Crunch Fitness Breaks Into Top 20 of Entrepreneur Franchise 500 for 2026
Krissy Vann | Host, All Things Fitness and Wellness
Crunch Fitness has moved into the top tier of global franchising, ranking No. 20 overall in the 2026 Entrepreneur Franchise 500. The brand climbed from No. 32 to No. 20 year over year, also securing the No. 2 spot in the fitness category, underscoring its continued momentum in the high-value, low-price gym segment.
Now in its 47th year, the Franchise 500 is widely regarded as the most comprehensive and competitive franchise ranking in the world. Brands are evaluated across more than 150 data points, including unit growth, financial strength and stability, franchisee support, brand power, and operational and marketing systems. Crunch’s rise into the top 20 reflects strong performance across these measures at a time when the franchise marketplace continues to evolve rapidly.
Crunch executives pointed to consistency and scale as key drivers behind the ranking. The company passed the three-million-member mark, introduced its Crunch 3.0 gym design concept, and announced plans to open approximately 100 new locations globally in 2026. Expansion efforts also reached a significant milestone with the brand’s entry into India, marking its first move into the South Asian market.
The ranking follows a landmark investment from Leonard Green & Partners, which Crunch has positioned as a catalyst for accelerated growth. Leadership has emphasized that the capital will support both domestic and international expansion while maintaining the brand’s long-standing “No Judgments” positioning and member-first approach.
From an industry perspective, Entrepreneur’s editorial team framed this year’s results as a reflection of adaptability. According to Jason Feifer, the 2026 Franchise 500 highlights brands that have not only weathered market shifts but strengthened their systems and value propositions in the process. The ranking is often used by prospective franchisees as a benchmark for long-term viability and operational support.
For Crunch, the latest recognition reinforces its standing as one of the most established franchise opportunities in fitness. As competition intensifies across value-driven and experiential gym models, the brand’s combination of scale, price accessibility, and standardized franchise support continues to resonate with both members and operators heading into 2026.
