How Much Do NFL Cheerleaders Make?
Summary:
NFL cheerleaders, despite contributing to the vibrant spirit of the game, often face inadequate pay and challenging working conditions. With around $150 in earnings per game and limited job benefits, cheerleading’s financial landscape raises questions about fair compensation. This article covers the disparity in earnings among NFL cheerleaders, shedding light on the issues they encounter and legal developments that aim to improve their working conditions.
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The financial struggle of NFL cheerleaders
Cheerleading, a vital element of the NFL’s game-day experience, brings energy and excitement to fans. However, behind the spirited performances lies a concerning reality — the financial struggles NFL cheerleaders face. Despite their integral role, cheerleaders often earn little money while encountering a work environment with its fair share of drawbacks.
A closer look at what professional cheerleaders earn
Early career cheerleaders in the NFL receive a nominal payment of $150 per game and $50-$75 for public appearances. They may also receive hourly pay for practice and workout sessions, which totals around $22,000 annually. This minimal income, equivalent to entry-level, unskilled positions, raises questions about the fairness of compensation in a league that generates billions in revenue every year.
Experienced cheerleaders on high-profile squads, such as the Dallas Cowboys, enjoy higher pay, reaching around $500 per game and up to $75,000 annually. However, this is inconsistent across all teams, with the 49ers’ Gold Rush Girls making 51% more than the national average for experienced cheerleaders. In contrast, other cheerleading squads may only make the equivalent of minimum wage for what amounts to a highly skilled and demanding job.
What are the working conditions like for NFL cheerleaders?
While many part-time jobs or side hustles don’t generate much income, they also don’t usually come with a lengthy set of rules. NFL cheerleaders must follow a strict code of conduct on and off the field and adhere to numerous regulations dictated by each franchise.
For example, NFL cheerleaders may have weight restrictions or be required to remove piercings or cover-up tattoos on game days. In addition, they often have restrictions on what they can do in their private time and on social media, and none of them are allowed to have contact with the players. Some teams have even gone so far as to require cheerleaders to leave a location, like a restaurant, if an NFL player shows up.
Cheerleaders are also required to attend charity events, golf tournaments, and other public events and may have to sell calendars, raffle tickets, or other merchandise as part of their contract. In general, NFL cheerleaders are subject to a considerable amount of control even when they’re not working, points out Leslie Levy, an attorney who represented cheerleaders who sued the Jets and the Oakland Raiders.
“The club’s intention is to completely control the behavior of the women, even when they are not actually at their workplace,” said Levy in a New York Times article.
Workplace challenges and legal battles
The classification of cheerleaders as independent contractors, rather than employees, contributes to their challenging work environments. The classification of independent contractor denies them guaranteed benefits and bargaining rights in their contracts, leading to instances of wage theft and workplace misconduct. They may also have no recourse if they experience other issues such as workplace injuries and can’t perform on game days.
In response to these issues, former cheer squads, including the Oakland Raiders and Buffalo Bills cheer teams, filed class action lawsuits for wage theft. The cases triggered a chain reaction, prompting cheerleaders from other NFL teams to raise similar concerns. So far, many have succeeded in igniting change in the industry.
California, for example, took a step forward by designating cheerleading as its own sport and ensuring cheerleaders were employees. Thus, they are now eligible for worker protections like overtime, sick pay, and at least minimum wage. The Buffalo Bills decided to disband its cheer squad following a lawsuit by former cheerleaders, while other NFL clubs agreed to pay their squads backpay.
Is it worth it to become an NFL cheerleader?
For some women, becoming an NFL cheerleader may be a dream come true, and the money and rules might not be of significant concern. However, young women must be aware of the challenges they may face if they pursue this career path.
FAQs
How much do early-career NFL cheerleaders make?
Early career NFL cheerleaders generally earn around $150 per game and $50-75 for public appearances, plus hourly pay for workouts and practices.
Do all NFL teams pay cheerleaders the same amount?
It’s worth noting that there are significant disparities in pay across NFL teams. Some squads offer higher compensation, especially for experienced cheerleaders or those with high-profile teams like the Dallas Cowboys. Some teams may also provide additional pay to cheerleaders if the team makes it into the postseason.
How did legal actions impact the working conditions of NFL cheerleaders?
Legal actions, including class action lawsuits, prompted reforms in some states, like California, where cheerleading is now recognized as its own sport, ensuring employee status and associated protections.
Key takeaways
- NFL cheerleaders face low base pay, with significant disparities in earnings.
- Experienced cheerleaders on high-profile squads may earn higher salaries and bonuses.
- Legal actions have prompted reforms in some states, recognizing cheerleaders as employees with associated protections.
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