The Professional Cheer League held its first-ever competition on January 16, 2026, at the Indianapolis Convention Center. The event marked the launch of the league’s inaugural season and was broadcast live on the ION Network.
Four teams competed in the opening match. Miami Metal finished first with 13 points, followed closely by Dallas Drive with 12 points. Golden State Grit placed third with nine points, while Atlanta Air finished fourth with six. The competition was divided into four quarters, with each quarter awarding one to four points per team.
Competition Format and Highlights
The Professional Cheer League introduced a competition structure that combines prepared team routines with head-to-head skill challenges. Events included tumbling passes, stunts, basket tosses, and endurance-based challenges. Several skills performed during the match are only permitted at the professional level.
During the opening routine round, Dallas Drive completed five double back tuck basket tosses. Miami Metal secured the final quarter during the Last Pass Challenge, where Skyler Grace completed a round-off back handspring double layout and was named Performance of the Night.
Atlanta Air recorded the highest totals in the endurance challenges, posting 33 pop-overs in the co-ed division and 32 tick-tocks in the all-girl division. Golden State Grit earned points in the elite-level pass challenge, with Kenzie Carruthers landing a near-center bullseye on her tumbling pass.
“I am incredibly proud of our professional cheer athletes and coaches,” said John Newby, commissioner of the Pro Cheer League. “Their commitment, talent, and leadership are elevating the sport and setting a new standard for excellence at the professional level.”
The league is presented by Varsity Spirit. Bill Seely, president of Varsity Spirit, said the league provides additional competitive opportunities for elite cheer athletes beyond traditional pathways.
Season Outlook
The Pro Cheer League’s second match is scheduled for February 13 in Atlanta. The season will conclude with the championship event in Nashville on March 27. All matches will air live on ION.
Follow Cheer Daily for ongoing coverage of the Professional Cheer League season.
