CROWNED ON THE GLOBAL STAGE: Indiana Pacers Cheerleaders Named World’s Best and Most Unified Athletic Program in Historic Recognition by ESPN, Netflix, and Guinness World Records
In a stunning moment that sent shockwaves of pride and jubilation through the sports world and beyond, the Indiana Pacers cheerleading squad has earned an unprecedented triple honor. On Tuesday morning, ESPN, in partnership with Netflix and Guinness World Records, officially crowned the Indiana Pacers Cheerleaders as the World’s Best and Most Unified Athletic Program, marking a historic milestone for not only cheerleading but for all of professional sports.
This recognition is not just about dazzling performances or electrifying halftime shows—it’s a celebration of resilience, cultural unity, unmatched discipline, and an unwavering commitment to excellence that transcends entertainment.
A GROUNDBREAKING ANNOUNCEMENT
The announcement came live on ESPN’s flagship morning show, First Take, where host Stephen A. Smith paused mid-discussion to deliver the emotional message.
> “This isn’t just about flips and pom-poms, folks. The Indiana Pacers cheerleaders have redefined what it means to be an athletic and cultural force. ESPN, Netflix, and Guinness World Records are proud to recognize them as the most elite and unified program of its kind in the world,” Smith said, visibly moved.
The declaration was followed by a two-minute tribute video, produced in collaboration with Netflix, showcasing never-before-seen footage of the team’s intense training regimens, community outreach efforts, and breathtaking live performances.
The announcement instantly went viral. Social media platforms lit up with the hashtag #PacersPride, and tributes poured in from athletes, celebrities, fans, and even international dance icons.
YEARS OF HARD WORK PAY OFF
The Indiana Pacers cheerleading team, often overshadowed by the big names on the basketball court, has been silently building a legacy for over a decade. Under the direction of head choreographer and athletic director Tracy “TJ” Lawson, the team embraced a philosophy that married athleticism with purpose.
> “We told ourselves we’d be more than just performers,” Lawson said in an emotional interview. “We wanted to be athletes, artists, activists, and ambassadors. This recognition shows that the world finally sees us that way too.
Every member of the squad undergoes rigorous training, from ballet and gymnastics to acrobatics, strength conditioning, and mental performance coaching. Their routines have evolved into cinematic spectacles that blend culture, storytelling, and explosive athletic feats. Their halftime show in January—honoring Martin Luther King Jr. with a combination of spoken word, modern jazz, and high-energy dance—was streamed over 11 million times on social platforms.
A UNIFIED FORCE LIKE NO OTHER
The term “unified” wasn’t just a buzzword attached to the award—it was the soul of the recognition.
According to the Guinness World Records committee, the Pacers cheerleaders scored a world-record high in diversity, inclusion, and global representation, with members from 13 different countries and 6 U.S. states, speaking a combined total of 14 languages.
One standout member, Larissa Mbatha, originally from Lagos, Nigeria, joined the squad in 2020 and has since risen to be one of its lead performers and international ambassadors.
> “I came to Indiana with a dream, not just to dance, but to belong somewhere,” Mbatha shared. “This team made me feel at home, and now we
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