The Open Championship Series (OCS) and Deep South Spirit (DS) have reached a settlement with the International All Star Federation (IASF) and the International Cheer Union (ICU), concluding the international portion of an antitrust case brought by OCS and DS.
The agreement, finalized on November 10, 2025, establishes that international governing bodies may not restrict access to the AllStar World Championship, allowing event producers and athletes from any country to participate regardless of affiliation.
“This is a defining moment for fairness, freedom, and the future of our sport—but we are not done yet,” said David Hanbery, Co-Founder of The Open Championship Series and owner of Deep South Spirit. “For me, fair play, accessibility, and opportunity aren’t just principles—they are the very foundation of continued advancement and lasting excellence. As we celebrate this victory for our athletes, we remain steadfast in our fight for fairness against Varsity and the USASF.”
International Access and Participation
Under the terms of the settlement, any international event producer may now award bids and take part in the AllStar World Championship. The agreement ensures that participation is open to all qualifying athletes and organizations, removing previous restrictions under IASF rules.
According to Hanbery, the outcome reflects the central issue of the lawsuit—whether governing bodies can limit who may host or attend events.
OCS and DS said they view the settlement as a potential step toward greater cooperation within the global cheer and dance industry.
Domestic Proceedings Continue
While the international claims have been resolved, the domestic portion of the case—involving Varsity Spirit and the U.S. All Star Federation (USASF)—remains ongoing. OCS and DS have stated that they will continue to pursue those claims in U.S. courts.
As of publication, we have reached out to the USASF and Varsity for comment, with no comment so far from either entity. This case is in the steps of moving to a trial by jury.
The international portion of this agreement marks a notable development in the ongoing conversation about access and governance in cheer and dance. Industry experts say it will encourage broader participation by international event producers and athletes ready to compete at the World Championship track they feel is best for their business.
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