You would agree that NBA cheerleaders are a significant part of the game because they keep the fans entertained between, during, and after the competition. It is only fair that the salary of NBA cheerleaders matches their value – right?
Whoever came up with the idea of cheerleading was a genius. There’s something about a group of female dancers performing choreographed moves on a basketball court that fits into the electric atmosphere of the arena.
Take a look at this video of the Miami Heat cheerleaders if you ever forget how much fun it is to watch NBA cheerleaders perform:
In recent years, there has been some debate on how well the NBA cheerleaders that bring so much joy to the game are compensated for their efforts.
In this article, we’ll provide you with all the information you need about the subject. This post will highlight the range of NBA cheerleaders’ salaries, see if they get paid well enough, analyze their payment structure, and determine their rates.
Also, we will reveal the top 10 highest reported NBA cheerleader salaries and what it takes to become one.
How Much do NBA Cheerleaders Earn?
Due to the high-energy performance on this job and its link to the NBA, one of the most profitable sports leagues globally, one would expect these cheerleaders to earn the big bucks.
The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics publishes broad wage data for dancers and choreographers, but those figures are not an NBA-specific cheerleader pay scale.
According to a 2017 ESPN report, the minimum salary for NBA cheerleaders was around $75 per game. And at the same time, the apex cheerleaders of popular teams were reported to earn about $150 for every match on average.
Reports on NFL cheerleader pay have also varied widely by team, experience, appearances, and local labor rules.
Salary Structure of NBA Cheerleaders?
As you may have guessed, the salary of NBA cheerleaders often works on a per-game basis. Historically, many have been classified as freelancers or independent contractors; hence, they may not enjoy the benefits and insurance that regular employees do, though policies can vary by team and state law.
Let’s break down their salary structure to find out how they get paid:
Practice Bonuses
This part of their payment plan is a bit uneven as different cheerleading teams have varying policies. However, many of them maintain a regular weekly practice schedule.
Some NBA cheerleaders reported that they were paid for practice sessions, which is as it should. In contrast, others don’t.
Also, some teams have been reported to pay roughly $30 to $50 per session.
Benefits
Being an NBA cheerleader may also come with special perks. Again, these benefits are dependent on the policies of individual teams across the league. Let’s take a brief rundown of some of the most common benefits:
- Some may earn additional pay for guest appearances during special events
- Travel expenses may be covered for teams that cheer in major NBA events
- Some cheerleaders may get free tickets and parking for games
- NBA teams that reach the playoffs may pay their cheerleaders more
Do NBA Cheerleaders Get Paid Enough?
If you recall, we established that reported NBA cheerleader pay has historically ranged between $75 and $150 per game.
Generally, it is pretty easy to get the misconception that these cheerleaders earn huge buck within the space of 3 – 6 hours. However, you would see that most of these cheerleaders feel underpaid when you take an in-depth look.
The moment you begin to consider everything that goes into the job (mental and physical efforts), you get to understand that it isn’t enough.
Another reason to fault NBA basketball teams is that they make so much money every season – NBA franchises generate hundreds of millions of dollars in average annual revenue.
The situation looks even messier when you remember that many of these cheerleaders have historically been classified as independent contractors, so they don’t get most worker’s benefits.
For example, NBA cheerleading independent contractors do not receive any health insurance or benefits.
This means that all the stress and damage to their bodies through exertion would get paid through their pockets, thereby shortening their salaries.
The Lauren Herington 2017 Controversy
In 2017, a three-year lawsuit between an NBA cheerleader and the Milwaukee Bucks ended. The pro-cheerleader, Lauren Herington, claimed Milwaukee Bucks failed to adhere to the law of the U.S.’s Fair Labor Standards Act.
She said she earned an hourly pay of less than $4.50 per hour for each game, which is considerably lower than the standard minimum wage. The lawsuit cost the Bucks $250,000 in a settlement, and Lauren herself reportedly got about $10,000 of that. The rest of the payoff went to her lawyers and some of her fellow dancers.
Generally, there are more cases of underpayment in the NBA cheerleading industry, but many of these women do not speak out about it. And some of those who file lawsuits against NBA teams and other leagues don’t end up succeeding.
Do NBA cheerleaders get paid well enough? Generally speaking, they don’t. But, there are some highly experienced and famous cheerleaders earning the big bucks.
Top 10 Highest Reported Cheerleader Salaries in the NBA
This section will reveal ten of the highest reported cheerleader salaries in the NBA. Because teams generally do not publicly post detailed dancer pay scales, the figures below should be read as commonly reported estimates rather than official payroll disclosures. Audition requirements, roster names, and pay policies can change by season.
1. New York Knicks City Dancers (reported estimate: $35,000 per annum)
These are the dancers of the famous New York Knicks basketballers, with the Knicks City Dancers brand dating back more than thirty years. These cheerleaders have been reported to earn about $650 for every game, with extra bonuses going as high as $2,000 during NBA playoffs.
2. Atlanta Hawks Dancers (reported estimate: $35,000 per annum)
The Atlanta Hawks Dancers are a group of performers doing choreographed routines to thrill fans. This team has been reported to earn roughly about $650 for every match. And their skills in high-performance dancing make them earn as much as they do.
