Jeff Webb, a visionary entrepreneur who transformed cheerleading into a globally recognized sport and later became a prominent figure in conservative media, passed away on March 19, 2026, in Memphis, Tennessee, at the age of 76. Webb died from a severe head injury sustained after falling during a pickleball game; he was removed from life support after spending roughly two weeks in the hospital. Born in Dallas, Texas, on July 1, 1949, Webb dedicated his life to elevating cheerleading from a sideline activity into a highly athletic, competitive enterprise, leaving an indelible mark on countless athletes and coaches worldwide.

Webb's journey in cheerleading began during his time at the University of Oklahoma, where he served as a yell leader. This early passion led him to work full-time for Lawrence Herkimer's National Cheerleaders Association (NCA) in 1971, laying the groundwork for his future endeavors. In 1974, Webb founded the Universal Cheerleading Association (UCA) and Varsity Spirit, which would grow into a multibillion-dollar enterprise. Through Varsity Spirit, he revolutionized cheerleading by introducing educational camps, innovative uniform concepts, and the first national competitions, emphasizing athleticism and entertainment. His leadership propelled the activity into the mainstream, notably through a long-standing partnership that brought cheerleading broadcasts to ESPN.

Beyond domestic growth, Webb harbored a global vision for the sport. In 2004, he founded the International Cheer Union (ICU), serving as its president. Under his guidance, the ICU became the world governing body for cheerleading, expanding its reach to over 120 countries and advocating for the sport's international recognition. A crowning achievement of Webb's career came in 2021 when the ICU achieved full recognition by the International Olympic Committee. This milestone underscored his lifelong dedication to the development, safety, and global growth of cheerleading, solidifying its status as a legitimate sport on the world stage.

In his later years, Webb stepped down as chairman of Varsity to focus on the international expansion of cheerleading, while simultaneously building a second legacy as a prominent conservative political activist and media executive. He was the CEO and former owner of Human Events Media Group and acquired The Post Millennial in 2022, playing a major executive role in conservative independent media before selling the titles to John Solomon's Just the News in 2025. Webb was also a close, early mentor to Turning Point USA founder Charlie Kirk. His death sparked widespread media coverage highlighting this dual legacy, with major tributes released by Varsity Spirit, the International World Games Association, Turning Point USA, and conservative media figures including Jack Posobiec and John Solomon.

Outside of his professional career, Webb was a man of diverse talents and interests, known to be an avid outdoorsman, a pilot, an author, a publisher, and a guitar player. He brought the same inexhaustible energy to his family life as he did to his business ventures. Webb is survived by his wife, Gina; his children, Jeffery and Caroline; his siblings, Greg and Jenna; and two grandchildren. His legacy is one of relentless innovation and unwavering commitment, having built communities in both sports and media that will continue to inspire generations to come.