Varsity Brands settled a class action  lawsuit for over $82 million dollars and cheer moms across the country are getting checks in the mail; some to the tune of THOUSANDS of dollars.

But what does this mean for you? Are you suddenly entitled to a check? And why did Varsity settle at all? This episode breaks down some of the facts surrounding the lawsuit, the settlement, and who’s cashing in on it.

Mentioned in this Episode: 

Apolla Socks are changing the cheer game, two feet at a time! Visit apollaperformance.com and use CHEERMOM2024 for 10% off!

Enter Code: CHEERMOMPOD for a discount at tccjewelry.com [http://tccjewelry.com] 

The Cheer Mom Podcast Episode 97: A Look at Varsity Brands from its Humble Beginnings to a Multi-Billion Dollar Enterprise [https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/a-look-at-varsity-brands-from-its-humble-beginnings/id1636965477?i=1000664774525]

https://www.cheerantitrustsettlement.com/important-documents

Official settlement press release [https://angeion-public.s3.amazonaws.com/www.cheerantitrustsettlement.com/docs/Varsity%20Press%20Release.pdf] 

Original Lawsuit [https://angeion-public.s3.amazonaws.com/www.cheerantitrustsettlement.com/docs/[1]%20Class%20Action%20Complaint.pdf]

Settlement Filing [https://fingfx.thomsonreuters.com/gfx/legaldocs/byprqoonjve/Jones%20v%20Varsity%20-%20settlement%20-%2020240513a.pdf]

Sportico Article About Settlement [https://www.sportico.com/leagues/other-sports/2024/varsity-bain-antitrust-settlement-cheerleading-jones-1234778879/]

https://www.cheerantitrustsettlement.com/faqs

Settlement Agreement [https://angeion-public.s3.amazonaws.com/www.cheerantitrustsettlement.com/docs/[606-3]%20Settlement%20Agreement.pdf]

Announcement of Sale to KKR [https://pe-insights.com/kkr-closes-4-75bn-acquisition-of-varsity-brands/]


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The $82 Million Varsity Settlement: What It Means for Cheer Families

The cheer world lost a true legend. Here's why Jeff Webb's impact will never be forgotten.

Jeff Webb, known as the father of modern cheerleading, passed away recently in a tragic accident. His legacy shaped the cheer industry, pushing for cheerleading to be recognized globally, even aiming for the Olympics.

Many might have mixed feelings about his business dealings, but one thing is clear: those who knew him respect him deeply. His dedication inspired countless individuals to pursue careers in cheerleading.

I had the honor of interviewing him once, and even during a technical glitch, he insisted on coming back to finish our conversation. That commitment speaks volumes about his character.

Let’s remember him not just for his contributions, but for the genuine person he was.

Listen to my full conversation with him in this episode.


Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com [https://pcm.adswizz.com] for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Remembering Jeff Webb

Pounding head, aching feet, raspy voice, and you're just over it. Here's how to get over that awful "cheer hangover" after a big competition weekend.

 

Become a member of The Cheer Mom Podcast!  [https://patreon.com/CheerMom?utm_medium=unknown&utm_source=join_link&utm_campaign=creatorshare_creator&utm_content=copyLink]

Enter code: CHEERMOMPOD at TCCJewelry.com [http://tccjewelry.com] for a discount!

Apolla Socks are changing the cheer game, two feet at a time! Visit apollaperformance.com and use CHEERMOM2024 for 10% off!

Mentioned in this episode:

Biggest Cheer Events [https://cheerdaily.com/events/nca-all-star-nationals/nca-all-star-nationals-2026-ranks-as-second-largest-cheer-event-ever/?_gl=1*1lofrjk*_up*MQ..*_ga*OTMwMzkxMzMzLjE3NzI2NTQ3MzU.*_ga_0FSCVS4761*czE3NzI2NTQ3MzQkbzEkZzAkdDE3NzI2NTQ3MzQkajYwJGwwJGgw]

KBH Convention Center plans [https://www.fox4news.com/news/kay-bailey-hutchison-convention-center-demolition-begins]

Pain relieving gel (affilliate link) [https://amzn.to/4cvU6CM]

Dirty Dr Pepper Recipe:

 * 12 oz Can of Dr. Pepper (or Diet/Zero)
 * 2 Tablespoons Raspberry Syrup 
 * 1-2 Tablespoons Coconut Syrup
 * 1-2 Tablespoons Half and Half
 * Optional: 1 Fresh Lime Wedge


Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com [https://pcm.adswizz.com] for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

How to Get Over a Cheer Hangover

Kristen talks with Pro Cheer League official, Lark Wood, where they discuss the inception of the elements of a Pro Cheer League match, and the challenges faced in establishing a new competitive cheerleading format. They delve into the importance of athlete safety, the collaborative efforts between referees and athletes, and the feedback received on various games. Lark shares insights on the design of games, the excitement surrounding the league, and the community's response to the new format.

