The Pro Cheer League presented by Varsity Spirit

The inaugural teams will be in Atlanta, Dallas, Miami, and San Diego. Each team will feature the most skilled athletes in the country.

The Pro Cheer League is led by some of the most respected names in the cheerleading world who bring decades of experience, innovation, and athlete development to the league. Each of our inaugural teams is backed by powerhouse managers who are shaping the future of professional cheer: 

Atlanta:  Casey Jones and Roger Schonder, two icons of Southern cheer leadership with a deep commitment to athlete excellence. 

Dallas: Brad Habermel, Angela Rogers, and Jody Melton, a dream team of Texas legends driving innovation and performance. 

Miami: Kristen and Victor Rosario, trailblazers known for their elite coaching and championship legacy. 

San Diego: Tannaz Kirichkow, a West Coast force with a bold vision for professional cheer’s next chapter. 

The Pro Cheer League’s inaugural season will feature five high-energy live events in cities across the country, offering fans the chance to witness elite cheer talent up close. The action kicks off in Indianapolis in January, followed by stops in Atlanta and Houston in February. The momentum continues with a March showdown in Anaheim, and culminates in an electric season finale in Nashville at the end of March. These events promise to deliver unmatched athleticism, energy, and entertainment. 

Dates:

Indianapolis: Weekend of January 16

Atlanta: Weekend of February 13

Houston: Weekend of February 27

Anaheim: Weekend of March 13

Nashville: Weekend of March 27

Like nothing you’ve seen before, The Pro Cheer League will showcase the most impressive aspects of our sport across different disciplines.

Each match will feature three distinct rounds:

1. Round 1 & 2 – Head-to-head bracket-style rounds highlighting stand-alone compulsory skills like tumbling, stunts, and basket tosses.

2. Round 3 – A 2–3 minute creative routine set to music—similar to the cheer routines fans are used to seeing on ESPN, but elevated.

We are excited to share more later this summer!

Applications are now open for athletes. Apply here for a chance to try out for one of the four Pro Cheer League teams. Team Selections are September 6th and 7th. Information will be coming later this summer. Stay tuned!

What is The Pro Cheer League Presented by Varsity Spirit? 

The Pro Cheer League is the first professional cheerleading league for athletes ages 18 or older and beyond high school. It’s an exciting new opportunity for elite athletes to continue their cheer careers beyond high school and college—and get paid to do what they love. With dedicated city-based teams, this league brings fans closer to the action and creates a new stage to celebrate the sport of cheer. 

Who can participate? 

Athletes must be 18 or older and beyond high school to try out for the Pro Cheer League.  

Is there a number of male vs female athletes the team’s plan to have?  

Yes! Teams are open to all athletes. Each team’s final roster will be announced this fall after the selection process is complete. 

‌How many teams will there be? How do athletes try out? 

For the inaugural 2026 season, there will be four teams consisting of 30 athletes each, located in: 

• Atlanta 

• Dallas 

• Miami 

• San Diego

But this is just the beginning! 

How will the teams be selected?
The selection process will take place in early September. Athletes will complete standardized skill components via video submission, along with unique interview elements specific to each team. Rosters will be finalized and announced in October. 

What does the season look like?
The first season will run from January through the end of March 2026 and will feature five high-energy matches.

Are athletes paid to compete?
Yes. Pro Cheer League athletes are part-time employees of Varsity Spirit and will be compensated for their time, talent, and dedication. 

Is this a full-time job for athletes?
While the Pro Cheer League may not currently fulfill the needs of a full-time career for most athletes at the start, it is a major step forward in building a professional pathway in cheer. Our long-term vision is to continue growing this opportunity into a more sustainable professional model over time. 

Can athletes have sponsorships or brand partnerships?
Yes! Athletes may pursue individual sponsorships as long as they are approved by the Pro Cheer League and align with the league’s guidelines. The league and its teams may also pursue brand partnerships in the future. 

Can Pro Cheer athletes still compete with their All Star or College teams?
Yes, athletes may continue to participate with their All Star or College teams during this inaugural season, as long as they meet all scheduling and eligibility requirements. Pro Cheer League athletes will be expected to attend practices, events, and appearances as part of a professional team environment. To ensure athletes can perform at their best and fully benefit from this unique opportunity, we strongly encourage athletes to carefully consider the demands of balancing multiple commitments. 

Who oversees the league?
The Pro Cheer League has its own governing body, led by Commissioner John Newby for the 2026 season. 

What safety standards will the league follow?
Athlete safety is a top priority. The Pro Cheer League follows proven safety protocols developed over Varsity Spirit’s 50-year history and aligns closely with USASF and USA Cheer standards. 

Key measures include: 

• Mandatory safety training for coaches and staff 

• Annual background checks for all adult personnel 

• Certified coaches and structured safety oversight 

• Safe stunt progressions and proper supervision 

• Continuous updates in partnership with national safety experts 

Why did Varsity launch the Pro Cheer League?
Varsity Spirit has always been focused on growing the sport of cheer. From ESPN broadcasts to STUNT and The Varsity Cheer League for all star teams, this is a natural next step—giving athletes the chance to continue in the sport they love at the professional level. 

What is Varsity’s role in the league?
Varsity Spirit owns and operates the Pro Cheer League, providing strategic direction, managing operations, and supporting its growth. We’ve also partnered with team managers in each city, creating a shared commitment to building something great together. 

How were the four launch cities chosen?
Cities were selected based on a mix of key factors, including established cheer communities with deep athlete talent, great venues and local infrastructure, geographic diversity, and opportunities for growth and visibility 

Are there plans to expand?
Absolutely. We plan to expand the league in the coming years. That may include adding more teams, and possibly even multiple teams in the same city if demand is high enough. 

How can gyms express interest in participating in the future? 

We would love to hear from you! If you’re interested in being part of the future expansion, owning a team or coaching a team, please share that with your Varsity Spirit representative. More details about expansion opportunities will be shared following the inaugural season.