The next era of competitive cheerleading is here—and for the first time, athletes will be paid to do the sport they love.
Varsity Spirit has announced the launch of the Pro Cheer League —a national initiative that will offer paid professional opportunities for athletes in cheerleading. The announcement comes on the heels of the Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders receiving a 400% pay raise, further highlighting the growing recognition of the athleticism and skill required to represent cheerleading at the highest level. The league, scheduled to begin its inaugural season in January 2026, is being introduced as a new model of elite athletic competition for individuals 18 and older.
“This is the first time that cheerleaders will be paid to do what they love,” said Maddie Gardner, Varsity Spirit’s Content Marketing Manager, in an interview with Cheer Daily. “There was no outlet past competition teams. For so many athletes, the last time they competed was the last time they ever would. Until now.”
The initiative follows years of growth in the sport’s visibility and infrastructure, with Varsity noting increased public interest, Olympic recognition through the ICU, and expanding participation globally.
The launch of the Pro Cheer League marks the first major cheerleading initiative by Varsity Brands since its $4.75 billion acquisition by private equity firm KKR from Bain Capital in 2023. The league represents both a business opportunity and a renewed public-facing move following several years of legal challenges, including the company’s $82.5 million settlement in an antitrust class-action lawsuit last year.
“Cheerleading is ready to graduate from college and step into the professional ranks,” said Bill Seely, President of Varsity Spirit. Seely said the company has been exploring the idea of a professional league for over a decade but believes the timing is now right, with developments such as Olympic cheer recognition, NCAA progress for STUNT, and broader momentum behind women’s sports.
“We want to help them get sponsorships and create a future for them to where they can do this as long as they want to,” he said.
In addition to competition, Varsity confirmed the league will pursue media opportunities, including livestreaming and possible docuseries-style coverage.
“There’s interest in streaming, documentary series, and storytelling that follows these athletes,” Gardner noted.
The company is currently in discussions with potential broadcast and streaming partners and expects to announce a deal within the next two months. While no outlets have been confirmed, Varsity has an extensive relationship with ESPN, which has broadcasted Varsity’s championship events for over four decades.
Are athletes paid to compete? Yes. Pro Cheer League athletes are part-time employees of Varsity Spirit and will be compensated for their time, talent, and dedication. Compensation includes a base wage, travel and lodging, uniforms, and performance-based incentives.
Is this a full-time job for athletes? While the Pro Cheer League may not currently fulfill the needs of a full-time career for most athletes at the start, it is a major step forward in building a professional pathway in cheer. Varsity has indicated a long-term vision to expand the opportunity into a more sustainable professional model over time.
The inaugural season of the Pro Cheer League begins in January 2026 and features four founding teams:
- Atlanta
- Dallas
- Miami
- San Diego
Each team will consist of 30 athletes, selected via a tryout process beginning in September 2025. With four teams, that means there are 120 total athlete spots available for the league’s inaugural season.
The league’s five-event national schedule includes appearances at major Varsity-produced competitions:
- Jan. 16, 2026: JAMfest Super Nationals – Indianapolis, IN
- Feb. 13, 2026: CHEERSPORT Nationals – Atlanta, GA
- Feb. 27, 2026: NCA All-Star Nationals – Houston, TX
- Mar. 13, 2026: USA All Star Super Nationals – Anaheim, CA
- Mar. 27, 2026: One Up Grand Nationals (Pro Cheer League Championship) – Nashville, TN
Each event will feature three rounds of competition:
- Rounds 1 & 2: Bracket-style head-to-head rounds focusing on tumbling, basket tosses, and stunt execution
- Round 3: A 2–3 minute routine judged on choreography, synchronization, and overall performance
To be eligible for the league, athletes must be 18 years or older by the start of the 2026 season. The tryout process includes a video skills submission and a team-specific interview. Final rosters are expected in October 2025.
Gardner confirmed that participation in the league will be structured as a part-time role, allowing athletes to also compete in college or All Star cheer, pending scheduling and eligibility requirements.
The league’s teams will be led by established names in the cheer community:
- Atlanta: Casey Jones & Roger Schonder (Stingrays All Stars)
- Dallas: Brad Habermel, Angela Rogers, Jody Melton (Cheer Athletics Plano)
- Miami: Kristen & Victor Rosario (Top Gun Miami)
- San Diego: Tannaz Kirichkow (The California All Stars)
Oversight for the league includes a governance board and compliance systems consistent with USA Cheer and USASF guidelines. All staff members will undergo background checks and training to meet safety and conduct standards.
The competition format combines elements from school cheer, All Star, and STUNT.
“In Rounds 1 and 2, we’ll test compulsory skills,” Gardner said. “Things like who can throw the highest basket or most precise tumbling pass. Round 3 is about showmanship. It’s a full routine set to music.”
Scoring will be immediate and public, designed to maintain fan engagement and streamline pacing.
Varsity Brands CEO Adam Blumenfeld shared that long-term expansion is expected. “This isn’t just a one-season project. We’re building something that can redefine the trajectory of cheerleading for years to come.”
The Pro Cheer League is not directly affiliated with the International Cheer Union (ICU), which continues its work toward Olympic inclusion. Gardner clarified that the league’s structure will not affect Olympic status or eligibility.
“We’re not the ICU. They’ve done the hard work there,” she said. “Our league won’t affect those pathways—but it does give athletes another option.”
While international expansion is not planned for the first season, Varsity representatives acknowledged the global potential of future league growth.
Applications, interest forms, and tryout details are now available at procheerleague.com. Athletes, coaches, and fans are encouraged to monitor updates through the official website and social media platforms.
“This is their chance to help shape the future of cheerleading,” Gardner said.
From league developments and athlete tryouts to media deals and event coverage, Cheer Daily is your source for everything happening inside the Pro Cheer League and across the cheerleading world.