Mentioned in this episode:

https://www.instagram.com/reel/DUUD6KZkcjI/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link&igsh=MzRlODBiNWFlZA==

Enter code: CHEERMOMPOD at TCCJewelry.com [http://tccjewelry.com] for a discount!

Apolla Socks are changing the cheer game, two feet at a time! Visit apollaperformance.com and use CHEERMOM2024 for 10% off!


Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com [https://pcm.adswizz.com] for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Rewarding Technique, Not Just Hype, with Pro Cheer League Official, Lark Wood

In this conversation, Kevin Jones discusses the upcoming Tournament of Champions, an invite-only cheerleading event that focuses on recognizing teams based on their skill level rather than age or division. He explains the selection process for teams, the competition format, and the significance of the event's timing and location. Additionally, he introduces the new mascots, Rex and Ruby, and highlights the collaboration with the Glow Tour. The conversation also touches on the All-Star Premieres and the new send-off events designed to celebrate teams before their end-of-season competitions. Kevin shares his perspective on the evolving landscape of cheerleading events and the opportunities they create for athletes.

Enter code: CHEERMOMPOD at TCCJewelry.com [http://tccjewelry.com] for a discount!

Apolla Socks are changing the cheer game, two feet at a time! Visit apollaperformance.com and use CHEERMOM2024 for 10% off!


Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com [https://pcm.adswizz.com] for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Unveiling the Tournament of Champions, with Kevin Jones

In this episode, Kristen talks about what it means to stay grounded when the world — and the cheer industry — feels chaotic. From lighting candles and eating chocolate as tiny acts of rebellion against overwhelm, to navigating the nonstop noise of Pinterest-perfect hair and competition season intensity, this is part life reset and part cheer industry deep dive. She covers updates in the industry, including NCAA status for one part of the sport, and recent tension between Rebel and Varsity.

She breaks down:

 * Why every cheer event brand operates differently (and why that matters)
   
   
 * The Pro Cheer League hitting 1.6 million viewers — and what that signals for the sport
   
   
 * The significance of Stunt earning NCAA status
   
   
 * The tension between competition and collaboration inside the cheer industry

 

Become a member of The Cheer Mom Podcast!  [https://patreon.com/CheerMom?utm_medium=unknown&utm_source=join_link&utm_campaign=creatorshare_creator&utm_content=copyLink]

Enter code: CHEERMOMPOD at TCCJewelry.com [https://tccjewelry.com] for a discount

Apolla Socks are changing the cheer game, two feet at a time! Visit apollaperformance.com and use CHEERMOM2024 for 10% off!

https://www.ncaa.org/news/2026/1/16/media-center-ncaa-to-add-four-new-championships.aspx#:~:text=championship:%20Spring%202027.-,What%20they're%20saying:,stunt%2C%20visit%20stuntthesport.org.


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Updates - NCAA status, Rebel Calls out Varsity, and More

Kristen dives into something we don’t talk about nearly enough: hormones. She breaks down the four phases of a woman’s menstrual cycle and how each one can impact energy, mood, focus, and performance — both on and off the mat. This episode is all about awareness over judgment, and learning to work with our bodies instead of being frustrated by them. Kristen encourages athletes (and moms) to extend a little more grace, understand what’s happening beneath the surface, and find simple ways to support physical and emotional well-being throughout the month.

Become a member of The Cheer Mom Podcast!  [https://patreon.com/CheerMom?utm_medium=unknown&utm_source=join_link&utm_campaign=creatorshare_creator&utm_content=copyLink]

Enter code: CHEERMOMPOD at TCCJewelry.com [http://tccjewelry.com] for a discount!

Apolla Socks are changing the cheer game, two feet at a time! Visit apollaperformance.com and use CHEERMOM2024 for 10% off!

