How Cheerleaders Are Fighting Against Sexism & Pay Inequity Globally

Cheerleaders play a crucial role in creating an electrifying atmosphere during sports events, with their energetic performances and unwavering support for their team. They act as the face of their teams and are responsible for building a positive image for them. However, recent revelations have shed light on the financial challenges faced by cheerleaders in the NFL, with disparities in compensation being a major concern. Moreover, there have been incidents of voyeuristic photography targeting female cheerleaders in Japan, which have raised questions about the degree of intrusion and the impact on the dignity of these women, sparking important conversations about the treatment of cheerleaders and the need for greater protection and support for these performers.

Dancing in Peace: Unattainable Luxury for These Japanese Cheerleaders

Schools participating in the 96th high school invitational baseball tournament at Koshien Stadium are taking measures to protect cheerleading teams from camera voyeurism. One school has replaced cheerleaders' skirts with shorts. During the third game of the tournament on March 19, cheerleaders supporting Gunma Prefecture's Takasaki University of Health and Welfare High School team appeared in outfits featuring shorts instead of skirts.

The school decided to switch their outfits starting with this year's tournament to prevent any cases of camera voyeurism. During the previous invitational and the prefectural tournament last autumn, there were cases where images of cheerleaders were secretly captured without their consent. Teachers considered countermeasures, and following other schools' examples, they decided to go with new outfits featuring shorts, designed to match the school baseball team uniform.

Quite a few of the cheerleaders were surprised by the change, and some even expressed disappointment, saying they had liked the skirts. However, the cheerleading team's adviser, Yuriko Amemiya, reflected on their feelings, "Although they had probably wanted to wear their favourite outfits, the students didn't show it. I imagine they had gained confidence wearing those previous outfits, but they did a good job of accepting the change."

The Evolution of Cheerleading: From Entertainment to Advocacy

Cheerleading squads, introduced in 1954, have become integral to the gameday experience for 26 out of 32 NFL teams. However, shockingly, the Bears, Bills, Browns, Giants, Steelers, and Packers remain devoid of cheerleading squads. A TikTok video by Jessica Burbank exposing the pay disparity ignited a wave of discussions around the compensation of NFL cheerleaders.

NFL cheerleaders are paid as little as $5 an hour, while the league made $11 billion last year.

The NFL is stealing from cheerleaders. pic.twitter.com/tZ2LYRFiBi

— More Perfect Union (@MorePerfectUS) February 9, 2023

The Pay Disparity Revealed: Let's Break Down the Numbers

In a startling revelation, it has been disclosed that cheerleaders classified as "supporting" members receive a mere $150 per game and $50-$70 for public appearances, totalling an estimated annual income of $22,500. Those with more experience, deemed as professional cheerleaders, earn higher salaries, reaching approximately $500 per game and $15-$20 per hour.

The Cost of Passion: Cheerleaders Shoulder Expenses

Adding to the financial strain, cheerleaders are responsible for covering audition costs, travel expenses, as well as hair, makeup, and costume expenses. This financial burden, coupled with their classification as independent contractors, contributes to the prevailing scepticism surrounding their compensation.

Historically, NFL cheerleaders have fought for fair wages. In 2021, lawsuits against 10 out of 26 NFL teams, including the New York Jets, Buffalo Bills, Cincinnati Bengals, and Tampa Bay Buccaneers, addressed issues of wage theft, unsafe working conditions, sexual harassment, and discrimination. Settlements, such as the reported $825,000 for the Tampa Bay cheerleaders, marked a turning point in the ongoing battle for fair compensation.

Amidst the glitz and glamour, a stark contrast emerges when comparing cheerleader salaries to other roles in the NFL. While cheerleaders average $22,500 annually, waterboys earn $53,000 per year, and mascots make $25,000 per season.

Cheerleader Earnings vs. Players and Coaches

The financial divide becomes even more evident when examining cheerleader salaries in comparison to NFL players and coaches. While an NFL player averages about $2 million per season, head coaches can command salaries upwards of $7 million. The stark contrast prompts reflection on the disparities within the NFL's financial landscape.