Ever watch those dazzling NBA cheerleaders and wonder, “Wow, they make it look so easy!”? I know I have. They bring so much energy and excitement to the game, it’s hard not to be impressed. But, really: how much do NBA cheerleaders make? It’s a question I’ve been curious about, and I’m sure you are too. So, let’s get into the world of NBA cheerleader salaries, where the paychecks aren’t quite as flashy as the routines.
The Game Day Grind: What’s the Per Game Pay?
Okay, so here’s the scoop. NBA cheerleaders do get paid, but it’s not exactly the same ballpark figures as the players. Think more along the lines of a few hundred dollars per game. Specifically, the range is typically between $150 and $650 per game.
Now, I know what you’re thinking: that’s quite a spread. And you’re right, it is. For example, the New York Knicks’ Knicks City Dancers are reported to earn $650 per game, while the Los Angeles Clippers’ Clippers Spirit dancers receive $150.
Other teams fall in between, with the Los Angeles Lakers’ Laker Girls and the Boston Celtics Dance Team both earning around $600 per game. Even the Chicago Bulls’ Luvabulls, while on the lower end, still manage around $200 per game.
So, where a cheerleader works drastically changes how much they make per game.
Annual Earnings: A Dozen Times More!
Now, let’s talk about the yearly haul. Those per-game earnings add up, but the annual salary can vary quite a bit.
- Top Earners:
- Now, let’s talk about the yearly haul. Those per-game earnings add up, but the annual salary can vary quite a bit. For instance, if you’re cheering for a team like the Knicks, you could be looking at around $35,000 a year, especially with those bonuses of up to $2,000.
- Similarly, the Lakers and Celtics, with their $600 per game pay and $1,500 bonuses, also result in an estimated $30,000 annual salary.
- Other Teams:
- For teams that pay less per game, like the Bulls, the annual salary might be closer to $15,000 or even lower. Some teams’ salaries fall around the $11,500 mark.
It’s a pretty big difference, right? I mean, I’d definitely prefer the $35,000 gig!
Cheerleaders ready to roll!
Beyond Game Day: Extra Income Opportunities
But wait, there’s more! NBA cheerleaders often have opportunities to earn extra cash beyond the regular game day appearances.
- Special Events:
- And it’s worth noting that some teams, like the Atlanta Hawks, don’t even treat cheerleading as a full-time job. The ATL Dancers are paid a nominal fee for games and rehearsals, and they’re expected to have other jobs or be students. Talk about a side hustle!
- These gigs can pay anywhere from $50 to $100 per event, which can add up to a nice little bonus.
- Practice Sessions:
- Cheerleaders also get compensated for their practice time, typically around $30 per session. That’s good because they put in a lot of hours perfecting those routines!
The Hidden Costs: It’s Not All Glamour
Now, here’s where things get a bit less sparkly. Being an NBA cheerleader isn’t all fun and games. There are some significant financial challenges.
- Out-of-Pocket Expenses:
- Cheerleaders often have to cover their own expenses, like uniforms, travel costs, and training fees.
- These costs can easily add up to over $1,000 per season. Ouch!
- Lack of Benefits:
- Many cheerleaders don’t receive benefits like health insurance or retirement plans.
- This is a big deal, and it means many cheerleaders have to hold down other jobs or find other sources of income.
- Independent Contractor Status:
- Many cheerleaders are classified as independent contractors, which complicates their access to fair wages and benefits.
It’s a tough gig when you think about it. Imagine having to pay for your own uniform and travel and not even having health insurance!
The Evolution of Pay: Small Steps Forward
There’s been some progress over the years, thankfully. Some of that progress is due to legal action.
- Lawsuits and Improvements:
- Lawsuits filed by former cheerleaders have helped to bring attention to the issue of low pay.
- This has led to some improvements in compensation, but there’s still a long way to go.
Perks of the Job: It’s Not All About the Money
Despite the financial challenges, there are some perks to being an NBA cheerleader.
- Free Gym Access:
- Cheerleaders often get free access to gym facilities.
- Game Tickets:
- They might get free game tickets.
- Spot Treatments:
- They might get spot treatments.
- Paid Travel Expenses:
- Sometimes travel expenses are paid.
- Career Opportunities:
- They might get opportunities for modeling, public speaking, and other roles.
These perks are definitely a nice bonus, and I can see how they would add to the overall job satisfaction.
The Big Picture: Financial Disparities
At the end of the day, it’s clear that there’s a huge financial disparity between NBA cheerleaders and the players they cheer for.
- Significant Gap:
- While players earn millions, cheerleaders earn significantly less, even though they play a crucial role in the game day experience.
- Even the ball boys and water boys sometimes make more than the cheerleaders.
It’s a bit of a head-scratcher, isn’t it? I mean, they bring so much to the game!
The Passion That Drives Them
Despite the challenges, many women are drawn to the role of NBA cheerleader because of their passion for dance and performance.
- Love for the Game:
- The love for the sport and the thrill of performing in front of thousands of fans are major motivators.
And honestly, I get it. The energy and excitement must be incredible.
So, there you have it. The real deal on NBA cheerleader salaries. It’s a mix of glamour and hard work, with a paycheck that doesn’t quite match the sparkle. But hey, at least they’re bringing the energy!
