The Franchise Game returns to Yum! Brands headquarters Aug. 14

The Franchise Game 2026 is set for Aug. 14 in Plano, Texas, with a VIP reception the night before in Frisco as the franchise symposium enters its fourth year. Organizers say the event is designed to broaden access to franchise ownership through education, networking and direct access to brands, lenders and advisors.

Why it matters: - The Franchise Game is positioning franchise ownership as a path to business ownership, economic mobility and generational wealth. - The event is part of The Franchise Player’s goal to help create 500 new franchise owners by 2030. - The symposium brings together franchise executives, franchisees, lenders, attorneys, suppliers and aspiring entrepreneurs in one place. - Active and retired professional athletes are also being targeted as a franchise ownership audience through the Professional Athlete Community.

What happened: - The Franchise Game 2026 will return to Yum! Brands Headquarters in Plano, Texas, on Friday, Aug. 14, 2026. - The event is now in its fourth year. - A VIP Networking Reception will open the program on Thursday, Aug. 13, at Cowboys Club at The Star in Frisco, Texas. - The reception will include networking and a guided tour of the Dallas Cowboys’ practice facility.

The details: - The event will feature sessions on franchise ownership fundamentals, candidate qualifications, access to capital, franchise law and due diligence, operations and leadership, non-traditional franchise development, real estate, construction and marketing, and strategic partnerships. - Attendees will hear from executives representing multiple franchise brands. - The Franchise Game is hosted at Yum! Brands Headquarters for the fourth consecutive year. - Organizers say the venue partnership reflects a shared push to expand access to franchise ownership through education, collaboration and opportunity. - Supporters include Yum! Brands, Amegy Bank, the International Franchise Association, Lola Beans, Dine Brands Global, Feng Cha, Red Bull, TikTok, Studio Pilates, Sonny’s BBQ and Dominion Payroll. - The event was founded by Tarji Carter, alongside Dessie Brown Jr. and Daylon Goff. - Tarji Carter is founder and CEO of The Franchise Player and co-founder of The Franchise Game. - Dessie Brown Jr. is director of marketing at Feng Cha. - Daylon Goff is founder of It’s Just Day - Strategic Consulting. - Registration is open. - The event site is Franchise Game Changer. - The Franchise Game’s Instagram page is The Franchise Game on Instagram.

Between the lines: - The inclusion of athletes suggests the franchise industry sees a growing opportunity to recruit high-profile operators with capital, discipline and public visibility. - The event’s sponsor list spans restaurants, finance, payroll, marketing and media, underscoring how many service providers benefit from franchise deal flow. - The focus on education and direct access to brands points to a market where many prospective owners still need help with financing, legal review and operational readiness.

What's next: - Organizers are urging attendees to secure tickets while space remains available, with fewer than 30 days left before kickoff. - Sponsorship and exhibitor opportunities remain open. - Media and partnership inquiries are being directed to Dessie Brown Jr. at Dessie.brown@gmail.com.

The bottom line: - The Franchise Game is using its fourth annual gathering to turn franchise interest into concrete ownership opportunities, with a high-profile venue, athlete participation and a wide sponsor network aimed at accelerating growth.