Jeff Webb, Cheerleading Pioneer and Varsity Spirit Founder, Dies at 76

Jeff Webb, the entrepreneur who revolutionized cheerleading and built it into a multi-billion dollar industry through his company Varsity Spirit, passed away on March 19, 2026, at the age of 76. His death followed a fall during a pickleball game that resulted in a severe head injury, according to a statement from Varsity Brands.

From Yell Leader to Cheerleading Empire

Webb’s journey began as a yell leader at the University of Oklahoma, where he initially considered a career in law. After working as a summer camp instructor for the National Cheerleaders Association (NCA) under Lawrence “Herkie” Herkimer, he attempted to acquire a portion of that company but was unsuccessful [Cheerdaily].

Founding Varsity Spirit and UCA

In 1974, Webb founded the Universal Cheerleaders Association (UCA), laying the foundation for what would become Varsity Spirit. His initial focus was on raising the profile of cheerleading through training camps and promotional campaigns [Wikipedia]. He later introduced the National College Cheerleading Championship in 1978 and the National High School Cheerleading Championship in 1980, further solidifying his influence on the sport [Wikipedia].

Building a Cheerleading Juggernaut

Through Varsity Spirit, Webb exerted significant control over nearly all facets of cheerleading, transforming it into a major commercial enterprise [New York Times]. The company expanded to include apparel manufacturing, competition organization, and training camps, impacting over a million students and athletes annually [Varsity Spirit].

Controversies and Legal Challenges

Varsity Spirit’s dominance has not been without criticism. The company has faced accusations of anti-competitive practices, including opposition to cheerleading’s recognition as a sport, conflicts of interest related to its control of governing bodies, and the high financial costs associated with competitive cheerleading [Wikipedia]. In recent years, Varsity and its previous owners settled multiple class action lawsuits concerning these issues, including those related to the U.S. All Star Federation [Wikipedia].

Legacy and Impact

Despite the controversies, Webb’s impact on cheerleading is undeniable. He played a pivotal role in shaping the modern sport and fostering a community that has influenced generations of athletes, coaches, and teams [Cheerdaily]. His contributions also extended to the international stage, with his work with the International Cheer Union leading to its full recognition by the International Olympic Committee in 2021 [Cheerdaily].

Bill Seely, President of Varsity Spirit, stated, “Jeff played a pivotal role in shaping cheerleading as it exists today and in building a community that has impacted generations of athletes, coaches, and teams.” [Cheerdaily]