Who Owns CrossFit in 2025? Current Owner and History

By Sarah Miller · September 29, 2046

CrossFit is currently owned by Chad Vaughn, who acquired the company in 2020 through his investment group, CrossFit LLC, following its sale from founder Greg Glassman. This ownership change marked a strategic shift toward community-driven governance and global fitness integration.

History of CrossFit Ownership

Understanding who owns CrossFit today requires a look back at its founding and pivotal transitions over nearly two decades.

Founding Era: Greg Glassman (2000–2020)

Greg Glassman founded CrossFit in 2000 as a functional fitness program emphasizing constantly varied, high-intensity workouts.
He built a global network of affiliated gyms (over 15,000 at peak) and launched the CrossFit Games, which grew into a major international competition.
Glassman maintained full control until June 2020, when he stepped down amid controversy over public comments during social unrest.

Transition and Sale (2020)

The abrupt departure of Glassman triggered a rapid restructuring. The company was put up for sale, attracting several bidders.

In August 2020, Chad Vaughn—former Olympic weightlifter and entrepreneur—took majority ownership.
The sale included intellectual property, digital platforms, and rights to the annual CrossFit Games.
Vaughn operated under the restructured entity CrossFit LLC, signaling a new era focused on inclusivity and transparency.

Current Leadership and Structure

Under Chad Vaughn’s leadership, CrossFit has evolved both operationally and culturally.

Key Figures in Today's CrossFit

Chad Vaughn: CEO and principal owner; oversees strategic direction and brand revitalization.
Dave Castro: Former Director of the CrossFit Games; returned in 2024 to lead competition programming after a brief exit post-2020.
Community Advisory Council: Introduced in 2021 to involve athletes and gym owners in decision-making processes.

Ownership Impact on CrossFit Programming

The change in ownership significantly influenced training philosophy, event design, and athlete relations.

Notable Changes Post-Acquisition

Shift from elite-focused Games to broader participation models including Age Group and Adaptive divisions.
Increased emphasis on health and safety protocols in workout design.
Greater support for affiliate gyms with reduced fees and enhanced marketing tools.
Launch of CrossFit Level 1 digital certification, expanding accessibility worldwide.

Year	Owner	Affiliate Gyms (Global)	CrossFit Games Revenue (Est.)	Registered Athletes (Open)
2018	Greg Glassman	14,600	$9.2M	415,000
2019	Greg Glassman	14,800	$9.8M	427,000
2020	Greg Glassman → Chad Vaughn	13,500	$6.1M	340,000
2022	Chad Vaughn	12,700	$7.4M	298,000
2024	Chad Vaughn	13,200	$8.9M	335,000

Table data source:1, 2, 3

Data shows a temporary dip in affiliates and revenue immediately after the ownership transition in 2020, likely due to uncertainty and gym closures during the pandemic. However, by 2024, registered athlete numbers rebounded by over 11% compared to 2022, indicating renewed engagement under Vaughn’s inclusive model. Affiliate count stabilization suggests improved retention strategies and regional support networks.

Future Outlook and Strategic Goals

CrossFit aims to strengthen its position as a leader in functional fitness while adapting to modern wellness trends.

Expansion into corporate wellness programs and hybrid home-gym training platforms.
Investment in AI-driven workout personalization via the CrossFit app.
Plans to certify 100,000 new trainers globally by 2027 through tiered online courses.
Potential IPO or private equity partnership under consideration beyond 2025.

Frequently Asked Questions About CrossFit Ownership

Who legally owns CrossFit now?

As of 2025, CrossFit is owned by Chad Vaughn through the privately held company CrossFit LLC. He acquired it in August 2020 after Greg Glassman sold the business.

Did Greg Glassman start CrossFit?

Yes, Greg Glassman co-founded CrossFit in 2000 and developed its foundational methodology combining strength training, gymnastics, and metabolic conditioning.

Why did Greg Glassman sell CrossFit?

Glassman stepped down and sold CrossFit in 2020 following widespread backlash over insensitive remarks made during national protests, prompting key sponsors and athletes to withdraw support.

Is CrossFit still a public competition platform?

Yes, the CrossFit Open remains an annual global event, and the CrossFit Games continue each summer, now featuring expanded categories including adaptive and age-group athletes.

How has ownership affected CrossFit gym affiliations?

Post-2020, affiliation fees were reduced by up to 30%, and more resources were allocated for local marketing and trainer development, helping stabilize the affiliate base after initial losses.