Grand Fitness, a Planet Fitness Franchise Division, Announces NIL Deal with Joe Bamisile, VCU Rams Basketball Player and Richmond Native
Richmond, VA. (March 25, 2024) — Grand Fitness, a leading Planet Fitness franchise division, announced today a partnership with Joe Bamisile, a student-athlete on the Virginia Commonwealth University (VCU) basketball team.
Bamisile, a dynamic and skilled guard, has garnered attention for his remarkable abilities on and off the court, advocating for mental health and its importance through social media and interviews. Through this partnership, Bamisile will promote the importance of mental and physical health, in addition to Planet Fitness’ affordable and accessible fitness, also known as the Judgement Free Zone® through social media campaigns and an in-person appearance.
“We are excited to partner with Joe Bamisile, an incredible athlete and mental health advocate in the Richmond community and beyond,” said Shannon Meyers, Vice President of Marketing at Grand Fitness. “While Joe is a student-athlete at VCU, he is also a Richmond native and well-connected to the community. Through this partnership, Joe can inspire and motivate locals to embark on their fitness journey to improve their physical and mental health at one of our six locations in the area.”
Before joining Ram Nation, Bamisile faced personal challenges, including anxiety and the news of his father’s heart surgery, which led him to transfer from the University of Oklahoma back to his roots in Richmond. According to Bamisile, fitness played a crucial role in helping him cope and clear his mind during these difficult times.
“Navigating NCAA restrictions for my transfer to VCU was tough, especially during my senior year and supporting my family after father's heart surgery,” stated Bamisile, Guard on the VCU Men's Basketball Team. “Fitness was a huge part of my mental health journey during a challenging circumstance. I am excited to partner with Planet Fitness, a place where I found support, to share my story and show others the accessibility and affordability of fitness, and its impact on mental and physical health.”
To celebrate this partnership, Planet Fitness Midlothian will host a special meet and greet with Joe Bamisile on Monday, April 8th from 6:00pm to 7:00pm. This event is open to both members and nonmembers, offering a unique opportunity to meet Bamisile in person for autographs and photos. Highlights of the event include:
- Attendees will receive exclusive Planet Fitness stress ball basketballs personally signed by Bamisile, along with memorable photos capturing the moment.
- Prizes such as a chance to win a FREE 1-year PF Black Card® Membership.
- Classic Card Members will have access to PF Black Card® Spa amenities, including HydroMassage beds, massage chairs, tanning, and the RelaxSpace Wellness Pod — a space designed to help members relax, reset, and focus on mental health for up to 15 minutes.
Planet Fitness Midlothian is located at 11001 Hull Street Rd, Midlothian, VA 23112.
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About Grand Fitness
Founded in 2010 by David Bidwell and Scott Linsky, Grand Fitness Partners is one of the fastest growing franchisees in the Planet Fitness system, and recently partnered with private equity firm, HGGC, in November 2021 to accelerate growth and expand the franchise’s footprint. Grand Fitness Partners has 75 locations across South Florida, Central California, and parts of New Jersey and Virginia. With a strategy centered on health & wellness, the franchise strives to achieve Planet Fitness’ mission to enhance people’s lives by providing a high-quality fitness experience in a welcoming, non-intimidating environment.
About Planet Fitness
Founded in 1992 in Dover, NH, Planet Fitness is one of the largest and fastest-growing franchisors and operators of fitness centers in the world by number of members and locations. As of December 31, 2023, Planet Fitness had approximately 18.7 million members and 2,575 stores in 50 states, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico, Canada, Panama, Mexico and Australia. The Company's mission is to enhance people's lives by providing a high-quality fitness experience in a welcoming, non-intimidating environment, which we call the Judgement Free Zone®. More than 90% of Planet Fitness stores are owned and operated by independent businessmen and women.
