Varsity has officially launched the Pro Cheer League, the first professional cheerleading league built for athletes 18 and older. The inaugural season will begin in January 2026 with four founding teams and a five-event national schedule.
Each team will consist of 30 athletes selected through a competitive tryout process beginning in September 2025. Athletes will be paid part-time employees of Varsity Spirit, with compensation that includes a base rate, travel and lodging, uniforms, and additional performance-based incentives.
League Structure and Format
The Pro Cheer League’s first season will feature four teams based in:
- Atlanta
- Dallas
- Miami
- San Diego
The season includes five live events in key U.S. cities:
- January 16, 2026- Indianapolis, Indiana: JAMfest Cheer Super Nationals 2026
- February 13, 2026 – Atlanta, Georgia: CHEERSPORT National All Star Cheerleading Championship 2026
- February 27, 2026 – Houston, Texas: NCA All-Star Nationals 2026
- March 13, 2026 – Anaheim, California: USA All Star Super Nationals 2026
- March 27, 2026 – Nashville, Tennessee: One Up Grand Nationals 2026 (Championship Finale)
Each event will feature three rounds of competition:
- Rounds 1 & 2 – Bracket-style head-to-head rounds focused on tumbling, stunts, and baskets.
- Round 3 – A full routine (2–3 minutes) set to music and judged on performance, choreography, and execution.
Athlete Eligibility and Tryout Details
To be eligible, athletes must be 18 or older by the time of the 2026 season. Varsity confirmed that both male and female athletes can try out. The tryout process will be standardized across all teams and will include a video skills submission and a team-specific interview component. Final rosters will be announced in October 2025.
Athletes may continue to cheer for All Star or college programs if they can meet the Pro Cheer League’s attendance, eligibility, and scheduling requirements. Varsity noted that the league is structured as a part-time commitment to allow crossover during its first season.
Team Leadership and Oversight
Each team will be managed by established leaders in the cheer community:
- Atlanta – Casey Jones and Roger Schonder
- Dallas – Brad Habermel, Angela Rogers, Jody Melton
- Miami – Kristen and Victor Rosario
- San Diego – Tannaz Kirichkow
The league will be governed by its own board and will follow safety standards consistent with USASF and USA Cheer guidelines. All staff will undergo background checks and mandatory training.
“Cheerleading has grown in global popularity over the last decade,” said Bill Seely, President of Varsity Spirit. “The Pro Cheer League represents the next phase—giving athletes a career-level opportunity and elevating the sport to a professional platform.”
Long-Term Vision and Expansion
While the first season includes four teams, Varsity Brands CEO Adam Blumenfeld confirmed that the company is planning for future expansion, including more cities and potentially multiple teams per region. Markets were chosen based on cheerleading infrastructure, athlete density, and geographic diversity.
The league is positioned to evolve in scope over time, including the possibility of expanded athlete compensation models, larger rosters, and broader media exposure.
“This isn’t just a one-season project,” said Blumenfeld. “We’re building something that can redefine the trajectory of cheerleading for years to come.”
Applications and interest forms for future athletes, coaches, and partners can be found at procheerleague.com.
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