Cheerleaders make a basketball game energetic and colorful, and some cheer squads have their own fan following. Cheerleaders have been an integral part of American sports for ages, and the Los Angeles Lakers are credited with introducing them to the NBA.
The Laker girls arrived in 1979, and Jerry Buss, who controlled the Lakers in that era, entrusted them with pioneering his ‘Showtime’ vision. Since then, most teams have incorporated that idea, apart from the San Antonio Spurs, who have a hype squad instead of dancers.
Here’s everything you need to know about how much NBA cheerleaders and dancers make.
How Much Do NBA Cheerleaders Earn?
Most cheerleaders keep their performance as a side hustle, with a few having permanent jobs elsewhere.
They practice daily fixed routines, maintain a healthy lifestyle, and rehearse their routines to put on a perfect show.
According to multiple sources, NBA cheerleaders make an average of $15,000 to $35,000 per year. The salary depends on the different franchises’ willingness to spend on entertainment, making an NBA game appealing to the audience.
Most are highly skilled dancers who train to entertain. They perform high-risk moves, such as a human pyramid. Of course, there are risk elements to it.
But there’s a lot of disparity between the franchises. The Lakers pay their cheerleaders an annual salary of $30,000, with other bonuses included. The Atlanta Hawks and New York Knicks pay their cheerleaders a handsome $35,000.
Conversely, the Chicago Bulls, Minnesota Timberwolves, Orlando Magic, Philadelphia 76ers, and Phoenix Suns pay them $15,000.
NBA teams play around 40-42 home games a season, and these cheerleaders get paid from $200 to $650 per game, depending on their franchises. With bonuses ranging from $700 to $2000, they have a tough job rehearsing and getting in shape to entertain the audience in attendance.
Moreover, NFL cheerleaders could get paid more than NBA cheerleaders. So, there are many complexities in the cheerleaders’ pay scale.
Thus, there are many discrepancies in paying cheerleaders, as it depends on various franchises.
Low Compensation for Cheerleaders Even With the Risks Involved
Despite all the high-flying stunts and death-defying leaps, cheerleaders are at risk, and injuries and hospitalizations have reportedly increased.
The number of injuries increased from 4,954 in 1980 to 26,786 in 2012. The higher the risks, the higher the reward, as these rewards have caused a lot to ponder.
There might be miscellaneous reasons, as they are independent contractors and may not receive any benefits. Most organizations consider it a part-time job or an extracurricular activity. Most cheerleaders jump onto the show from college as they could use some money and have fewer concerns regarding the benefits.
When the offseason arrives, most cheerleaders switch allegiances to other teams, as they can earn a steady income.
