The Economics of NFL Cheerleaders: What Are They Worth?

Sept. 11 (Bloomberg) –- When the Buffalo Bills play their home opening game, the team will be without its cheerleading squad -- the Buffalo Jills, for the first time since 1967. The squad has been suspended because some former cheerleaders are suing the team claiming wage theft. What does an NFL cheerleader cost? Bloomberg Businessweek's Ira Boudway looks at the math. (Source: Bloomberg)

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[adambutts]

He left out coaching staff, training staff, managers, security, front office and personnel, operations and crew, lawyers, scouts, equipment etc. The point is there is a whole laundry list of expenses in terms of running a football team. Not just the players.

[etmstMdg]

7 seconds on screen could potentially land someone a better job along the way...especially in NFL...but $2 an hour is a grossly underpaid job to have

[marvycmarvin]

create a solar powered 3D cheerleader instead? LoL

[Slickpete]

Cheerleaders only make good money when they marry football players

[jammyjt]

I'd quite happily pay them $8 an hour just to follow me round all day

[checksandbalances]

I don't agree with minimum wage, but $2/hr is tantamount to slavery.

[boxertest]

pay them the $8 per hour you can more than afford it 

[cosmosgato]

I'm -sliding into- *_siding with_* the cheerleaders :-)

[Lverty]

give them a pay rise!!! $60, 000 p/a at least per cheer leader!!! the owners are scumbags!

[Dragonfly]

I suspect that most women become cheerleaders for the status and because it may lead to something else.

[Slickpete]

Cheerleaders only make good money when they marry football players