AUSTIN, TX, May  11, 2026  (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- FIT House of Brands, a global leader in fitness franchising, today announced the launch of its Athlete Ownership Initiative – a strategic program designed to help current,

FXLV

FIT HOUSE OF BRANDS LAUNCHES ATHLETE OWNERSHIP INITIATIVE INTRODUCING A NEW PATHWAY FOR ATHLETES TO PARTICIPATE IN FITNESS FRANCHISE OWNERSHIP

FIT House of Brands Launches Athlete Ownership Initiative to Boost Franchise Growth

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  <section data-block="information">
    <h3>Information</h3>
    <p>AUSTIN, TX, May  11, 2026  (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- FIT House of Brands, a global leader in fitness franchising, today announced the launch of its Athlete Ownership Initiative – a strategic program designed to help current,</p>
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  <section data-block="ai-summary-paragraph">
    <h3>AI Summary</h3>
    <p>FIT House of Brands has launched the Athlete Ownership Initiative, aiding athletes in building sustainable fitness franchises. This program taps into athletes&#039; credibility and community influence, suggesting potential for franchise growth and increased market presence. Initial onboarding begins in 2026, indicating a long-term strategic focus.</p>
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  <section data-block="ai-summary-bullets">
    <h3>Key Points</h3>
    <ul><li>FIT House of Brands launched the Athlete Ownership Initiative for athletes.</li><li>The program assists athletes in building fitness franchises for long-term security.</li><li>Initial athlete-owners expected to be onboarded in 2026, expanding franchise growth.</li><li>Athletes bring credibility and leadership to the fitness market, enhancing community impact.</li><li>FIT has over 1,500 studios globally and supports franchisee success.</li></ul>
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  <section data-block="companies-mentioned">
    <h3>Companies Mentioned</h3>
    <ul><li><strong>FIT House of Brands (FXLV)</strong>: Headed by Tom Dowd, promoting franchise ownership among athletes.</li><li><strong>F45 Training (FXLV)</strong>: Part of FIT, provides a profitable functional fitness franchise model.</li></ul>
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  <section data-block="category">
    <h3>Corporate Developments</h3>
    <p>This initiative fits into the &#039;Corporate Developments&#039; category, showcasing strategic innovation intended to leverage athlete influence for franchise growth, which can substantially drive revenue and market share for FIT House of Brands.</p>
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  <section data-block="market-moving">
    <h3>Market-Moving</h3>
    <ul><li>The Athlete Ownership Initiative could enhance FXLV&#039;s franchise growth and revenue.</li><li>Engagement with athlete networks raises brand visibility, potentially boosting franchise sales.</li><li>Successful onboarding of athlete-owners may positively impact FXLV’s market positioning.</li></ul>
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  <section data-block="key-facts">
    <h3>Key Facts</h3>
    <ul><li>FIT House of Brands operates over 1,500 studios in 55 countries.</li><li>The Athlete Ownership Initiative is designed for transitioning athletes and retired professionals.</li><li>Initial athlete-owners to be onboarded in 2026.</li></ul>
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  <section data-block="trading-thesis">
    <h3>Trading Thesis</h3>
    <p>Buy FXLV ahead of 2026, driven by franchise expansion through athlete initiatives.</p>
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<link type="text/css" rel="stylesheet" href="https://www.globenewswire.com/styles/gnw_nitf.css"></link><p>AUSTIN, TX, May  11, 2026  (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- FIT House of Brands, a global leader in fitness franchising, today announced the launch of its <a href="https://www.globenewswire.com/Tracker?data=rLqZM9XEug2tALXF7CAL1hXoxL70EByZBVULcMMOr7K9iGATZ3EchLfJYzGR-B7f4k7aYAKzcidEarRHCjY5uqfHR5MXdFtycmjKtdHrLosr27guK7ZamzDpiSSO8xZHNRXAC3bvgCiS5rRPNu2HMw==" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Athlete Ownership Initiative</a> – a strategic program designed to help current, transitioning, and semi-retired athletes build sustainable businesses through fitness franchise ownership.</p>     <p>As more athletes seek long-term financial security and identity beyond their playing careers, the Athlete Ownership Initiative provides a clear and structured pathway to entrepreneurship, leveraging the discipline, leadership, and performance mindset developed through sport.</p>     <p>"Too often, athletes are offered short-term opportunities instead of long-term ownership," said Tom Dowd, Chief Executive Officer of FIT House of Brands. "This initiative is about creating a second arena — one where athletes can continue to compete, lead, and win by building businesses that can deliver both financial returns and community impact."</p>     <p><strong>The Athlete Ownership Initiative provides:</strong></p>     <p>   </p>  <ul><li>  Access to FIT House of Brands' growing portfolio of fitness and wellness franchise concepts  </li><li>  Structured ownership pathways tailored to different stages of an athlete's career  </li><li>  Operational support, onboarding, and business coaching designed for first-time owners  </li><li>  Opportunities to integrate personal brand and community leadership into their business  </li></ul>  <p>   </p>  <p>The program is designed to meet athletes at critical transition points, including late-stage professional careers, retirement, and post-collegiate pathways.