Varsity Brands $82.5 Million Antitrust Settlement

If you indirectly paid Varsity Brands, such as through a gym or school, to participate in a Varsity cheer competition or camp, or to buy Varsity cheer clothing, you may be eligible to claim a portion of an $82.5 million award from a class action settlement.

Varsity Brands, LLC has agreed to pay $82,500,000 to settle a class action lawsuit for alleged antitrust violations, including monopolistic practices in the cheerleading market.

Who is eligible to submit a claim for compensation?

Eligibility criteria to file a claim in the "Damages Class":

• Who: Individuals or entities in specific states who indirectly paid Varsity Brands for cheer competitions, camps, or apparel
• When: Between December 10, 2016, and March 31, 2024.
• Where: States included are Arizona, Arkansas, California, Connecticut, the District of Columbia, Florida, Hawaii, Idaho, Iowa, Illinois, Kansas, Maine, Massachusetts, Maryland, Michigan, Minnesota, Mississippi, Missouri, Montana, Nebraska, Nevada, New Hampshire, New Mexico, New York, North Carolina, North Dakota, Oregon, Rhode Island, South Dakota, Tennessee, Utah, Vermont, Washington, West Virginia, and Wisconsin.
• How: Payments could have been made through registration, entrance, or other fees and expenses associated with participation in Varsity Cheer Competitions, Varsity Cheer Apparel, Varsity Cheer Camp Fees, or accommodations at one or more Varsity Cheer Competitions.

How much are the payouts?

The settlement fund of $82,500,000 will be distributed among eligible class members who submit valid claims. The exact amount each class member will receive depends on the number of valid claims submitted and the allocation plan approved by the court.

The Net Settlement Fund will be divided into pools based on the category of eligible purchases made by the Damages Class relating to Competitions, Camps, and Apparel:

• Competitions: 53% of the Net Settlement Fund
• Camps: 26% of the Net Settlement Fund
• Apparel: 21% of the Net Settlement Fund

Payments will be calculated on a pro-rata basis from the number of years an eligible claimant made valid purchases in each category.

How to submit a claim

Class members must submit a valid claim form by May 5, 2025.

Claims can be submitted online through the online claim form or by mail. A PDF claim form is also available to be printed and mailed to the settlement administrator.

Claim form mailing address: Cheer Antitrust Settlement, c/o Settlement Administrator, 1650 Arch Street, Suite 2210, Philadelphia, PA 19103

Required documentation

Claimants need to provide proof of participation in an All Star Gym or school cheer team for each cheer athlete they are seeking a payment for.

Documentation can include:

• signed contracts
• invoices
• payment receipts
• order forms
• awards received by the cheer athlete

Claim instructions

Follow these steps to submit your claim:

1. Complete all required sections of the claim form, including claimant information, class definition acknowledgment, and details about your Varsity Cheer purchases.
2. Attach documentation proving participation in an All Star Gym or school cheer team.
3. Choose your preferred payment method and provide the required information.
4. Sign and date the claim form certification section.
5. Submit the completed claim form online or mail it to the Settlement Administrator by May 5, 2025.

Payment methods

• Check
• PayPal
• Venmo

$82.5 Million settlement fund

The settlement fund of $82,500,000 will cover:

• The cost of settlement administration and notice, and applicable taxes on the Settlement Fund.
• Money awards for Class Representatives for their service on behalf of the Class.
• Attorneys’ fees and reimbursement of expenses for Settlement Class Counsel no more than $27,500,000

After these amounts are deducted, the remainder is the Net Settlement Fund, which will be distributed to Damages Class Members.

Important dates

• Fairness Hearing: November 22, 2024
• Deadline to File a Claim: May 5, 2025

When is the Varsity Brands Settlement payout date?

Payouts will be made after the claims filing period ends on May 5, 2025 and all claims are processed. Additionally, any appeals must be resolved prior to payouts. This process may take more than a year.

Why was there a class action settlement?

The lawsuit alleged that Varsity Brands engaged in monopolistic practices by controlling the cheer competitions, camps, and apparel markets, leading to inflated prices. The settlement avoids the costs of a trial and compensates the class members.