5 Things Worth Knowing About NFL Cheerleader Compensation
The financial landscape of NFL cheerleading is fragmented, with pay structures that reflect each team’s priorities (and often, their misplaced ones). What follows are five critical realities about how much NFL cheerleaders earn—and why the numbers matter far beyond the bottom line.1. Base Pay Ranges from $50 to $150 Per Game
Most NFL cheerleaders earn between $50 and $150 per game, according to industry estimates. This figure doesn’t account for travel, uniforms, or the unpaid hours spent in rehearsals, conditioning sessions, or mandatory appearances. For context, a typical NFL game lasts three hours, but cheerleaders may arrive four hours early for makeup, hair, and warm-ups—meaning their effective hourly wage often dips below minimum wage in some states. Teams like the Dallas Cowboys and Atlanta Falcons have historically paid on the lower end of this spectrum, while others (such as the New Orleans Saints) have occasionally adjusted rates in response to criticism or union pressure. The inconsistency extends to seasonal contracts. Some squads perform only during the regular season (17 games), while others add preseason games, playoffs, and special events. A cheerleader’s total annual earnings can thus swing from $850 to $2,550—before factoring in deductions for uniforms, hair products, or travel. This variability underscores why how much money do cheerleaders make in the NFL is less a fixed answer and more a reflection of each team’s cost-cutting strategies.2. Deductions Can Halve Take-Home Pay
Cheerleaders rarely see the full amount listed on their pay stubs. Teams routinely deduct costs for uniforms, shoes, jewelry, and even hair and makeup products—items essential to their performance but not reimbursed in full. For example, a $100 game fee might be reduced by $30 for a new uniform or $20 for a pair of cleats, leaving the cheerleader with $50 for three hours of work. Some squads also charge for travel expenses, even when the team provides transportation. These deductions create a financial Catch-22: cheerleaders must spend money to earn money, often dipping into personal savings or side jobs to break even. The lack of transparency around deductions has fueled class-action lawsuits. In 2016, former Dallas Cowboys cheerleaders sued the team over unpaid wages, alleging violations of the Fair Labor Standards Act. While the case was settled confidentially, it exposed how how much money do cheerleaders make in the NFL is a moving target—one where the true take-home pay is often obscured by fine print.3. Some Teams Offer "Perks" That Aren’t Perks
A few NFL teams have attempted to soften the blow of low pay by offering "benefits" like free gym memberships, discounts on merchandise, or appearances at charity events. These perks are rarely monetary, however, and often come with strings attached—such as mandatory participation in promotional events outside of game days. The New York Giants, for instance, have provided cheerleaders with free fitness classes, but these don’t compensate for the lack of livable wages. Meanwhile, teams like the Green Bay Packers have experimented with small stipends for additional duties (e.g., social media content), though these remain exceptions rather than the rule. The framing of these "perks" as compensation is a classic example of how much money do cheerleaders make in the NFL being less about cash and more about control. Teams use non-monetary incentives to maintain loyalty while avoiding labor costs, reinforcing the idea that cheerleading is a hobby rather than a profession.4. Unionization Efforts Have Made Slow Progress
In 2019, the NFL Players Association (NFLPA) began exploring whether cheerleaders could join the union, a move that could force teams to negotiate wages and benefits collectively. The push gained momentum after reports revealed that some squads paid cheerleaders as little as $15 per game in the early 2010s. However, progress has stalled due to legal hurdles and resistance from team owners, who argue that cheerleaders are independent contractors rather than employees. Without union protection, individual cheerleaders have little leverage to demand fair pay or challenge exploitative practices. The NFL’s refusal to classify cheerleaders as employees—despite their year-round commitments—highlights the broader issue of how much money do cheerleaders make in the NFL being tied to their legal status. If classified as employees, they’d be eligible for overtime, workers’ compensation, and minimum wage protections. Until then, their earnings remain at the mercy of team budgets and public scrutiny.5. A Handful of Cheerleaders Have Broken the Mold
While the majority of NFL cheerleaders earn modest sums, a tiny fraction have leveraged their platform into higher-paying opportunities. Some transition into coaching, choreography, or sports media, where their experience on the sidelines becomes an asset. Others capitalize on social media, monetizing their personal brands through sponsorships or merchandise. For example, former Dallas Cowboys cheerleader Nicole "Snooki" Polizzi (yes, the Jersey Shore star) has built a multimillion-dollar empire, though her success is the exception, not the rule. Even within the NFL, a few cheerleaders have negotiated better deals. The New England Patriots, for instance, reportedly increased pay to $125 per game in recent years after backlash over low wages. Yet these adjustments are rare and often temporary. The reality remains that how much money do cheerleaders make in the NFL is still a fraction of what their male counterparts earn—even when accounting for the vastly different physical and financial stakes of their roles.