<br></br>FIT House of Brands is actively engaging with sports agencies, athlete networks, and alumni communities to expand access to the initiative nationwide, with plans to onboard its initial athlete-owners in 2026.</p>  <p>"We see this as a long-term platform, not just a short term program," added Dowd. "Athletes bring unmatched credibility and influence to the fitness space and have a level of proven commitment and standards that will serve them very well within our organization. When paired with our business model and modalities, the powerful growth opportunity is amplified — both for the individual and the communities they serve."</p>  <p>For more information, visit<a href="https://www.globenewswire.com/Tracker?data=s6e4JANMyO6OD_RdizNw2sK4LYE9T8Y4MRmP306ZH_liJrItfpZ4bC4Xqt6DlXZLtLvkcEiivuZy_LL9DCjD9KaC3DKjzJH7YnIXMj4E0ZvOjPoKNhM9hLM1uTG94SKB_7aF-Mr2pc_LkDhCmdoilg==" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"> <u>www.functionalinspiredtraining.com</u></a>.</p>  <p><strong>About FIT</strong><br></br>FIT (Functional Inspired Training) House of Brands is a global fitness franchise company with a network of over 1,500 studios across over 55 countries. FIT provides franchisees with proven business models, operational support, and structured training programs across its house of brands:</p>  <p><a href="https://www.globenewswire.com/Tracker?data=vupNd5Q_DpxGSH0gMXW2d7pOIp6J_JFnA2Y32wO96cmFZGa-haB3zTdloRAv0Y2GkvHjbCXGFM2jW4jVhTdI7A==" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"><u>F45 Training</u></a>: A global leader in functional fitness, offering 45-minute team-based workouts that combine strength, cardio, and scientifically backed programming to build strength, improve endurance, and enhance longevity.</p>  <p><a href="https://www.globenewswire.com/Tracker?data=hzdIHh6U8Dt-Re4-zUFuN1OwLAZvDyoxG6ffSKCUj0SF_Slah3HyWTpgdsGskaIb" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"><u>FS8</u></a>: FS8 fuses Pilates, Tone, and Yoga into a seamless, low-impact workout. Built on eight science-backed elements, FS8 is designed to enhance strength, flexibility, and mental well-being. The experience is dynamic yet restorative, offering a fresh take on fitness in an inclusive, community-driven environment.</p>  <p>   </p>  <p><a href="https://www.globenewswire.com/Tracker?data=EBABx9i4YScE7AjImBgY6rca56RvHSrNcb5xc2sbALBJV52Bm98d5WK6-9-aYtmhds4D9K7wQXsJ1NFRD7dJNzZkXC9v0sQt6e2nGWKouLo=" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"><u>VAURA Pilates</u></a>: A sensory-driven reformer Pilates experience that blends precision and athletic training in an immersive environment. With neon lights, mirrored ceilings, and upbeat music, VAURA energizes both body and mind, creating a workout that feels as powerful as it is effective.</p>  <p><a href="https://www.globenewswire.com/Tracker?data=QOrx_XRQWApJDuTGZCWhsMLClhpfOlarJCubdxj6nkDi0YjSpYbKOvCzp9G6tFIEEKKogAk7YUNAeza2OF09b6pHmyjK5J7kwWvQtMZVTYg=" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"><u>Recovery</u></a>: A suite of solutions, including cold plunge, infrared sauna, and percussion therapy, designed to optimize recovery and performance.</p>  <p>FIT is committed to building a sustainable and scalable global franchise network that empowers people to move better, feel stronger, and live longer. For more information, visit <a href="https://www.globenewswire.com/Tracker?data=1PY2kPEMH2ki04yDzS6-IWo626ohJc3DkLe4PrF4UultNf9gwPXlSD1jPBKyTH5lXEaLJnK2cygvb06vNni-lAi1eBUqoQo5c8-g7fisLeizkk4CCsiDt_cS3jNroMjN_szW9qSkHcgZbH9HUf-fow==" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"><u>www.functionalinspiredtraining.com</u></a> or follow us on LinkedIn (<a href="https://www.globenewswire.com/Tracker?data=1crto-CNJhBxi9rhYUGx5lG3-Sjh8BYJPDVutwwJVQm-UDnsOQXIiNt9tgW8iMWBCZLuSoX0RwDsVv10QJXpJSjsh_IC8v9j1ZVuTxi4613aRvkom7JhXNqK7720Pc0R6SNpRDCW119uTjawsb6w3A==" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"><u>@FunctionalInspiredTraining</u></a>) and YouTube (<a href="https://www.globenewswire.com/Tracker?data=1crto-CNJhBxi9rhYUGx5lG3-Sjh8BYJPDVutwwJVQmg_rooRnFcV0HNXdXiJaU1TocAscr0s7594UbN-8Hk8OSj7lDHWn8qpR4CtQqeGelLBWebXO3KMmyD8EUxTQ1RF1m-ohfJw9TdpPj6Nu8lKA==" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"><u>@FunctionalInspiredTraining</u></a>).</p> <img alt="" class="__GNW8366DE3E__IMG" src="https://www.globenewswire.com/newsroom/ti?nf=OTcxNzYwMyM3NTk1OTc0IzUwMDE1Njc5MA=="></img> <br></br><img alt="" src="https://ml.globenewswire.com/media/ODA2MjZlNTItNTBhMC00YjRkLWFlNTQtMTc0ZTc4NzcxZjkwLTUwMDE1Njc5MC0yMDI2LTA1LTExLWVu/tiny/F45-Training.png" referrerpolicy="no-referrer-when-downgrade"></img><pre>Meghan Chisholm
F45 Training
<a href="mailto:mchisholm@fithousehq.com">mchisholm@fithousehq.com</a>
</pre>

FIT House of Brands has launched the Athlete Ownership Initiative, aiding athletes in building sustainable fitness franchises. This program taps into athletes' credibility and community influence, suggesting potential for franchise growth and increased market presence. Initial onboarding begins in 2026, indicating a long-term strategic focus.

FIT HOUSE OF BRANDS LAUNCHES ATHLETE OWNERSHIP INITIATIVE INTRODUCING A NEW PATHWAY FOR ATHLETES TO PARTICIPATE IN FITNESS FRANCHISE OWNERSHIP

AI Summary

Sentiment Rationale

Trading Thesis

Market-Moving

Key Facts

Companies Mentioned

Corporate Developments

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