Varsity Spirit, the U.S.-based cheerleading company owned by Varsity Brands, has officially launched a professional cheerleading league created for elite athletes ages 18 and older.
For the sport of cheerleading, the Pro Cheer League provides a platform for athletes to continue their careers beyond high school and college, competing at the highest level with advanced training, national exposure, and competitive compensation. 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.
“Cheerleading popularity has exploded over the last decade and has become part of the Olympic movement in recent years,” said Bill Seely, president of Varsity Spirit. “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 inaugural season of the Pro Cheer League is set to debut in 2026, featuring four founding teams based in Atlanta, Dallas, Miami, and San Diego. Each team will comprise 30 of the most talented cheerleaders in the country, selected through a competitive selection process the company will hold this fall, led by renowned team managers who have trained the nation’s top athletes.
Pro Cheer League team members will receive elite training and part-time compensation, including wages, travel and lodging, uniforms, bonuses, and prize incentives.
This first season begins in January 2026, with five events in Indianapolis, Houston, Atlanta, Anaheim, and Nashville. Each match consists of three rounds of competition, with rounds one and two featuring cheerleading skills, including stunts, basket tosses and tumbling in head-to-head, bracket-style rounds. The final round will feature a creative routine set to music, showcasing choreography, creativity, athleticism, and showmanship.
Pro Cheer League staff and coaches will undergo comprehensive training, while certified oversight teams will ensure compliance with established standards from USA Cheer. Additionally, Varsity Spirit will establish a governance body within the league to administer league rules. The Pro Cheer League is also building for the future, with plans to add more teams, expand nationally and create more access points for 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,” said Adam Blumenfeld, CEO of Varsity Brands. “The launch of the Pro Cheer League creates new opportunities in a spotlight 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 season begin this September.
Image courtesy Varsity Spirit
