What is Bft's assumption regarding how franchisees will clear music rights for their studios?
Bft Franchise · 2025 FDDAnswer from 2025 FDD Document
3Music Licensing Fee. We assume that you will directly clear music with ASCAP, BMI, SESAC, and GMR and that you do not play music in your Studio from any other performing rights organizations. If you choose to obtain music clearances from an approved vendor, you may incur higher prices than direct payments to the performing rights organizations.
Source: Item 6 — OTHER FEES (FDD pages 21–26)
What This Means (2025 FDD)
According to Bft's 2025 Franchise Disclosure Document, Bft assumes that franchisees will directly clear music rights with ASCAP, BMI, SESAC, and GMR. Bft also states that franchisees should not play music in their studios from any other performing rights organizations.
However, Bft franchisees have the option to obtain music clearances from an approved vendor. If a franchisee chooses this option, they may incur higher prices than if they made direct payments to the performing rights organizations.
The Music Licensing Fee is paid as invoiced or otherwise agreed. Bft may require that the Music Licensing Fee amount be paid directly to performing rights organizations (PROs) or to Bft's then-current Approved Supplier (which may be Bft or its affiliate) that handles and manages these licenses for System franchisees.