3. LA Lakers Cheerleaders (reported estimate: $30,000 per annum)
The ever-famous LA Laker cheerleading squad makes a reported annual earning of about $30,000. This team of female dancers was started in 1979 by Jerry Buss after purchasing the Lakers. Roster sizes can change by season, and the squad has been reported to earn around $600 per game – potential $1,500 bonuses.
4. Boston Celtics Dancers (reported estimate: $30,000 per annum)
This cheerleading team is popularly known as the Boston Celtics Dancers. It is a high-energy performing team reported to earn about $600 per game. They perform tricking, acrobatics, and break dancing techniques.
5. Golden State Warriors Dance Team (reported estimate: $30,000 per annum)
The Golden State Warriors Dance Team is one of the NBA’s top reported earners, racking up $550 per game. They also have been reported to get a thousand-dollar bonus for their efforts. Their mostly hip-hop-themed routines at every GSW game certainly deserve the compensation.
6. Miami Heat Dancers (reported estimate: $28,000 per annum)
The Miami Heat Dancers is a group of energetic cheerleaders. This team of dancers performs mind-blowing stunts and professional acrobatics – earning them a reported amount of about $500 per game and $28,000 annually.
7. Toronto Raptors North Side Crew Dancers (reported estimate: $28,000 per annum)
This group consists of performers doing stunting choreographed dance. They have been reported to earn about $500 for every game they perform their acrobatic dancing moves.
8. Washington Wizards Dancers (reported estimate: $28,000 per annum)
This group of charismatic, energetic, and entertaining dancers has a strong connection with the fans. At every performing game by the Washington Wizards, this choreographed dance group has been reported to earn about $400.
9. Cleveland Cavaliers PowerHouse Dance Team (reported estimate: $28,000 per annum)
This dance group is of the Cleveland Cavaliers and is open to high-level performers. This group performs high-level tricks, tumbling, and dynamic choreography, earning them a reported amount of about $400 per game.
10. Indiana Pacers Pacemates (reported estimate: $28,000 per annum)
This is a group of highly professional dancers supporting the Indiana Pacers club. It initially started in 1967, known as the Marathon Scoreboard Girls. Today, the team’s professionalism has been reported to earn them about $400 per game and $1,000 in match bonuses.
What Determines the Rate of an NBA Cheerleader
NBA teams consider certain factors before setting the salaries of cheerleaders or hiring them as part of an elite team.
Experience
This is one of the most significant reasons you might earn more or less. As earlier stated, the more experienced NBA cheerleaders earn more than the newbie or supporting cheerleaders. Before getting hired into a team, your experience will serve as a factor; this allows them to rank you and place your pay grade properly.
Fitness and Presentation
Generally, NBA dance teams look for performers who can meet the physical demands of high-energy routines, rehearsals, appearances, and game-night performances. If you lack the stamina, flexibility, timing, or presentation the team requires, there is a high chance of you not getting the job.
The Teams’ Expenses
Aside from the employers wanting to match cheerleaders’ expertise to a certain salary, the team expenses are the top priority. They check how much the team makes, subtract every player’s salary, other expenses, and overall profit. Depending on the total profit the team incurs, cheerleaders get paid accordingly.
Dancing Expertise
Just like having experience, your ability to dance and make the right moves at the precise time plays a significant role in your salary rate. During the audition, you are usually well observed, and the judges place you in a category. Generally, they don’t always pay high, so a lazy or subpar dancer will be paid lower.
What it Takes to Become an NBA Cheerleader
Becoming an NBA cheerleader requires you to possess certain attributes. This section will focus on what it takes to become an NBA cheerleader.
Age Limit
Many NBA dance-team audition pages set the minimum age at eighteen, often with graduation, education, residency, or availability requirements. Some teams or special roles may set additional restrictions.
Fitness
To become an NBA cheerleader, you must be able to maintain the stamina, strength, and flexibility needed for rehearsals, appearances, and vigorous, high-performance dancing.
Dance Skills
The cheerleading team isn’t your dance school – although they would teach you moves to follow, you need to possess a certain level of dancing skills. However, most cheerleaders are dancers, and it is mainly part of the job requirement.
Excellent Showmanship
You must know how to communicate with the crowd. Don’t just dance to yourself; move along with the public and get fans excited.
Flexible Schedule
Mainly, NBA cheerleading will require regular weekly practice, plus games, appearances, auditions, and promotional events. You would need to have a flexible schedule to mix cheerleading with your regular day-to-day activities.
Also Read:
- NBA Coach Salary
- How Do NBA Players Get Paid?
- NBA Referee Salary
- How Much do Athletic Trainers Make in the NBA?
- What is the G League Salary?
- What is the NBA Floor Sweeper Salary?
Final Words
NBA cheerleading salary has for a long time been a touchy subject for too many dancers. The basketball teams that control them continue to assure dancers of their respect and high valuation of the art. However, words don’t seem to be enough.
There is every possibility of cases like Lauren Herington’s to repeat themselves. Nevertheless, the love for cheerleaders by the fans might cause team owners to reconsider salary rate in the near future.