Varsity Spirit and Scripps Sports announced a partnership today that will bring the inaugural season of Pro Cheer League coverage to ION.
With the agreement, Scripps’ national sports and entertainment network, ION, will air all five live Pro Cheer League events during the 2026 season, which runs from January 16 to March 27, 2026. ION is available on OTA TV and major live TV and free streaming services.
“We’ve been rapidly expanding our robust portfolio of professional sports and we’re thrilled to welcome the Pro Cheer League to ION,” said Brian Lawlor, president of Scripps Sports. “We look forward to showcasing these world-class athletes in a new professional sports league, combining the high-energy of cheerleading and engaging storytelling that will leave everyone wanting more.”
The Pro Cheer League is bringing cheerleading to national television, featuring the athletes in an all-new competition format for the first time. The league includes the Atlanta Air, Dallas Drive, Golden State Grit, and Miami Metal. Each competition will include high-energy routines packed with stunts, tumbling, and synchronized choreography, as well as head-to-head skills challenges. The season will include four regular season competitions and championship finals, all airing on ION.
“This agreement with Scripps Sports gives our athletes and fans the national stage they deserve from the moment our first season begins,” said Varsity Spirit President Bill Seely. “We’ve watched this incredible sport grow at all levels for decades and ION will help introduce a national audience to these incredibly talented professional athletes who best embody the skill, energy, athleticism, and precision unique to cheer. Our goal is to not only grow our fanbase but inspire a whole new generation of athletes to turn pro and build a league and career that never before seemed possible.”