Young, Zaza Pachulia, and Thaddeus Young since franchising began in 2019.
“What’s unique about Shoot 360 is we’re 100 percent focused on individual skill development, so any kid on any part of their journey can find a home where they feel loved and can improve their basketball game,” Rob Powers said.
Lauren Powers echoed the positioning: “We are not competition to anybody. We never discourage anybody from going to other trainers, but nobody else has the NBA technology that we have.”
Looking Ahead
The Powers plan to continue expanding in Dallas while maintaining their St. Louis operation. They have expressed interest in eventually becoming a training resource for other Shoot 360 franchisees.
“We’re definitely looking to impact as many kids as we can through this,” Rob Powers said, “so we’re going to continue to ride the wave and look for new opportunities.”
via: Franchise Times
YSBR provides this content on an “as is” basis without any warranties, express or implied. We do not assume responsibility for the accuracy, completeness, legality, reliability, or use of the information, including any images, videos, or licenses associated with this article. For any concerns, including copyright issues or complaints, please contact YSBR directly.
About Youth Sports Business Report
Youth Sports Business Report is the largest and most trusted source for youth sports industry news, insights, and analysis covering the $54 billion youth sports market. Trusted by over 50,000 followers including industry executives, investors, youth sports parents and sports business professionals, we are the premier destination for comprehensive youth sports business intelligence.
Our core mission: Make Youth Sports Better. As the leading authority in youth sports business reporting, we deliver unparalleled coverage of sports business trends, youth athletics, and emerging opportunities across the youth sports ecosystem.
Our expert editorial team provides authoritative, in-depth reporting on key youth sports industry verticals including:
- Sports sponsorship and institutional capital (Private Equity, Venture Capital)
- Youth Sports events and tournament management
- NIL (Name, Image, Likeness) developments and compliance
- Youth sports coaching and sports recruitment strategies
- Sports technology and data analytics innovation
- Youth sports facilities development and management
- Sports content creation and digital media monetization
Whether you’re a sports industry executive, institutional investor, youth sports parent, coach, or sports business enthusiast, Youth Sports Business Report is your most reliable source for the actionable sports business insights you need to stay ahead of youth athletics trends and make informed decisions in the rapidly evolving youth sports landscape.
Join our growing community of 50,000+ industry leaders who depend on our trusted youth sports business analysis to drive success in the youth sports industry.
Stay connected with the pulse of the youth sports business – where industry expertise meets actionable intelligence.
Sign up for the biggest newsletter in Youth Sports – Youth Sports HQ – The best youth sports newsletter in the industry
Follow Youth Sports Business Report Founder Cameron Korab on LinkedIn
Are you a brand looking to tap into the world’s most passionate fanbase… youth sports?
Introducing Play Up Partners, a leading youth sports marketing agency connecting brands with the power of youth sports. We specialize in youth sports sponsorships, partnerships, and activations that drive measurable results.
About Play Up Partners
Play Up Partners is a leading youth sports marketing agency connecting brands with the power of youth sports. We specialize in youth sports sponsorships, partnerships, and activations that drive measurable results.
Why Sponsor Youth Sports?
Youth sports represents one of the most engaged and passionate audiences in sports marketing. With over 70 million young athletes and their families participating annually, the youth sports industry offers brands unparalleled access to motivated communities with strong purchasing power and loyalty.
What Does Play Up Partners Do?
We’ve done the heavy lifting to untangle the complex youth sports landscape so our brand partners can engage with clarity, confidence, and impact. Our vetted network of accredited youth sports organizations (from local leagues to national tournaments and operators) allows us to create flexible, scalable programs that evolve with the market.
Our Approach
Every partnership we build is rooted in authenticity and value creation. We don’t just broker deals. We craft youth sports marketing strategies that:
- Deliver measurable ROI for brand partners
- Create meaningful experiences for athletes and families
- Elevate the youth sports ecosystem
Our Vision
We’re positioning youth sports as the most desirable and effective platform in sports marketing. Our mission is simple: MAKE YOUTH SPORTS BETTER for athletes, families, organizations, and brand partners.
Common Questions About Youth Sports Marketing
Where can I sponsor youth sports? How do I activate in youth sports? What is the ROI of youth sports marketing? How much does youth sports sponsorship cost?
We have answers. Reach out to info@playuppartners.com to learn how Play Up Partners can help your brand navigate the youth sports landscape.
Youth sports organizations: Interested in partnership opportunities? Reach out to learn about our accreditation process.
