Jeff Webb, an influential entrepreneur widely recognized for revolutionizing cheerleading into a competitive, athletic sport, has died at the age of 76. His passing on March 20, 2026, followed a fall he sustained while playing pickleball, which resulted in severe head trauma. His family ultimately made the decision to remove him from life support, according to reports.
Varsity Spirit, the largest cheerleading organization in the United States, confirmed Webb’s death through an official Instagram post. A spokesperson for Varsity Brands, a sportswear company co-founded by Webb, also confirmed his passing and underscored his lasting influence on the sport he helped shape. Webb's vision transformed cheerleading from sideline support into a demanding athletic endeavor with structured competitions, national championships, and a dedicated infrastructure. He is often credited with establishing the framework for modern competitive cheerleading, impacting countless young athletes globally through his various ventures.
Beyond his profound impact on the athletic world, Webb also carved out a significant niche in conservative media. He served as co-publisher and senior news editor of Human Events, a long-standing conservative publication with a history dating back to 1944. In 2022, he acquired The Post Millennial, an online news outlet based in Canada that focuses on a conservative perspective. These ventures positioned him as a key figure in the independent media landscape, aiming to provide platforms for conservative voices and perspectives in an evolving digital environment. In 2025, Webb sold both Human Events and The Post Millennial to John Solomon, founder of Just the News, who is known as an ally of President Donald Trump.
Following Webb’s death, tributes poured in from various figures within conservative media and organizations. John Solomon released a statement, saying, “Jeff was a brilliant businessman and entrepreneur and a joyful warrior who made everyone around him better. He had a passion for ensuring America’s next generations could carry on the torch of liberty, whether through the creation of the Varsity franchise or through his friendship with Charlie Kirk. He will be sorely missed.” Solomon highlighted Webb's dedication to both business innovation and conservative principles.
Jack Posobiec, senior editor at Human Events, also offered remarks on Webb’s contributions to the media landscape. “Jeff was a visionary New Media leader who dreamed big and took action. He believed in the promise of New Media and took a chance on Human Events and The Post Millennial after discussions with Charlie Kirk. Jeff’s pivotal contributions to independent media will go down in American history. I will be forever proud to say I worked for him,” Posobiec stated, emphasizing Webb's foresight in the digital media space.
Webb was also closely associated with Charlie Kirk, the co-founder of Turning Point USA, a prominent conservative youth organization. Turning Point USA released a statement remembering Webb as “a visionary who helped shape generations of young leaders and believed deeply in the power of community and country,” further describing him as “a dear friend to Turning Point USA and Charlie.” The organization accompanied its tribute with a nine-minute video celebrating Webb’s life and legacy, underscoring his role in fostering conservative youth engagement.
Webb’s career was not without its critics, particularly concerning his dominant position in the cheerleading industry. The New York Times previously quoted some as referring to him as “John D. Rockefeller with glitter” and the “Dark Sith Lord,” referencing his significant influence and market control. In response to such characterizations, Webb told the paper that his motivations were not primarily driven by wealth, but rather by "discipline and keeping score." Despite his emphasis on discipline and achievement, media reports indicated a lifestyle that included significant assets, such as a yacht in Florida, a private jet he reportedly dubbed “Cheer Force One,” and a duck-hunting estate located in Arkansas, reflecting the financial success of his ventures.
His passing marks the end of a career that spanned multiple influential domains, leaving a lasting impact on both the athletic development of cheerleading and the evolving landscape of conservative media. Webb's legacy is characterized by his entrepreneurial drive and his commitment to fostering specific visions, whether in the realm of competitive sports or in the sphere of public discourse and political commentary. His dual influence shaped industries and movements, leaving behind a complex and multifaceted record.
