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Varsity Spirit, a subsidiary of Varsity Brands, announced the launch of its new Pro Cheer League—a for‑profit professional cheerleading venture aimed at athletes over 18, Sportico reported Wednesday.
Promoted as a groundbreaking step for post‑collegiate cheer talent, the league will debut in January 2026 with teams in Atlanta, Dallas, Miami, and San Diego. Pro Cheer athletes are expected to receive five‑figure salaries plus performance incentives and social media support, while adhering to USA Cheer standards under an independent governance model.
The announcement comes amid significant legal turmoil for Varsity Brands. The company, which also owns BSN Sports, faced a wave of lawsuits, including a prominent antitrust case that led to an $82.5 million settlement in May 2024 over allegations of exploiting its dominance in the cheer industry.
Sexual Abuse Lawsuits Against Varsity Brands/Varsity Spirit
A federal complaint filed in November 2022 accuses Varsity Brands and its affiliates of enabling a systemic culture of sexual abuse within competitive cheerleading. The case stems from revelations following the death of Scott Foster, a high-profile cheer coach and owner of Rockstar Cheer in South Carolina, who died by suicide after learning he was under federal investigation for sexually abusing underage athletes and transporting minors across state lines for sex.
The lawsuit (original complaint PDF file), brought by multiple Jane and John Doe plaintiffs, alleges that Varsity Spirit, its private equity parent Bain Capital, and the governing body, the US All-Star Federation (USASF) not only failed to prevent the abuse but actively cultivated a system that allowed it to flourish.
According to the complaint, these organizations created an environment where young athletes traveled with little adult supervision to national events that exposed them to drugs, alcohol, and predatory coaches. The suit claims that known abusers were empowered and protected because they generated significant revenue for the multibillion-dollar Varsity enterprise. Legal claims in the suit include violations of the Protecting Young Victims from Sexual Abuse Act, civil RICO, gross negligence, and unfair trade practices.
Lack of Formal Apology, Bottom Line More Important
Varsity subsequently sued its insurers in Delaware in October 2023, arguing they refused coverage for the sexual abuse claims. The insurers, meanwhile, alleged that Varsity Brand’s policy had restrictions on coverage for claims related to sexual misconduct.
All but two of the lawsuits filed by more than 30 plaintiffs across multiple states had proceeded to mediation by late 2023. The Delaware court allowed breach‑of‑contract and bad‑faith claims against several insurers to advance earlier this year.
While precise numbers can be hard to confirm, it’s clear the abuse lawsuits span more than a dozen cases and dozens of plaintiffs—including federal claims under the Protecting Young Victims from Sexual Abuse Act and state lawsuits alleging negligence, fraud, and racketeering. Varsity Brands has denied liability. No public settlements on the sexual‑abuse claims have been disclosed to date, and the company continues to dispute coverage responsibilities with its insurers.
Varsity Brands has not issued a formal apology or admitted any wrongdoing in connection with the sexual abuse allegations. Instead, in October 2022, then-President Bill Seely released a “Letter to Our Community” offering support for survivors, outlining policies on background checks, training, safety committees, and event security, and reaffirming Varsity’s “wholehearted support” for those harmed.
However, that letter also contained a strong defensive component, stating that Varsity was “exploring all avenues, including legal measures, to defend ourselves from any false narrative” implying that the organization “willfully turned a blind eye” to misconduct. While Varsity acknowledged awareness of allegations and expressed commitment to safety, the tone was of denial of institutional fault rather than acceptance of responsibility.
Varsity Spirit Sexual Abuse Lawsuit Status
To date, there have been no reported Varsity Spirit sexual abuse settlements, although sexual abuse attorneys that Survivors Rights partners with are still taking cases related to this litigation. A preliminary settlement in a Florida federal suit surfaced in early 2024. However, the terms were not disclosed.
Lawsuits have been filed in various federal courts. The U.S. Judicial Panel on Multidistrict Litigation (JPML) considered creating an MDL for these suits in spring 2023. At the time, nine cases across six judicial districts, involving over 30 common coaches and gyms plus Varsity defendants, were evaluated. However, the Panel denied (PDF ruling) centralization. Centralizing cases in an MDL is often more efficient and survivor-friendly. Yet that decision could change if more lawsuits are filed in the months ahead.
Pro Cheer League: An Ulterior Motive Or Altruistic Endeavor?
The timing of the Pro Cheer League rollout suggests a strategic pivot by Varsity Brands. It shifts the narrative from legal scrutiny and reputational damage to a new, revenue‑driven innovation under the guide of altruism. But survivors and advocates point out a glaring omission. While Varsity Brands may indeed make professional cheer a reality, it has yet to publicly commit to some enhanced safeguards, and, as mentioned, has yet to admit responsibility, nor is it likely to while litigation remains ongoing.
This leaves survivors wondering if Varsity Brands is merely engaging in a for-profit public‑relations stunt. As the Pro Cheer League takes shape, plaintiff attorneys and survivor advocates will be watching closely to see if Varsity Brands addresses past failures or doubles down on old patterns.
Are You A Survivor Of Varsity Spirit Sexual Assault or Abuse?
If you are a survivor or sexual abuse or assault, you may still have legal rights. Fill out the brief, confidential form below so that our intake team may securely connect you with one of our partner attorneys who is taking Varsity Spirit cases. Your information will be kept private and shared only with attorneys who may be able to help. There are no upfront attorney fees. The attorneys we work with typically work on a contingency basis, meaning they only get paid if you receive compensation. Any legal fees or case-related expenses will be clearly explained by the law firm before representation begins.
