Jeffrey Gorman Webb, the visionary entrepreneur widely recognized as the architect of modern cheerleading, passed away unexpectedly on Thursday, March 19, 2026, at the age of 76. Initial reports indicate that Webb died following complications from an accident.
Through his founding of Varsity Spirit and the Universal Cheerleaders Association (UCA), Webb transformed cheerleading from a traditional sideline activity into a highly organized, multibillion-dollar global competitive sport. His entrepreneurial acumen, combined with a lifelong passion for athletics and civic engagement, left an indelible mark on millions of athletes, coaches, and families worldwide.
Early Life & Education
Webb’s foundational experiences in spirit and leadership began during his collegiate years. He attended the University of Oklahoma, where he earned a degree in government and politics. During his time at the university, Webb served as a yell leader on the cheer squad, an experience that provided him with a firsthand understanding of the athleticism and crowd-engaging dynamics of cheerleading.
While still a student, he began working with Lawrence Herkimer’s National Cheerleaders Association (NCA), officially joining the organization full-time in 1971. These formative years equipped Webb with the operational expertise and instructional methodologies that would later serve as the bedrock for his own enterprise.
Career Zenith & Contributions
In 1974, driven by a vision to modernize cheerleading routines and emphasize athletic performance, Webb founded the Universal Cheerleaders Association (UCA) and Varsity Spirit. What began as a series of regional training camps and clinics quickly evolved into a comprehensive ecosystem of instructional programs, apparel manufacturing, and high-stakes competitions.
Webb’s strategic contributions to the industry were unprecedented:
- The Competitive Revolution:Â Webb pioneered the concept of national cheerleading competitions, famously bringing the sport to massive audiences through strategic broadcasting partnerships with ESPN and hosting flagship events at venues like Walt Disney World.
- Corporate Expansion:Â Under his leadership, Varsity Spirit grew exponentially. In 2012, Varsity merged with Herff Jones, and Webb subsequently served as CEO of the combined entity, which also acquired BSN Sports.
- Billion-Dollar Enterprise:Â By the time Bain Capital Private Equity acquired Varsity Brands for $2.8 billion in 2018, the company boasted annual revenues exceeding $1.8 billion and employed over 8,000 full-time staff.
- Media & Publishing: Later in his career, Webb expanded his entrepreneurial footprint into political media, serving as the CEO of Human Events Media Group and publishing The Post Millennial, outlets he sold in late 2025.
Leadership & Affiliations
Webb’s authoritative influence extended far beyond corporate success; he was a dedicated institutional builder. In 2004, he founded the International Cheer Union (ICU), serving as its President. His primary objective was to secure global recognition for cheerleading as a legitimate athletic discipline.
His relentless advocacy reached its pinnacle in 2021, when the International Olympic Committee (IOC) granted full recognition to the International Cheer Union. This landmark achievement validated decades of Webb’s work, cementing cheerleading’s status on the international sporting stage and paving the way for future Olympic inclusion.
Additionally, Webb was instrumental in establishing safety and coaching standards across the industry, having been credited with founding the American Association of Cheerleading Coaches and Administrators (AACCA) and the United States All Star Federation (USASF).
Legacy & Impact
Jeff Webb’s legacy is defined by the community he built. He created a space where young athletes could develop leadership skills, teamwork, and confidence. Following his passing, Varsity Spirit released a statement honoring his monumental impact: “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”.
Colleagues, former UCA staff members, and athletes across the globe have flooded social media with tributes, recalling Webb as an inspiring, passionate, and kind leader who fundamentally “changed dance and cheer”.
Jeff Webb is survived by his family, loved ones, and a vast, deeply devoted global spirit community. He will be remembered not only as a brilliant businessman and joyful warrior but as the definitive pioneer who gave modern cheerleading its voice, its stage, and its athletic legitimacy.