Are NFL Cheerleaders Paid?

We all know that professional athletes are paid handsomely for their skills on the field. But what about the women who cheer them on from the sidelines? Are NFL cheerleaders paid?

Introduction

The National Football League (NFL) is a professional American football league consisting of 32 teams, divided equally between the National Football Conference (NFC) and the American Football Conference (AFC). The NFL is one of the four major North American professional sports leagues, the highest professional level of American football in the world.

NFL cheerleaders are the most visible representatives of the teams they cheer for and are often seen as ambassadors for their respective franchises. Despite their high-profile position, it is unclear whether NFL cheerleaders are actually paid for their work. It has been reported that some cheerleaders make as little as $75 per game, while others may make a few hundred dollars per game or more. There is also a wide range of benefits and perks that come with being an NFL cheerleader, such as free tickets to games, free travel, and access to exclusive events.

What Do NFL Cheerleaders Do?

Contrary to popular belief, NFL cheerleaders are not paid to just stand on the sidelines and look pretty. In fact, they have a very important job to do. They are responsible for leading the crowd in chants and cheers, and they also help to keep the energy level up throughout the game.

NFL cheerleaders are also responsible for performing at halftime shows and other special events. They may also be asked to make appearances at promotional events or charity functions. NFL cheerleaders typically work 18-20 hours per week, and they are paid an hourly wage.

So, now that you know what NFL cheerleaders do, you’re probably wondering how much they get paid. Unfortunately, the answer is not as straightforward as you might think.

How Much Do NFL Cheerleaders Make?

NFL cheerleaders make an average of $150 per game and $50-$100 per appearance, according to a report by Forbes. That might sound like a nice chunk of change, but when you factor in the hours of practice and the costs of paying for uniforms and travel expenses, most cheerleaders are actually living below the poverty line.

The New York Times reported in 2014 that some NFL teams required their cheerleaders to sign contracts stating they would not pursue legal action against the team if they were injured while working. Cheerleaders have also been required to agree to stay within a certain weight range, and have been fired if they did not meet those standards.

In some cases, NFL teams have even been accused of wage theft, sending cheerleaders home early from events where they had already been paid to appear. In February 2018, five former NFL cheerleaders filed a class-action lawsuit against the NFL accusing the league of “maintaining a work environment that is hostile to women.”

How Do NFL Cheerleaders Get Paid?

NFL cheerleaders are considered to be independent contractors and are not paid an hourly wage. Instead, they are paid a fixed fee for each game or appearance. According to a 2013 New York Times report, the average salary for an NFL cheerleader was $150 per game.

The report also found that cheerleaders were required to pay for their own uniforms and travel expenses to and from games. Additionally, they often had to pay for their own beauty services, such as hair and makeup.

Conclusion

In conclusion, NFL cheerleaders are not paid very well. They make an hourly wage that is significantly lower than minimum wage, and they are not paid for the many hours they spend practicing and attending events. However, they do receive some perks, such as free tickets to games and access to VIP events. Overall, though, NFL cheerleaders are not fairly compensated for their time and effort.