Cheerleading's Big Leap: From Campus Chants to a Billion-Dollar Business
Cheerleading has evolved significantly from its humble beginnings of simple chants and crowd engagement. Today, it is a highly competitive sport featuring impressive stunts and performances. This metamorphosis was driven by the vision of one man, Jeff Webb, who saw the potential in cheerleading and turned it into a thriving business.
The Early Days
Webb's journey began in the late 1960s when he worked for the National Cheerleaders Association. Frustrated with the slow pace of change, he decided to start his own company, Varsity Spirit, in 1974. With just $850 of his own money and $85,000 from friends and family, he began hosting cheerleading training camps.
Growth and Expansion
The camps were a resounding success, with attendance growing from 4,000 in 1975 to 300,000 in 2019. Webb didn't stop there. He saw an opportunity to expand into uniforms and competitions, but this move almost ended his business.
The Crisis
Webb partnered with a Tennessee-based manufacturer to produce uniforms. He collected deposits from schools and sent the orders and money to the manufacturer. However, the manufacturer failed to deliver and went out of business. Webb was left with no uniforms, no money, and no supplier.
The Turning Point
This was a critical moment for Varsity Spirit. If Webb hadn't found a solution, his business might have failed. Fortunately, he found a small manufacturer in North Carolina who was willing to take on the challenge. This manufacturer, working from his basement, saved Varsity Spirit.
The Success Story
The uniform business kept growing, and the North Carolina manufacturer eventually built a plant. Varsity Spirit continued to expand, merging with Herff Jones in 2011 and acquiring BSN Sports in 2013. The company became Varsity Brands and was acquired by Bain Capital for $2.5 billion in 2018.
The Legacy
Webb's vision transformed cheerleading into a highly athletic, competitive, and globally recognized sport. Today, almost every college and high school cheerleader in the country wears a Varsity uniform. This is a testament to Webb's perseverance and his ability to turn a crisis into an opportunity.
