Varsity Spirit Launches Pro Cheer League with 4 Teams in 2026 Debut

Varsity Spirit, the U.S.-based cheerleading powerhouse owned by Varsity Brands, has officially announced the launch of the Pro Cheer League, a groundbreaking professional league created for elite athletes ages 18 and older.

The Pro Cheer League offers a new platform for cheerleaders to extend their careers beyond high school and college, allowing them to compete at the highest level with advanced training, national exposure, and competitive compensation. According to Varsity Spirit, the league formation also “aims to foster hometown pride and fan connection, as cheer continues to gain global traction,” said Varsity Spirit in a media release.

A New Era for Cheerleading

“Cheerleading popularity has exploded over the last decade and has become part of the Olympic movement in recent years,” Bill Seely, President of Varsity Spirit, said. “The Pro Cheer League represents a bold step forward, not just for the athletes, but for the future of our sport. We’re creating a Pro League to provide the ultimate opportunity for the most elite athletes from around the world. This will elevate cheer to its rightful place in sports by giving these remarkable athletes the visibility, opportunities and recognition they’ve earned.”

The league’s inaugural season will kick off in January 2026 with four founding teams based in Atlanta, Dallas, Miami, and San Diego. Each team will feature 30 of the nation’s top cheerleaders, selected through a competitive process led by renowned team managers this fall.

Elite Training and Professional Support

Athletes chosen for the Pro Cheer League will receive elite training and part-time compensation, covering wages, travel and lodging, uniforms, bonuses, and prize incentives. The league’s debut season will feature five events in Indianapolis, Houston, Atlanta, Anaheim, and Nashville. Each match will consist of three rounds: the first two rounds will showcase cheerleading skills like stunts, basket tosses, and tumbling in head-to-head, bracket-style competition, while the final round will highlight a creative routine set to music emphasizing choreography, creativity, athleticism, and showmanship.

Varsity Spirit has also committed to comprehensive training for staff and coaches, with certified oversight teams ensuring compliance with USA Cheer standards. The company will establish a governance body within the league to administer rules and ensure fair play.

A Vision for the Future

Looking ahead, the Pro Cheer League plans to expand nationally, add more teams, and create additional opportunities for both athletes and fans.

“For decades, cheerleaders have spent their careers inspiring crowds, building community and defining school spirit, but always with the knowledge that this journey will end at graduation for most,” Adam Blumenfeld, CEO of Varsity Brands, said. “The launch of the Pro Cheer League creates new opportunities in the spotlight that the sport has been waiting for. So many of our employees and customers have been enriched by being part of this incredible sport, and we’re proud to stand behind a movement that honors their passion and builds a new future for all.”

Team selections for the inaugural season will begin this September, marking a new chapter for the sport and its athletes.