PRO CHEER IS HERE!
The Pro Cheer League, presented by Varsity Spirit, is the world’s first professional cheerleading platform for elite athletes aged 19 and older. It empowers these athletes to continue their cheer careers beyond high school and college, with professional training, compensation, and national exposure.
The Pro Cheer League enters its second season with six teams representing Atlanta, Dallas, Miami, Houston, Kentucky, and San Diego. With 35 top-tier athletes on each roster and a full slate of matchups throughout the season, Season 2 brings more teams, more competition, and more opportunities to see the best in professional cheer go head-to-head—all building toward one championship.
MEET THE TEAMS
It's Air Time. Rise Up.
Atlanta Air brings a confident, competitive personality to the league. With a roster built around athleticism and big skills, Air has no interest in playing it safe.
Catch us if you can.
Dallas Drive is about pace, personality, and a constant push forward. Drive brings a competitive edge that matches the city around them.
Glory is earned in grit.
Golden State Grit has a personality all its own. There’s confidence behind this team, but it’s matched by the toughness and consistency that give Grit its name.
That's so metal.
Miami Metal brings a different kind of energy to the league. Strong personalities, big skills, and an edge that comes through in everything they do make Metal a team you won’t want to overlook.
Learn more about the pcl
Team Locations
The Season Two teams will be in Atlanta, Dallas, Houston, Kentucky, Miami, and San Diego. Each team will feature the most skilled athletes in the country.
Pro Cheer League Season Events
Season 2 of the Pro Cheer League brings expanded competition, with six teams battling throughout the season in head-to-head matchups across the country. With 35 top-tier athletes on each roster and more matches than ever before, fans will have more opportunities to experience the athleticism, energy, and excitement of professional cheer live. Every matchup matters as teams compete throughout the season for the chance to claim the ultimate prize: the Pro Cheer League Championship. See full details here.
Dates:
- December 4, 2026: Match 1
- December 11, 2026: Match 2
- December 18, 2026: Match 3
- January 15, 2027: Match 4
- January 29, 2027: Match 5
- February 12, 2027: Match 6
- February 19, 2027: Match 7
- February 26, 2027: Match 8
- March 5, 2027: Match 9
- March 19, 2027: Match 10
Match Format
Like nothing you’ve seen before, The Pro Cheer League showcases the most impressive aspects of our sport across different disciplines.
Each match features four quarters. Three rounds include head-to-head style events highlighting stand-alone compulsory skills like tumbling, stunts, and basket tosses.
Teams also compete a 2–3 minute creative routine set to music—similar to the cheer routines fans are used to seeing on ESPN, but elevated.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is The Pro Cheer League Presented by Varsity Spirit?
The Pro Cheer League is the first professional cheer league for athletes ages 19 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 19 or older and beyond high school to try out for the Pro Cheer League.
What does the season look like?
The season will consist of ten matches from December to March.
Are athletes paid to compete?
Yes. Pro Cheer League athletes are part-time employees of Varsity Spirit and are 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 are 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.
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 six 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.