Jeff Webb, the founder of Universal Cheerleader Association and Varsity Spirit, has passed away at 76. Reports claim he died in an accident, but details surrounding the incident remain unclear.
Webb was a pioneer in cheerleading, transforming it from a sideline activity to a global competitive sport. He founded organizations that grew into a multi-billion-dollar industry, inspiring thousands to take up the sport.
Webb attended the University of Oklahoma, where he earned a degree in government and politics. He served as a yell leader on the cheer squad and began working with the National Cheerleaders Association (NCA) while still in school.
He launched the Universal Cheerleading Association (UCA) and Varsity Spirit in 1974, steering the companies through the years. As of 2025 estimates, Varsity Brands generates around $3 billion in annual revenue.
