The Economics of Running a CrossFit Semifinal

Originally streamed April 26, 2023.

Yesterday, I shared on Instagram that the REBEL Renegade Games, home to the Africa Semifinal competition, is charging athletes to enter the spectator area for a discounted rate. The cost is approximately 50% of the general admission ticket for fans wanting to attend the event. It is the only Semifinal competition, as far as I can tell, that is charging athletes for this. Since that Instagram post (   / creyhtspgel   ), I have communicated with the organizer of the REBEL Renegade Games and others who have formerly operated Semifinal events in previous years and have learned more about the economics of operating such an event. First of all, the registration fees paid by the athletes to compete at Semifinals go directly to CrossFit. Not one penny is shared with the Semifinal organizers. Second, the Semifinals do receive a cut of the sponsorship money. However, CrossFit determines the percentage going to each Semifinal and does not allow the organizers to work with other sponsors who overlap a segment of one of CrossFit's sponsors such as NOBULL, GOWOD, etc. So no one can work with TYR or Reebok or with a mobility company such as pliability. CrossFit does pay for the broadcast ( a big expense) and pays out the prize money. However, Semifinal organizers must cover all overhead costs with ticket sales, vendor space or other innovative ways.