We propose a Stackelberg game based cooperative user relay assisted load balancing (LB) scheme to tackle SNR degradation problem of shifted cell-edge users which commonly occurs in a conventional direct handover LB scheme. In the proposed scheme, users from a lightly loaded cell can be selected as cooperative user-relays and will be paid by the shifted cell-edge users. Stackelberg game theory is applied to optimize the strategies of both the user relays and shifted cell-edge users, in order to maximize both of their utilities in terms of SNR and payment. Theoretical analysis and simulation study are undertaken to show the effectiveness of the proposed scheme. © 1997-2012 IEEE.