The Spirit Network and AASCF Announce Reciprocal Bid Partnership for 2026-27 Season

Shane James
4 Min Read
Cheer Daily | Ashton James
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The Spirit Network and the Australian All Star Cheerleading Federation are formalizing a new international pathway for athletes in the 2026-27 season. The two organizations announced a reciprocal bid partnership that will connect premier events in the United States and Australia, expanding access to global competition for cheer and dance teams.

Under the agreement, The Spirit Network’s Hawaiian Spirit Royale in April 2026 will award bids to the AASCF Nationals, scheduled for November 2026 in Australia. In return, AASCF will award bids to the 2027 Hawaiian Spirit Royale, set for March 26-27, 2027, in Honolulu.

The collaboration also extends to the 2027 International Super Cup in Kissimmee, Florida, taking place April 20-22. Both organizations will award bids to the event across all levels in cheer and dance, creating a shared pipeline between the two countries.

For athletes and coaches, the structure is straightforward. Teams competing at designated events in one country can earn access to high-level competition in another. The approach reduces barriers that often limit international participation, particularly travel costs and qualification logistics.

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This partnership reflects a broader shift within the sport. All star cheerleading continues to grow beyond traditional regional boundaries, and event producers are responding with cross-border opportunities that emphasize competitive equity and athlete experience. By linking established events on both sides of the Pacific, The Spirit Network and AASCF are positioning their athletes within a more connected competitive landscape.

The Hawaiian Spirit Royale has built a reputation as a destination event that blends high-level performance with an international setting. AASCF Nationals remains one of Australia’s premier championship stages, drawing programs from across the country. Connecting those platforms provides exposure for athletes who may not otherwise compete internationally.

For Australian programs, the pathway offers access to U.S.-based events with established visibility and production standards. For U.S. teams, it creates a structured route into Australia’s competitive circuit, which continues to develop depth across levels and divisions.

Leadership from both organizations emphasized athlete opportunity as the driving force behind the agreement. The intent is not simply to exchange bids, but to strengthen global relationships within the sport. Creating consistent qualification systems across borders brings clarity for coaches planning seasons and budgets.

Details regarding additional locations, eligibility, and bid allocation processes are expected to be released in the coming months. Programs considering participation will need to evaluate travel planning early, particularly for the 2027 events in Honolulu and Florida.

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International competition requires preparation beyond routine construction. Coaches must consider scheduling cycles, athlete recovery, financial planning, and program logistics. The reciprocal bid structure provides advance notice, allowing teams to map out multi-season strategies rather than react to late announcements.

As the 2026-27 season approaches, this partnership signals a practical step toward greater international integration in all star cheer and dance. For athletes aiming to test their routines on a broader stage, the pathway is now clearer.

Cheerleading’s growth depends on access, structure, and collaboration. The Spirit Network and AASCF are betting that shared opportunity will elevate the competitive experience on both continents.

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Shane is the Publisher of Cheer Daily, the industry’s leading platform for cheerleading news. With decades of experience in media, publishing, and digital strategy, he has helped shape how the cheerleading world connects with brands, events, and the sport itself. A former LSU Cheerleader and Associate Publisher at Inside Cheerleading Magazine, Shane has dedicated his career to elevating cheerleading media. He is also a co-author of Cheerleading: From Tryouts to Championships (2007) and the creator of Team iC and other industry-changing initiatives. From 2007 to 2016, Shane served on the USASF National Advisory Board, contributing to the growth and governance of All Star cheerleading. His impact on the industry was recognized in 2011 when he was inducted into the UPA Hall of Fame, and again in 2014 when he was named to Cheer Biz News' 35 Under 35, highlighting his influence as a rising leader in the cheer industry. While at Inside Gymnastics Magazine, Shane covered 10 Gymnastics World Championships and 3 Olympic Games, expanding his expertise in sports media and global event coverage at the highest level.