Varsity Founder and Cheer Icon Jeff Webb Dies in Accident
Jeff Webb, the founder of Varsity Spirit, has died at 76 after an accident. He suffered a head injury while playing pickleball and was taken off life support two weeks later.
Varsity Spirit confirmed his death. Bill Seely, the company president and Webb’s protégé, notified employees by email.
Rise of a Cheerleading Entrepreneur
Webb started the business in 1974 as the Universal Cheerleading Association. He had been a collegiate sideline cheerleader at the University of Oklahoma.
He expanded the company from a small training outfit into a global cheer business. The Memphis-based enterprise became a multi-billion-dollar company through acquisitions.
Major Deals and Ownership Changes
In 2011 Webb sold the business to Herff Jones. He then served as CEO and president of the merged company, later called Varsity Brands.
The firm bought BSN Sports in 2013. In 2014 Charlesbank Capital Partners paid $1.5 billion for Varsity. Webb reportedly received about $34.8 million and stayed on as chairman of Varsity Spirit.
Private equity continued to change hands. Bain Capital acquired Varsity in June 2018 for $2.5 billion. KKR purchased the company in 2024 for $4.75 billion, including debt. Webb earned nine figures across these transactions.
Legal Scrutiny and Settlements
Webb severed formal ties with Varsity in December 2020 amid growing legal scrutiny. The company and Webb faced antitrust claims and a wave of sexual abuse lawsuits.
The class action Jones v. Bain alleged anticompetitive conduct. Varsity and Bain settled that case for $82.5 million in 2024. The company also agreed to a separate $43.5 million settlement the same year.
Dozens of additional suits accused coaches at Varsity-affiliated programs of abusing athletes. Many of those matters were later resolved in settlements.
Olympic Ambitions and Industry Leadership
Webb founded the International Cheer Union and served as its president. He pushed to get cheerleading recognized on the global sports stage.
In July 2021 the International Olympic Committee granted provisional recognition to cheerleading. Two years later, the U.S. Olympic & Paralympic Committee recognized USA Cheer as an affiliate.
Public Life and Projects
Webb entered conservative media as co-publisher and chairman of Human Events. He also wrote American Restoration: How to Unshackle the Great Middle Class.
He discussed political ambitions in interviews and named Tennessee as his home state for possible runs. A 2021 interview mentioned interest in a Senate or gubernatorial bid.
Documentary and Final Years
In March 2025 production company September Club began a feature documentary about Webb. Executive producer Jeremy Coon described Webb’s story as one of entrepreneurship and grit.
The film was slated to air this year, though its current status is unclear. Webb gave lengthy on-the-record interviews, including one two-hour conversation with The New York Times Magazine in 2024.
Legacy and Reaction
The International Cheer Union said Webb transformed a sideline activity into a fast-growing sport. His supporters praised his vision and leadership.
Critics faulted the company’s market dominance and raised safety concerns. Webb acknowledged mistakes while defending the organization’s growth.
Personal Details
Webb was twice divorced. He had two children with his second wife.
Public records list him as living in a condominium near the Memphis Country Club. Filmogaz.com reported that company spokespeople did not respond to requests for comment.
Varsity founder Jeff Webb, a well-known cheer icon, dies following an accidental injury. His career reshaped competitive cheerleading worldwide.
