WhirlyBall franchise: cost, fees and total investment
Short answer: The WhirlyBall franchise fee is $15,000 to $35,000 and the total initial investment ranges from $583,000 to $1,830,000, with about $180,000 in liquid cash required, based on franchise disclosure data compiled in October 2026. Confirm current figures in Items 5 and 7 of the WhirlyBall FDD.
What are the WhirlyBall franchise fees and investment?
The WhirlyBall franchise requires a franchise fee of $15,000 to $35,000 and a total initial investment of $583,000 to $1,830,000. The franchise fee is one line inside the total investment, which also covers location, equipment, opening inventory and working capital.
| Franchise fee (FDD Item 5) | $15,000 to $35,000 |
|---|---|
| Total initial investment (FDD Item 7) | $583,000 to $1,830,000 |
| Minimum liquid cash | $180,000 |
| US locations | Not reported |
| Industry | Other Franchise Businesses |
| Headquarters | Northbrook, Illinois |
| Founded | 1993 |
| Franchising since | 2013 |
How does the WhirlyBall investment compare with other other franchise businesses franchises?
WhirlyBall's minimum investment of $583,000 is above the median minimum investment of $119,000 across the 198 other franchise businesses franchises in the SelectFranchiseList database. 29 of the other 197 brands in this industry start at a higher investment. Its franchise fee starting at $15,000 compares with an industry median of $39,500.
By minimum investment, WhirlyBall belongs with franchises over $500,000.
What should you verify in the WhirlyBall FDD?
Verify six parts of the WhirlyBall Franchise Disclosure Document before you sign, because figures change with every annual FDD:
- Item 5 and Item 6: the current franchise fee, royalty, marketing fund and technology fees.
- Item 7: the full investment range by expense line, including working capital.
- Item 19: whether WhirlyBall discloses financial performance data, and which units it covers.
- Item 20: openings, closures and transfers, plus contacts for current and former franchisees.
- Item 21: the franchisor's audited financial statements.
- Item 12: whether your territory is protected.
The full list of Items is in the FDD guide. You must receive the FDD at least 14 calendar days before you sign a binding agreement or pay any money.
Which franchises are similar to WhirlyBall?
These other franchise businesses franchises have the closest minimum investment to WhirlyBall:
| Franchise | Franchise fee | Total investment |
|---|---|---|
| Stumpy's Hatchet House | $50,000 | $591,708 to $1,298,380 |
| Escapology | $45,000 | $626,500 to $2,295,500 |
| El Vecino | $45,000 | $535,700 to $995,800 |
| Scary Strokes | $35,000 | $639,200 to $1,084,500 |
| Redbox+ | $59,500 | $643,234 to $1,102,516 |
See every brand in other franchise businesses franchises.
Frequently asked questions
How much does a WhirlyBall franchise cost?
The total initial investment for a WhirlyBall franchise ranges from $583,000 to $1,830,000, including a franchise fee of $15,000 to $35,000, according to franchise disclosure data compiled in October 2026. The exact amount depends on location, build-out and working capital, as shown in Item 7 of the FDD.
How much cash do you need to open a WhirlyBall franchise?
WhirlyBall lists a minimum of about $180,000 in liquid cash. Lenders usually finance part of the remaining investment, and the franchisor confirms its capital requirements during qualification.
How many WhirlyBall locations are there?
A current US unit count for WhirlyBall is not reported in our data. Item 20 of the FDD lists the number of franchised and company-owned outlets.
How long has WhirlyBall been franchising?
WhirlyBall started offering franchises in 2013 after the company was founded in 1993.
Figures are compiled from franchise disclosure data and public franchise listings as of October 2026 and may have changed. WhirlyBall and its trademarks belong to their owner; SelectFranchiseList is not affiliated with or endorsed by WhirlyBall. This page is not an offer to sell a franchise. Only the franchisor's current FDD is authoritative.