Happy Monday, friends! We've a lot of updates for you this week, ranging from lawsuit settlements to an athlete making Worlds history 🌎

Plus, here's all the other stuff that's happened in the past week…

In today’s newsletter:

• Varsity $82.5M settlement moves to payout stage
• #MAJORSVideoChallenge offers team sneak peeks
• Deep South Spirit makes events free for children under 10
• First Irish female cheerleader to medal at Worlds
• Upcoming showcases
• & more!

First time here? Click here to subscribe and get the newsletter every Monday.

main news 🗞️

Varsity $82.5M Settlement Moves to Payout Stage

📰 The news: The $82.5 million settlement in one of the lawsuits against Varsity Brands is moving into the payout stage. We first reported on this case last year (read more here). Of 8,875 claims filed, 5,831 were approved. Payouts totaling $47.7 million (after fees and costs), are expected in October 2025. The class action was brought by cheerleading families and organizations who accused the defendants of intentionally monopolizing or conspiring to monopolize the cheer competition, camps and apparel markets.

🌟 Why it matters: Approved families, gyms, and organizations will reportedly get an average of $8,181 each, with payments ranging from about $335 up to $51,605. Only residents of certain states were eligible, and cheer-heavy states like Texas, Georgia, and Alabama were left out. These payouts bring closure to a multi-year legal fight over Varsity’s control in the industry.

📅 What’s next: Payments will roll out this fall by check or digital transfer. Claimants can track updates at CheerAntitrustSettlement.com.

👉 Dive deeper: Check out our “lawsuits & investigations” archive for past coverage on Varsity & USASF lawsuits, gyms being sued, Rockstar Cheer investigations & more.

The #MAJORSVideoChallenge Offers Team Sneak Peeks

It's... time!!! *Mariah Carey voice*

The yearly Majors video challenge has kicked off = weekly sneak peeks of invited teams for The Majors 2026!

What is the challenge? All-Girl and Coed teams compete against each other by performing specific skills, and you get to vote for who should win 💬

• The first matchup featured Extra Small Coed vs. Extra Small All-Girl, showcasing combination stunts + jump combinations, with Extra Small Coed taking the win.
• Tomorrow’s round will feature Small Coed vs. Small All-Girl, highlighting basket tosses + running tumbling.

You can learn more about this year’s challenge here, including upcoming rounds and dates.

🎥 Voting happens on the official Instagram page, where all the videos are posted & you can learn more about The Majors competition itself here.

buzzing this week 🐝

📅 2025/2026 Cheerleading Season Showcase Dates

• Find upcoming gym showcases from around the world, any livestreams, plus add your own dates. See the list.

🏅 First Irish Female Cheerleader to Medal at Worlds

• Aoibhinn Tierney reportedly made history this year by medaling at The Cheerleading Worlds! Learn more.

🆓 Deep South Spirit Makes Events Free for Children 10 and Under

• "We know family support is everything in cheer. That’s why we’re making it easier for parents!✨🫶 Starting this season, kids 10 & under will receive FREE entry at the door to all Deep South events. More cheering, more memories, less cost." Learn more.

😍 VIDEO: 13 Minutes of Amazing Level 3 Cheerleading Stunts

• Level 3 is truly an entertaining level to watch! Don't agree? You might change your mind after watching these stunts... Watch now.

Competitions 🏆

RESULTS & BIDS:

🇦🇺 AU/NZ: DCE NSW Nationals (Australia)

UPCOMING:

🇺🇸 US/CA: AmeriCheer Spooky Spirit Series (Ohio)

We can't cover all competitions - these are only some select events.

Looking for more?

Check out our resources:

• 🎓 Courses → Learn from industry experts!​
• 📚 Digital Products → Stay organized, track progress & more.​
• 💡 Video Library → Find creative level 1-4 skills.​
• 🔗 Advertise in our newsletter → Grow your reach! B​ook now.