Lexie HammesfahrNFL and NBA cheerleaders are, well, cheering for a former Milwaukee Bucks dancer who is suing the NBA franchise for its flat-rate pay system for dancers. (Video via Milwaukee Bucks)
This lawsuit is the most recent legal battle professional sports leagues are facing for the insanely low pay for cheerleaders and dancers. The lawyer in the suit against the Bucks said minimum wage in Wisconsin is $7.25 an hour, yet dance team members can earn as little as $3.
This isn't just happening in Wisconsin. The Atlantic reports San Diego Chargers cheerleaders earn a measly $75 per home game. And Baltimore Ravens cheerleaders receive $100 for each of the 10 mandatory home-game appearances.
When you take into consideration the time dancers put in with rehearsals, promotional appearances, games and team functions — it's an absurdly low rate.
And while that might not seem like a huge commitment, don't forget the multiple weekly practices, workouts, beauty regimens and camps that take up the the women's time.
The Bucks dancers aren't the first to file a lawsuit. Cheerleaders from the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, Oakland Raiders and Cincinnati Bengals have also sued their respective franchises.
Earlier this year, a major victory was won in California when Gov. Jerry Brown required professional teams to pay cheerleaders minimum wage — including payment for practices and appearances.
So next time you're watching a professional game, remember, those cheerleaders are making less than most fast-food employees, while the players earn millions.
This video includes images from Getty Images.
