Cheerleading is supposed to be about bright pom‑poms, booming music, and a sense of boundless possibility—not soaring registration fees that drain your family’s savings. Yet for years, parents whispered the same question in crowded bleachers: Why does everything tied to Varsity cost so much? Now we have an answer, and—better yet—relief. The recently approved Varsity Brands class action lawsuit alleges the cheer giant monopolized camps, competitions, and apparel, inflating prices for thousands. If you or your athlete paid Varsity between 2016 and 2024, you could pocket real compensation. Ready to tumble into the details? Let’s break down who qualifies, how much money is on the mat, and why acting before May 5, 2025 is critical.
Background: How the Cheer Empire Was Built (and Challenged)
Varsity Brands, the umbrella for Varsity Spirit, Varsity All Star, and Varsity Fashion, has dominated cheerleading since the late 1980s. By 2018, the company—and its private‑equity backers Bain Capital and Charlesbank Capital Partners—controlled an estimated 75% of the $2‑billion‑a‑year cheer economy, from regional showcases to the prestigious Cheerleading Worlds. Parents and gyms had little choice: want your squad on the road to nationals? Pay Varsity for camps, uniforms, choreography, and event fees.
In 2020, frustrated gym owners and families filed Jones v. Varsity Brands LLC in the Western District of Tennessee. They alleged Varsity used exclusivity contracts, loyalty rebates, and buy‑outs of rival event producers to squash competition—classic antitrust behavior that let them charge inflated prices. Think of it like stuffing the ballot box: the only path to recognition ran through Varsity, so the company set the ticket price as high as it wished.
The lawsuit dragged through discovery, revealing internal emails boasting of “strategic acquisitions” and an “unbeatable vertical.” Facing trial risk and mounting public scrutiny, Varsity, Bain, and Charlesbank agreed in May 2024 to a record‑setting $82.5 million settlement. They deny wrongdoing; plaintiffs claim victory for competitive fairness.
Key milestones:
- Dec 10 2016–Mar 31 2024: Class Period for indirect purchasers.
- Sept 26 2024: Exclusion & objection deadline (passed).
- Nov 22 2024: Final approval hearing—settlement granted.
- May 5 2025: Last day to file a claim.
Beyond cash, Varsity must freeze certain exclusivity clauses and publish transparent pricing until 2029, widening the floor for rival brands and hopefully lowering costs league‑wide.
If a monopoly cheer dynasty can be toppled, what other hidden fees might crumble next? Bookmark our guide to the Regal Cinema ticket fees settlement to keep your consumer radar sharp.
Key Claims in the Varsity Brands Class Action Lawsuit
- Antitrust Violations: Alleged monopoly over competitions, camps & apparel.
- Price‑Fixing: Inflated fees for event registrations and uniforms.
- Exclusivity Contracts: Locked gyms into Varsity‑only events.
- Unfair Competition: Bought competitors to stifle market choice.
Who’s Eligible?
You belong in the Settlement Class if you indirectly paid Varsity—through a gym, school, or booster club—for any of the following between Dec 10 2016 and Mar 31 2024 in one of 35 covered jurisdictions (AZ, CA, FL, NY, etc.):
- Competition or event registration fees
- Cheer camp tuition
- Varsity cheer apparel (uniforms, warm‑ups, shoes)
- Lodging bundled with Varsity competitions
Unsure about receipts? A gym invoice or bank statement tied to a cheer purchase usually works. More documentation boosts your payout.
How Much Can You Get?
| Purchase Type | % of Fund | Example Payout* |
|---|---|---|
| Competitions | 53% | $150–$600 |
| Camps | 26% | $75–$300 |
| Apparel | 21% | $60–$250 |
Estimates assume average spend of $500 and typical claims volume; actual payments vary.
Class counsel notes that if claims exceed the fund, payments will be prorated—but every valid form receives something.
How to File a Claim (5‑Minute Guide)
- Head to the official portal: CheerAntitrustSettlement.com and click “Submit Claim.”
- Enter your unique Claimant ID (from the mailed or emailed notice) or verify manually with contact details.
- Attach proof—gym invoices, credit‑card statements, or uniform receipts.
- Choose payment method: check, ACH, or prepaid card.
- Certify & submit. Watch for a confirmation email within minutes.
Prefer a Spotter? Let Sparrow Handle It
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Important Deadlines
| Action | Date |
| Claim Submission | May 5 2025 |
| Exclusion / Objection (passed) | Sept 26 2024 |
| Final Approval Hearing (completed) | Nov 22 2024 |
Mark that calendar—miss the claim deadline and the megaphone goes silent.
Your Turn to Stick the Landing
For too long, the cost of chasing cheer glory spiraled out of control, leaving families scrambling. The Varsity Brands class action lawsuit isn’t just about compensation; it’s a signal that monopolies—even ones draped in glitter—must respect consumer rights. If Varsity’s pricing pinched your wallet between 2016 and 2024, now’s the time to leap into action. File your claim before May 5 2025, keep your documentation handy, and consider Sparrow if you want hassle‑free handling. Because cheering should lift spirits—not bills.
Looking for more wins? Check out our breakdown of 7 Class Action Settlements You Shouldn’t Miss and keep the victories coming!