LOS ANGELES, CA — Paramount Global has acquired the distribution rights to Varsity’s Pro Cheer League, a new professional competitive cheerleading league scheduled to launch in January 2026.
The agreement, as reported by Deadline, made through Paramount Sports Entertainment and its Global Content Distribution arm, will allow the company to license the Pro Cheer League to broadcasters and streaming platforms both in the U.S. and internationally. The deal marks the first cheerleading-centered live sports property in Paramount’s portfolio and follows other recent sports acquisitions, including the UFC.
The Pro Cheer League will begin its inaugural season with four teams based in Atlanta, Dallas, Miami, and San Diego. Each team will feature 30 athletes, selected via tryouts scheduled for fall 2025. The season will include five live events hosted in Indianapolis, Houston, Atlanta, Anaheim, and Nashville, concluding with a championship in Nashville in March 2026. Preseason training began in November.
Each event will include three rounds of competition. The first two rounds will focus on technical cheerleading elements such as stunts, basket tosses, and tumbling, conducted in a head-to-head, bracket-style format. The final round will feature choreographed routines set to music, judged on creativity, execution, and performance.
As part of the deal, Paramount and Varsity are developing additional content tied to the league. “Competitive cheer has truly become part of the global cultural conversation. It represents athleticism, creativity, and community — qualities that bring audiences together everywhere,” said Larry Wasserman, Chief Operating Officer & Chief Financial Officer of Paramount Sports Entertainment. “Its rapidly growing global popularity reflects a shared fascination with stories of determination, teamwork, and the pursuit of excellence.”
Bill Seely, President of Varsity, added, “For so many athletes, cheer has been more than a sport — it’s been a community and a lifelong passion. The Pro Cheer League gives these athletes a chance to keep doing what they love at the highest level, to perform in front of fans who understand the dedication it takes, and to inspire the next generation to dream even bigger.”
This league marks a new direction for cheerleading as it transitions into structured professional competition formats backed by national media distribution.
Stay informed on the launch of the Pro Cheer League and the latest developments in professional cheerleading. Visit cheerdaily.net and follow Cheer Daily for updates, team announcements, and event coverage.
