Illinois residents who paid to participated in Varsity Brands cheer competitions, camps, or purchased Varsity apparel between December 2016 and March 2024 are now eligible for compensation as part of an $82.5 million settlement. The announcement came from Attorney General Kwame Raoul last week, following a class-action lawsuit accusing Varsity Brands of monopolizing the cheer competition, camp, and apparel markets.
The lawsuit alleged that Varsity’s monopoly allowed them to inflate prices, affecting thousands of cheer families. Illinois residents will now have a chance to submit claims for potential reimbursement. The settlement marks a victory for those who felt overcharged for participation in Varsity’s cheer-related events and products.
“I am pleased with the revised settlement allocation plan that allows Illinois families to submit claims to be eligible for reimbursement,” Raoul stated. “I will continue to work to ensure that Illinois residents have access to the recovery to which they are entitled when companies act unlawfully to charge them monopolistic prices.”
Illinois families are urged to sign up for notifications to file claims on CheerAntitrustSettlement.com to potentially recover funds for cheer competitions, camps, or apparel purchased during the period in question. While affected individuals are encouraged to claim 100% of their payments, they may not receive full refunds.
The settlement also allows families to file objections or requests for exclusion from the settlement by September 26, 2024. The case alleged that Varsity controlled more than 75% of the markets for cheer competitions, camps, and apparel, and used its power to stifle competition and raise prices.
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