Green Bay, Wisconsin – March 2026 – For nearly four decades, Lambeau Field has been defined by tradition, defensive strength, and a football-first identity – not by pom-poms or sideline choreography.
However, according to sources close to the organization, the Green Bay Packers are exploring plans to bring back an official cheerleading squad for the first time in 38 years, with the goal of reenergizing the team's image and reconnecting with fans in a new era.
The history of the cheerleading squad in Green Bay dates back to 1931, when the Packers were one of the first NFL teams to use cheerleaders. Initially, the cheerleading squad consisted of students from local high schools such as Green Bay East and West High Schools. This was one of the first NFL teams to use cheerleaders to support the team.
From the 1950s to 1986, the Packers had several professional cheerleading squads with different names, including Packerettes (1950 and 1973–1977), Golden Girls (1961–1972), and Sideliners (1977–1986). Over more than 57 years of operation, the squad performed at Lambeau Field during home games, bringing an energetic atmosphere to Packers' matches.
However, in 1988, the Packers officially disbanded their professional cheerleading squad due to organizational and budgetary reasons. Since then, the Green Bay Packers have not had an official cheerleading squad, becoming one of the few NFL teams without a professional cheerleading squad.
Currently, instead of an official cheerleading squad, the Packers invite student cheerleaders from two local universities: the University of Wisconsin-Green Bay (UWGB), which has both male and female cheerleaders, and St. Norbert College (all female). These groups only appear at select home games to cheer and create atmosphere, but they are not the official cheerleading squad of the Packers.
Though there has been no official cheerleading squad for nearly four decades, discussions about reintroducing a squad have begun to surface in recent years, especially as the NFL has increasingly focused on fan engagement and presentation.
Now, with the NFL's shift in how they present and connect with fans, Packers leadership is reportedly discussing whether a modernized cheerleading program could complement the team's identity without undermining its football-first philosophy.
If this decision moves forward, the Packers would join the majority of NFL teams today in using cheerleading squads as ambassadors for both entertainment and community engagement.
Currently, discussions remain in the early stages, and no formal announcement has been made by the team. However, whether or not the cheerleading squad returns, the core identity of the Green Bay Packers will always be shaped by tradition, defense, and history.
After 38 years without cheerleading, the possibility of blending legacy with a modern approach could mark a significant new chapter in one of the NFL's most storied franchises.