S06E186: As CrossFit Goes Up For Sale, What Does It Mean For The Rest of Us?

The HERD FIT

The CrossFit ecosystem stands at a pivotal crossroads. With Open registrations down roughly 30% and the company officially up for sale, the community finds itself questioning what comes next for the brand that revolutionized fitness worldwide.
In this candid conversation, coaches David Syvertsen @davesy85 and Sam Rhee @bergencosmetic break down the factors contributing to CrossFit's current challenges from their perspective as experienced affiliate owners. They explore how the boycott by prominent athletes like Chandler Smith and Patrick Vellner created a ripple effect throughout the community, while significant affiliate fee increases have accelerated gym de-affiliations.
Beyond these visible issues lies something potentially more concerning – growing apathy among longtime CrossFitters. This sentiment reflects a deeper challenge for CrossFit than any boycott or business restructuring. As David notes, "My biggest fear if I'm CrossFit why registrations are down is disinterest... it's not people protesting, it's not people just saying my gym's no longer affiliated, it's 'I don't care anymore.'"
The discussion turns to potential futures for the brand under new ownership. Will it become increasingly niche and "cult-like" under traditional CrossFit leadership, or will new owners implement dramatic changes that alienate the core community? The hosts analyze how figures like Rich Froning have become essential bridges between CrossFit's roots and its future, while questioning whether adaptation through complementary training models might be necessary for affiliate sustainability.
For anyone invested in CrossFit's community, methodology, or business model, this episode offers an unfiltered look at where things stand and what might come next. As affiliates themselves, David and Sam bring both critical analysis and genuine hope that whatever happens with the sale, CrossFit can recapture the magic that made it revolutionary.
@crossfitbison @crossfittraining @crossfit @crossfitgames #crossfit #sports #exercise #health #movement #crossfitcoach #agoq #clean #fitness #ItAllStartsHere #CrossFitOpen #CrossFit #CrossFitCommunity @CrossFitAffiliates #supportyourlocalbox #crossfitaffiliate #personalizedfitness

Chapters

1. Introducing the Herd Fit Podcast (00:00:00)

2. Declining CrossFit Open Registrations (00:00:37)

3. The Impact of Pro Athletes Boycotting (00:06:03)

4. CrossFit For Sale: Potential Buyers (00:10:40)

5. The Church Split Analogy (00:18:45)

6. The Future of CrossFit Leadership (00:30:44)

7. Closing Thoughts on CrossFit's Future (00:42:20)