Midwest Fastpitch - keeptheboardcorrect@gmail.com

Midwest Fastpitch - keeptheboardcorrect@gmail.com
[ Midwest Fastpitch - keeptheboardcorrect@gmail.com ]

franchise teams

Posted by Northern IL on April 9, 2026, 8:32 am

Is this area hurting that much for a team name, Mojo, Lady Dukes, Finesse...

Re: franchise teams

Posted by DC on April 12, 2026, 1:49 pm, in reply to "franchise teams"

Athletics Mercado inbound too

Re: franchise teams

Posted by What's the problem? on April 10, 2026, 9:28 am, in reply to "franchise teams"

I dont understand why we worry about too many franchise teams. Do we worry about too many local teams?

The only problem is if families are getting into these franchises with an expectation that isn't real. Well, its probably driving up costs for everyone as well.

So, whether drops a club in every suburb or Daddy's Darlings opens up in Lamont, the market just has more choices.

Just more locals for you to run into when on your out of town tournament trips!

Re: franchise teams

Posted by Franchise Truther on April 9, 2026, 3:46 pm, in reply to "franchise teams"

The franchise model is focused around creating revenue streams that support their top tier 16u and 18u clubs (and make the owners money). The more franchises they open, the more money to have the best facilities, the best coaches and the best players - for their top teams. In those orgs, their top national team is full of players not paying a dime. By the time they are at 18, even travel costs are covered - at least for their best players.

I’m not down on somebody making a buck, everyone needs to put food on the table. Just know what you’re getting into. All you are getting is some help getting into tournaments. Maybe. And perhaps some recruiting support. Maybe.

You are not on any type of path to getting on their top squad. You are a means to their ends.

Re: franchise teams

Posted by The Messenger on April 9, 2026, 1:46 pm, in reply to "franchise teams"

I hope this is another joke. We have so many teams, and the talent pool is so spread out. The midwest could be "top 5" in the softball world. We have so many great players. Do many parents want a "better team" instead of working harder.

Re: franchise teams

Posted by @Messenger on April 9, 2026, 2:32 pm, in reply to "Re: franchise teams"

Look around, those among others are already there.

Re: franchise teams

Posted by @@M on April 10, 2026, 9:19 am, in reply to "Re: franchise teams"

Lately the Franchise teams that keep appearing are just a new name (paid in full$$$$) for an old team.

I can list names, but we all know of at least 2 who have come into the area and have not done much. Actually some have gotten worse and lost teams and players.

I can think of one that is improving, it will be interesting to see what happens in the year to come.

The Messenger

Re: franchise teams

Posted by Midwest on April 10, 2026, 8:16 pm, in reply to "Re: franchise teams"

Well we are on one of those teams. Definitely a money grab and half the players left in the fall. Sucks

Re: franchise teams

Posted by Just found out on April 10, 2026, 5:59 pm, in reply to "Re: franchise teams"

I just learned IMG added 3 more teams in Granger, IN. Say it ain't so. More watering down of a good organization???

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