(Entrepreneur.com) — For years, professional athletes have traded in their Big Leagues skills to become major players in chains such as Burger King, Dunkin’ Donuts or KFC. Now, the franchise industry is making a move to formalize its relationship with jocks looking to turn franchisee. The International Franchise Association and a newer organization, the Professional Athlete Franchise Initiative, plan to provide a centralized platform for pro athletes seeking to join the industry and for franchisors wanting to connect with athletes.
The IFA and PAFI say they’ll develop an educational certificate program for sports pros and summits for both athlete-franchisees and chains. ”Professional athletes are becoming more conscious about the longevity of their careers and realizing more effort should be placed into planning for a professional life beyond sports,” PAFI founder and Executive Director Michael Stone said in a statement.
