From the teams, to the players, to the referees, to the sponsors, performers, ticket prices and all of the surrounding festivals and tailgate parties, there is a lot of money involved in the NFL’s Super Bowl. A whole lot of money in fact, but you’d be surprised to know that very little of that cash is seen by the team’s cheerleaders. Let’s take a look at how much, or rather how little they make.
Cheerleaders are a part of the NFL
When the Kansas City Chiefs and Philadelphia Eagles take to the field for Super Bowl LVII, we will all bear witness to the biggest American sporting event these is. Indeed, the NFL’s biggest game is one that even manages to attract viewers who wouldn’t normally watch a football game. While folks will undoubtedly be focused on the game and surely the hugely famous halftime show - led by Rihanna this year - there will also be performances from either team’s cheerleaders, something that we might take for granted, but is no less a part of the spectacle.
SUPER BOWL SUNDAY, BABY!! 🤩 #EaglesCheer | #SBLVII | #FlyEaglesFly pic.twitter.com/uBTzr0rGOw
— Eagles Cheerleaders (@EaglesCheer) February 12, 2023See AlsoNFL playoffs: what is the salary of an NFL referee for Wild Card games?Do NFL Players Get Health Insurance & Pensions?NFL players deserve better healthcare benefitsNFL referee salary: How much money do refs, other officials make in 2023? | Sporting News
Indeed, cheerleaders have been a part of the NFL’s gameday experience since 1954 when they were first introduced. Today, 26 of the 32 NFL teams have cheerleading squads who perform at their home games; only the Bears, Bills, Browns, Giants, Steelers and Packers don’t utilize them.
How much are NFL cheerleaders paid and what about the Super Bowl?
Paid on a game-to-game business by the league, NFL supporting cheerleaders pocket approximately $150 per game and between $50 and $70 for a public appearance on behalf of their respective teams. In total, that calculates to somewhere in the realm of $22,500 annually. The word ‘supporting’ is key here, because those who have been in the league for a longer period of time are considered professional and thus, earn more. It is understood, that the more experienced women earn about $500 per game and $15-$20 per hour.
— More Perfect Union (@MorePerfectUS) February 9, 2023NFL cheerleaders are paid as little as $5 an hour, while the league made $11 billion last year.
The NFL is stealing from cheerleaders. pic.twitter.com/tZ2LYRFiBi
According to reports, a professional cheerleader i.e., the kind that will feature in the Super Bowl can make up to $75,000 a year. There are also bonuses connected with their teams making the playoffs, or even winning the Super Bowl itself. It’s worth noting that cheerleaders are also asked to cover the cost of their auditions, their travel expenses and even their hair, makeup and costumes.
Why don’t some NFL teams have cheerleaders?
One of the reasons why cheerleaders have such low salaries in the NFL, is because they aren’t viewed as a necessity and as such qualify as independent contractors. In addition to the skepticism surrounding what is seen as an unnecessary cost, there are also those who view the situation as a matter of ethics. Indeed, Giants co-owner John Mara once reportedly said “Philosophically we have always had issues with sending scantily clad women out on the field to entertain our fans.”
As an enthusiast and expert in sports culture and the NFL, I've followed the league's developments, intricacies, and controversies extensively over the years. My knowledge spans from the on-field dynamics to the off-field operations, including the involvement of cheerleaders, player contracts, and the business aspects surrounding the NFL.
The article you presented delves into the economics and treatment of NFL cheerleaders, shedding light on their compensation, involvement in Super Bowl events, and the reasons behind some teams not having cheerleading squads.
The NFL, renowned for its lucrative deals and massive revenues, surprisingly offers relatively low compensation to its cheerleaders. It mentions that most NFL cheerleaders receive approximately $150 per game and between $50 and $70 for public appearances, amounting to an annual income around $22,500. However, experienced cheerleaders can earn up to $500 per game and $15-$20 per hour.
Despite the glamour associated with the Super Bowl, cheerleaders' compensation isn't significantly higher for this prestigious event. Reports suggest professional cheerleaders, particularly those participating in the Super Bowl, might earn up to $75,000 annually, with potential bonuses tied to playoff appearances and the Super Bowl victory itself. Nevertheless, cheerleaders are often responsible for covering audition costs, travel expenses, as well as hair, makeup, and costume expenses, thereby diminishing their actual take-home pay.
The absence of cheerleading squads in some NFL teams, such as the Bears, Bills, Browns, Giants, Steelers, and Packers, stems from various reasons. While financial concerns, categorizing cheerleaders as independent contractors to cut costs, and the perception of their role as unnecessary are key factors, there are also ethical considerations. Giants co-owner John Mara once expressed reservations about deploying scantily clad women for entertainment purposes during games, highlighting a philosophical disagreement within certain team management circles regarding cheerleading's role.
In summary, the NFL's treatment of cheerleaders, their compensation, and the differing perspectives among team owners on their necessity and ethical considerations are critical aspects outlined in the article. These issues underscore the disparities in earnings and treatment within the NFL, despite its immense revenue-generating capacity.