How These Facts Connect
The numbers behind how much money do cheerleaders make in the NFL tell a story of systemic undervaluation. Cheerleading is treated as an extension of team branding rather than a skilled profession, despite requiring the same discipline, teamwork, and physical conditioning as any athletic role. The low pay isn’t accidental; it’s a deliberate choice by teams to minimize costs while maximizing visibility. When cheerleaders are paid poorly, it reinforces the idea that their work is secondary to the game itself—a hierarchy that extends to how they’re perceived by fans, media, and even other athletes. The lack of unionization and the opacity of pay structures further entrench this disparity. Without collective bargaining, individual cheerleaders have no recourse when teams cut wages or impose unfair deductions. The few who succeed in breaking out of the system do so through side hustles or public pressure, not through systemic change. This creates a vicious cycle: low pay discourages talented women from pursuing cheerleading as a career, ensuring the pool of applicants remains shallow and the bargaining power of the squad weak.| Key Fact | Impact on Earnings | Industry Response |
|---|---|---|
| Base pay per game: $50–$150 | Annual earnings rarely exceed $2,500 | Teams classify as "expense," not labor cost |
| Deductions for uniforms, travel, etc. | Effective wage often below minimum wage | No federal oversight; state laws vary |
| Unionization efforts stalled | No collective bargaining for fair wages | NFLPA explores legal pathways; teams resist |
Conclusion
The question of how much money do cheerleaders make in the NFL isn’t just about cents per game—it’s about the culture that allows such disparities to persist. Cheerleading in the NFL operates in a gray area, neither fully athletic nor purely entertainment, and thus escapes the scrutiny given to other professional roles. Until teams recognize cheerleaders as employees worthy of fair compensation, the answer to how much NFL cheerleaders earn will remain a reflection of their expendable status. Change is possible, but it requires pressure from fans, media, and even players. When the Dallas Cowboys’ cheerleaders sued for unpaid wages, it wasn’t just about money—it was about forcing the league to acknowledge that sideline performers are workers, not accessories. The next step is unionization, transparency, and a cultural shift that values cheerleading as the high-stakes performance it is. Until then, the numbers will keep telling the same story: glamour on the outside, exploitation on the inside.Comprehensive FAQs
Q: Are NFL cheerleaders considered employees?
Legally, most NFL cheerleaders are classified as independent contractors, which exempts teams from paying benefits, overtime, or minimum wage. However, lawsuits (like the 2016 Dallas Cowboys case) argue that their year-round commitments and team-controlled schedules meet the definition of employment under labor laws. The NFLPA has shown interest in unionizing cheerleaders, but progress depends on legal battles and team cooperation.
Q: Do any NFL teams pay cheerleaders a livable wage?
No team pays cheerleaders enough to live on their earnings alone. Even at the higher end ($150 per game), annual pay maxes out around $2,550—far below a livable income. Some teams (e.g., New England Patriots) have increased rates slightly in response to criticism, but these adjustments are rare and often reversible. The closest to "livable" would be cheerleaders who supplement income with side gigs, sponsorships, or post-cheerleading careers.
Q: Why don’t cheerleaders unionize like NFL players?
Unionization is complex for cheerleaders due to legal hurdles and team resistance. The NFLPA has explored organizing efforts, but cheerleaders lack the same collective power as players. Teams argue that cheerleading is entertainment, not labor, making it harder to classify them as employees under federal law. Additionally, cheerleaders often sign contracts waiving rights to sue the team, further complicating collective action.
Q: Have there been lawsuits over cheerleader pay?
Yes. The most notable case was filed in 2016 by former Dallas Cowboys cheerleaders, who alleged unpaid wages and violations of the Fair Labor Standards Act. The lawsuit was settled confidentially, but it exposed how how much money do cheerleaders make in the NFL is often below minimum wage after deductions. Other squads (e.g., Atlanta Falcons) have faced similar claims, though most cases are settled out of court to avoid negative publicity.
Q: Can cheerleaders make money outside the NFL?
Some do. Successful cheerleaders leverage their platform for sponsorships, social media, or post-cheerleading careers in coaching, choreography, or sports media. For example, former NFL cheerleaders have become fitness influencers, personal trainers, or even coaches for other squads. However, these opportunities require self-promotion and often a strong personal brand—something not all cheerleaders pursue or can afford to develop.
