Club Varsity / Varsity Brands Cheerleading Antitrust Litigation

This landmark antitrust class action accused Varsity Brands — which controls an estimated 80–90% of the U.S. competitive cheerleading market — of using a web of exclusive dealing agreements, predatory acquisitions, and loyalty programs to lock out competitors and force families into an ecosystem of overpriced competitions, apparel, and training camps. Plaintiffs alleged that Varsity used its dominance over major cheerleading competitions and its affiliated governing body, the U.S. All Star Federation (USASF), to stifle competition and artificially inflate registration fees, uniform prices, and camp costs — expenses that fell directly on parents and student athletes. The complaint asserted violations of Sections 1 and 2 of the Sherman Antitrust Act.

After years of contentious litigation and extensive discovery, Varsity Brands agreed to pay $82.5 million to settle the class action in 2023, without admitting wrongdoing. The settlement class includes families who paid for Varsity-affiliated competitions, camps, or apparel during the class period. The settlement received final court approval, and claims were accepted through December 19, 2024. The case drew widespread media attention and was seen as a major victory for youth sports families, shining a light on monopolistic practices in a largely unregulated corner of the youth athletics industry.