Be it on TV or in person, an integral part of enjoying the NBA (National Basketball Association) games as a fan is watching the dancers take the stage during half-times and time-outs. They bring some much-needed relief from the tension of the games and infuse a whole lot of fun into the atmosphere.
While getting to dance in front of millions might sound enchanting, it is a job just like any other. And when you think of it that way, you begin to wonder just how much do they make?
It’s Not All About the Money. Or Is It?
The first thing you need to know is that NBA dancers and cheerleaders are not full-time employees; they are independent contractors. This means that they do not receive an annual salary.
Instead, they get paid a certain amount per dance, which is surprising, considering the fact that their job requires them to be highly skilled, stay fit all year round, practice their routines diligently, and comes with a high risk of injury.
When they are not dancing for your favorite basketball teams, they are often at their full-time day jobs. Take Jenn, 55, for example, who is part of the Hardwood Classics team, who are the dancers for the Golden State Warriors. When she is not putting on the moves on the court, she is a healthcare worker.
While the amount that NBA dancers make depends on the team they work for, their average payments range from $200 to $650 per game. NBA teams typically play between 40 and 42 games each season. If you do the math, the dancers make around $8,000 to $27,300 per year. In addition to this, the dancers also receive bonuses, which can range from $700 to $2,000.
The general consensus is that the more popular the NBA team, the better their dancers get paid. Here is an overview of how much do NBA dancers make according to each team:
New York Knicks:
- $650 per match
- $2,000 in bonuses
Atlanta Hawks:
- $650 per match
- $2,000 in bonuses
Boston Celtics:
- $6o0 per match
- $1,500 in bonuses
Los Angeles Lakers:
- $600 per match
- $1,500 in bonuses
Golden State Warriors:
- $550 per match
- $1,000 in bonuses
Miami Heat:
- $500 per match
- $1,500 in bonuses
Toronto Raptors:
- $500 per match
- $1,000 in bonuses
Washington Wizards:
- $400 per match
- $1,500 in bonuses
Cleveland Cavaliers:
- $400 per match
- $1,000 in bonuses
Indiana Pacers:
- $400 per match
- $1,000 in bonuses
Memphis Grizzlies:
- $350 per match
- $800 in bonuses
Los Angeles Clippers:
- $350 per match
- $900 in bonuses
Milwaukee Bucks:
- $350 per match
- $1,000 in bonuses
Oklahoma City Thunder:
- $250 per match
- $800 in bonuses
Pheonix Suns:
- $200 per match
- $700 in bonuses
Philadelphia 76ers:
- $200 per match
- $700 in bonuses
Orlando Magic:
- $200 per match
- $700 in bonuses
Chicago Bulls:
- $200 per match
- $700 in bonuses
Minnesota Timberwolves:
- $200 per match
- $700 in bonuses
It is worth noting that dancers and cheerleaders are also required to attend charity events, international team appearances, and any other functions that the NBA teams take part in. Again, the payment for this depends on the NBA teams the cheerleaders dance for. Some teams get paid for their practice sessions, while other teams do not. Teams that reach the play-offs often tend to pay their dancers more than teams that do not.
Despite the low pay, being an NBA cheerleader has a few perks. For starters, they get free parking and tickets for all the games. If the NBA team plays in the All-star game, the dancers’ travel expenses are completely covered. If the dancers have guest appearances during special events, they get paid a separate fee for that, although it is very low at $50.
Sponsorship dollars in the NBA have surged in recent years, and it is not just sneaker brands and energy drinks driving the numbers. iGaming companies, in particular, have made aggressive moves into sports partnerships, locking in courtside signage, halftime sponsorships, and even branded jersey patches. With the money flowing in from these high-growth industries, including names regularly tracked on the CasinoSeeker platform, it becomes even harder to justify why dancers, integral to the in-game experience, continue to be among the lowest paid.
These partnerships spotlight just how valuable the NBA’s entertainment ecosystem really is. And yet, the financial appreciation doesn’t seem to extend to the performers energizing crowds between quarters. It raises an uncomfortable question: if the league can attract multi-million dollar deals from sectors booming in visibility and profit, why are the people keeping the energy alive during breaks still working for less than a living wage?
Lauren Herington vs. The Milwaukee Bucks
Herington v. Milwaukee Bucks is a famous lawsuit that brought the issue of underpaid NBA dancers to light. In 2013, Lauren, 19, was selected as a dancer with the Milwaukee Bucks. But it was only after she completed her cheerleader training that her actual pay was disclosed: $30 for practice sessions, $65 per home game, and $50 per public appearance that could range anywhere from 30 minutes to 4 hours. Considering that she worked 30 to 40 hours per week, her pay came out to a measly $3.50 to $4.50 per hour! Any overtime was not paid for at all. She ultimately had to take up two more part-time jobs to be able to support herself.
Lauren further elaborated just what being an NBA dancer entailed: 15-20 hours of fitness sessions each week, 5-10 hours of practice every week, public appearances, and the games themselves for which they had to arrive 2.5 hours before the start time. Each dancer had to memorize around 40-50 dance routines each season. Then, there were the hours they had to spend in spas and tanning salons to make sure their appearances were in line with the high standards set by the NBA. She mentions seeing the words “part-time job with a full-time commitment” on her contract, which explains her situation perfectly.
The Milwaukee Bucks eventually decided to settle the lawsuit for $250,000, which were split amongst the 40 dancers in the cheerleading team. Lauren ended up receiving about $10,000 after the lawyers were paid and the rest of the dancers received their share.
While things have certainly improved a bit since Lauren’s cheerleading time in 2013, the pay still does not reflect the commitment that the NBA expects from its dancers. We can only hope that fairer wages are on the near horizon because it is not like the NBA cannot afford it.
There you have it! The scoop on how much NBA dancers actually make. Now, the next time you hear someone say, “Dancing for the NBA? What a dream!” you can correct them with the above-mentioned salary stats.
