Jeff Webb, “Father Of Modern Cheerleading,” Passes Away At 76

Jeff Webb, the visionary entrepreneur who transformed cheerleading from a sideline activity into a global competitive sport, passed away on Thursday, March 19, 2026, at the age of 76. While Varsity Spirit confirmed his death, multiple reports from outlets including Cheer Daily and local Memphis news sources indicate that Webb died in an accident, though specific details have not yet been released by his family.

Webb’s influence on the “spirit” industry is unparalleled. As the founder of the Universal Cheerleaders Association (UCA) and Varsity Spirit, he built a multi-billion dollar empire that includes apparel, camps, and televised competitions.

1. A Global Legacy: From Memphis to the Olympics

Webb’s work extended far beyond the business of pom-poms and uniforms.

• International Expansion: As the founder and president of the International Cheer Union (ICU), Webb was instrumental in getting cheerleading fully recognized by the International Olympic Committee (IOC) in 2021.
• Media & Politics: In his later years, Webb served as the publisher and senior news editor of Human Events and founded the “New American Populist” organization.

2. Financial Milestone: The $2.9 Billion Deal

While Webb’s personal wealth was never publicly disclosed, his success in the business world was massive.

• The Bain Capital Acquisition: In 2018, Bain Capital purchased Varsity Brands (which includes Varsity Spirit, Herff Jones, and BSN SPORTS) in a private deal estimated at $2.9 billion.
• Net Worth Estimate: Based on his role as founder and CEO during this acquisition, industry insiders at Sportico estimate Webb’s personal take-home from the deal was in the nine-figure range. As of 2026, his net worth is estimated to be north of $100 million.

3. Family and Personal Life

Despite his public-facing career, Webb maintained a relatively private personal life in Memphis.

• Marriage: He was married to Cheri R. Ganong, a former captain of the pom-pom squad at Memphis State University and a teacher at Ridgeway High School.
• Children: Webb is survived by his two children. He was known to be an avid outdoorsman who enjoyed yachting, duck hunting, and—uniquely—riding a unicycle.

Jeff Webb: A Career Timeline