Jeffrey Gorman Webb, widely known as Jeff Webb, the visionary behind the modern cheerleading industry, has died at the age of 76. His passing on March 19, 2026, was confirmed by Varsity Spirit, the Memphis-based organization he founded. While an official cause of death has not been disclosed, multiple reports suggest he died following an accident.
Webb’s influence on cheerleading is difficult to overstate. Once considered a sideline activity, he helped transform it into a global competitive sport through the growth of Varsity Brands, which expanded to include major subsidiaries like BSN SPORTS and Herff Jones. His work also extended internationally through the International Cheer Union, which gained full recognition from the International Olympic Committee in 2021—an achievement widely seen as a milestone for the sport.
In a statement, Varsity Brands described Webb as “pivotal in shaping cheerleading as it exists today,” adding that his efforts impacted generations of athletes and coaches worldwide.
Though his exact net worth remains undisclosed, estimates suggest Webb earned significant wealth following the 2018 sale of Varsity Brands to Bain Capital in a deal reportedly worth $2.9 billion.
Tributes from across the cheer community continue to highlight not just his business success, but his lasting cultural impact on youth sports globally.