The Pro Cheer League will start in 2026, officials said.
DALLAS — Varsity Spirit announced Wednesday it will be launching the world’s first professional cheer league.
The Pro Cheer League, starting in 2026, will have four teams and give athletes ages 18 and older the chance to compete professionally. The four teams will be based in Dallas, Atlanta, Miami and San Diego.
Tryouts for the four professional teams begin in September and the official rosters will be announced in October.
Once the teams are assembled, they’ll compete in five matches from January to April in Indianapolis, Houston, Atlanta, Anaheim, and Nashville, officials said in a press release. Each of the matches will feature three periods of competition:
- Rounds one and two: cheerleading skills, including stunts, basket tosses, and tumbling in head-to-head, bracket-style rounds
- Final round: creative routine set to music, highlighting choreography, creativity, athleticism and showmanship
“Cheerleading popularity has exploded over the last decade and has become part of the Olympic movement in recent years,” said Bill Seely, President of Varsity Spirit. “The Pro Cheer League represents a bold step forward, not just for the athletes, but for the future of our sport. We’re creating a Pro league to provide the ultimate opportunity for the most elite athletes from around the world. This will elevate cheer to its rightful place in sports by giving these remarkable athletes the visibility, opportunities and recognition they’ve earned.”
Pro Cheer League team members will receive elite training and part-time compensation, including wages, travel and lodging, uniforms, bonuses, and prize incentives, officials said.
“For decades, cheerleaders have spent their careers inspiring crowds, building community, and defining school spirit, but always with the knowledge that this journey will end at graduation for most,” said Adam Blumenfeld, CEO of Varsity Brands. “The launch of the Pro Cheer League creates new opportunities in the spotlight the sport has been waiting for. So many of our employees and customers have been enriched by being part of this incredible sport and we’re proud to stand behind a movement that honors their passion and builds a new future for all.”
For more information about the Pro Cheer League, click here. You can also learn more about the new professional league on their Instagram page.
Varsity Spirit also owns the National Cheerleaders Association (NCA), which held its annual NCA All-Star National Championship in downtown Dallas at the Kay Bailey Hutchison Convention Center. Nine families are suing Varsity Spirit, Varsity Brands, and several event operators over a mass panic during the 2025 NCA All-Star National Championship in Dallas.