Mentioned in this episode: 

https://healthy.kaiserpermanente.org/health-wellness/healtharticle.phases-of-the-menstrual-cycle

Menstrual Cycle Tracking App [https://app.flo.health/?utm_source=google&utm_medium=cpc&utm_campaign=GA_US_Web_General_ENG_Search&utm_content=01k_ht&utm_term=7&utm_adset=01k_ht&utm_campaign_id=18387357836&utm_adset_id=160403370894&utm_ad_id=697975621651&gad_source=1&gad_campaignid=18387357836&gbraid=0AAAAACsrMJQyvRjU9_11_niPVyF72uu8W&gclid=Cj0KCQiAnJHMBhDAARIsABr7b84XFchlODiaG3pqobyGy31VKpNKBMNkUrPtSBA9-sZqLIdzLaWKm9EaAj63EALw_wcB]


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Hormones and the Cheer Athlete

In this episode, Corey Rickett - who led Cheersport Sharks Great Whites to multiple World Championships - shares how individualized coaching can change everything. He speaks candidly about building trust, creating a positive team culture, and forming real relationships that allow athletes to feel seen, supported, and capable.

For cheer parents, Corey offers thoughtful insight on communication, partnership, and how to support athletes without adding pressure.

This episode is a reminder that the best coaches don’t just develop athletes — they shape environments where kids can grow, enjoy the process, and become confident humans long after the mat.

Become a member of The Cheer Mom Podcast!  [https://patreon.com/CheerMom?utm_medium=unknown&utm_source=join_link&utm_campaign=creatorshare_creator&utm_content=copyLink]

Enter CHEERMOMPOD at TCCJewelry.com for 15% off your entire order!

Apolla Socks are changing the cheer game, two feet at a time! Visit apollaperformance.com and use CHEERMOM2024 for 10% off!


Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com [https://pcm.adswizz.com] for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

The Coach Every Athlete Deserves, with Corey Rickett

In this episode of the Cheer Mom Podcast, Kristen heads to Indianapolis for the very first Pro Cheer League match and gives a play-by-play that’s part recap, part cultural moment. From unexpected games and skill evaluations to the very real realization that cheer might be entering its “professional era,” the event unfolds in real time. Along the way, Kristen chats with athletes, parents, and the people shaping the future of the sport—including Commissioner John Newby and cheer icons Victor and Kristen Rosario—about what the PCL could mean for cheer as a whole. The verdict? The crowd is into it, the potential is big, and while there’s room to tweak a few things, the energy feels like the start of something worth paying attention to.

Apolla Socks are changing the cheer game, two feet at a time! Visit apollaperformance.com and use CHEERMOM2024 for 10% off!

More about the Pro Cheer League:

https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/7-things-the-cheer-industry-needs-to-know-about-the/id1510402862?i=1000714468738

https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/inside-the-pro-cheer-league-with-commissioner-john-newby/id1636965477?i=1000739617596


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Up Close and Behind The Scenes at the First Pro Cheer League Match

In this episode, Kristen dives into what cheer families should realistically expect from gym owners—and what they shouldn’t. Drawing from personal experience and conversations within the cheer community, she unpacks the importance of clear communication, strong core values, and transparency in leadership. Kristen discusses why accountability, openness to feedback, and personalized coaching matter, while also acknowledging the real business challenges gym owners face.

Mentioned in this episode:

Support the podcast by becoming a Member! [https://patreon.com/CheerMom?utm_medium=unknown&utm_source=join_link&utm_campaign=creatorshare_creator&utm_content=copyLink]

Join The Cheer Mom Hive on Facebook [https://www.facebook.com/groups/cheermomhive]

Visit laundrysauce.com/CHEERMOMBLOG [https://laundrysauce.com/CHEERMOMBLOG] and enter code CHEERMOMBLOG for 15% off your first order of Laundry Sauce

Apolla Socks are changing the cheer game, two feet at a time! Visit apollaperformance.com and use CHEERMOM2024 for 10% off!

 


Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com [https://pcm.adswizz.com] for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Cheer Gym Owners: What’s Fair to Expect—and What Isn’t

The Cheer Mom Podcast is a place that helps cheer moms (and dads!) understand cheer and navigate this crazy world, so we can support our athletes. Listen to experts within the industry on topics like strength and conditioning, keeping our athletes safe, and all things High School, College and All Star Cheer. Grab your cheer mom beverage of choice, and let's be friends!

Kristen Wheeler

Shows