Super Bowl cheerleaders: Guess how much they earn

As the Kansas City Chiefs and Philadelphia Eagles gear up for the 2025 Super Bowl, don’t forget the cheerleaders who bring the energy to the game! They may be front and center on the sidelines, but how much do these cheerleaders actually make? Spoiler alert: It’s not as much as you might think.

Cheerleaders are a vital part of the NFL gameday experience. They ignite the crowd, fuel the atmosphere, and bring excitement. But beyond the glitz and glam of the field, these athletes are working hard for far less than expected. Let’s dive into the numbers.

The role of cheerleaders in the NFL

Cheerleaders aren’t just there for show. They serve as the face of their teams, building excitement and loyalty among fans. They show off their athleticism and charm, promoting the team’s brand and the sport itself. Yet, despite their important role, their paychecks often don’t reflect the value they bring to the game.

NFL cheerleaders’ pay: Not as ig as you think

So, how much do these cheerleaders really make? While their performances at the Super Bowl might seem glamorous, the pay doesn’t match up to the spotlight. On average, cheerleaders in the NFL make about $150 per game. Add in public appearances, and they can earn an extra $50 to $70 per session. That totals roughly $22,500 annually.

For those who have been in the game longer, the pay goes up. Veteran cheerleaders, considered “professionals,” can make $500 per game and $15-$20 per hour for additional appearances. If they’re really lucky and perform at the Super Bowl, they can pull in as much as $75,000 per year. However, that’s before expenses.

The costs cheerleaders face

But wait—before you think these cheerleaders are raking in cash, remember that they foot a lot of their own bills. Cheerleaders have to pay for their auditions, travel costs, and expenses for hair, makeup, and costumes. In the end, their take-home pay is often much less than you’d expect.

Why the pay is so low

Why do NFL cheerleaders earn so little? A big reason is their classification as independent contractors. Teams view cheerleaders as an “extra” rather than a necessary part of the game. This perception drives their lower pay and raises ethical concerns about the fairness of their compensation. After all, these athletes put in the work, but don’t always get the recognition—or the paycheck—to match.

Who are the cheerleaders for the 2025 Super Bowl?

The cheerleaders for the 2025 Super Bowl are from both the Kansas City Chiefs and Philadelphia Eagles. Let’s meet them!

The Philadelphia Eagles squad includes: Chelsea, Gracie, Tamia, Megan, Alexa, Arielle, Ashley, Cali, Cassidy, Caitlyn, Cassie, Deanna, Deja, Elana, Erin, Francesca, Hanna, James, Jenny, Kelly, Kiki, Lexi, Lucia, Makenna, Marissa, Mieka, Mya, Riley, Rylee, Samantha, and Taylor.

The Kansas City Chiefs cheerleaders include: Katie, Ashton, Grace, Jordan, Morgan, Ari, Cassidy, Gracie, Raegan, Sadie, Samantha, Carly, Davanna, Hailey, Jadyn, Josi, Josie (yes, two Josies!), Maddie, Marlee, Noell, Taylor, Daisia, Darian, Gabby, Hannah, Irene, Laney, Mackenzie, Macy, Madelyn, Millie, Paige, and Ryleekate.

These athletes bring a lot of spirit to the field, but their paychecks don’t always reflect their hard work.

It’s clear that NFL cheerleaders deserve more recognition—not just in terms of fame, but also in pay. While their impact on the game is undeniable, it’s unfortunate that their compensation doesn’t match their efforts. With the spotlight on the Super Bowl, let’s hope these talented cheerleaders get the attention—and the pay—they truly deserve.