How Much Does A Broncos Cheerleader Make

So, the other night I’m at a Broncos game—okay, I was watching from my couch, but let’s pretend I was there—and the cheerleaders hit the field for their third-quarter routine. My buddy, who’s a little too into the stats, leans over and says, “I bet those girls make bank.” I nodded, but then I got curious. How much does a Broncos cheerleader actually make? Let’s dig in, because the answer might surprise you—and not in the way you’d hope.

First off, let’s be real: being an NFL cheerleader isn’t just about shaking pom-poms. These athletes train like crazy, show up hours early, and smile through rain, snow, and the occasional 5-foot-7 fan who’s had one too many beers. But when it comes to the paycheck? The numbers are shockingly low. According to reports and former cheerleaders, a Broncos cheerleader earns roughly $15 to $25 per hour for game days and rehearsals. That sounds okay until you realize they’re paid per appearance, not for the hundreds of hours of practice, charity events, and photo shoots.

The Big Reality Check

Let’s break it down. In 2014, former Broncos cheerleader Bailey Davis spilled a lot of tea in a lawsuit against the NFL, revealing that cheerleaders made less than $12 an hour for some gigs. Twelve bucks. That’s less than what you’d make working the drive-thru at In-N-Out—and you don’t have to do splits there. Since then, pay has improved slightly, but it’s still a far cry from the players’ multimillion-dollar contracts. (Yeah, I’m side-eyeing that, too.)

Here’s the thing: the Broncos are one of the more transparent teams about this now. Cheerleaders are paid a flat fee per game—about $150 to $200 per home game, based on insider accounts. That covers the game itself, plus any required rehearsals leading up to it. But don’t forget: there are only 10 home games in a regular season (including preseason). Do the math, and you’re looking at maybe $2,000 for the entire season before taxes. That’s not exactly “bank,” my friend.

Wait, There’s More—And It’s Not Great

Now, before you start a GoFundMe for these ladies, know that many cheerleaders also face unpaid work. Charity appearances, calendar shoots, and promotional events often come with a nice “exposure” sticker instead of a check. Oh, the irony. And don’t even get me started on the appearance rules—like maintaining a certain weight or keeping specific hair colors—that they’re required to fund out of pocket. One former cheerleader told me she spent over $1,000 a season on cosmetics and hair treatments alone.

2nd Annual Fan Favorite Denver Broncos Cheerleader Tournament — Match 1

But hold up—there’s a tiny silver lining. Broncos cheerleaders do get some perks: free game tickets for family, access to training facilities, and occasional travel opportunities. Plus, the real reward is the networking. Many use the role as a stepping stone into broadcasting, modeling, or fitness careers. It’s just that the cash flow is, uh, more of a trickle than a river.

Why Doesn’t the Money Match the Hype?

Let’s be honest: the disconnect is wild. You see these cheerleaders on TV, doing backflips in the freezing cold, and you assume they’re cashing in. But historically, NFL teams have argued that cheerleading is a part-time gig—like a side hustle for fun and fitness. Right. Tell that to the woman pulling 20-hour weeks just to perfect a 3-minute routine. It wasn’t until a massive outcry (and a few lawsuits) that teams like the Broncos started raising pay and offering hourly wages instead of flat fees.

Broncos Cheerleaders

Still, compared to players? Let’s laugh together: the average Broncos player makes about $2.5 million a year. A cheerleader’s average? Maybe $15,000 to $25,000 annually if they’re doing every single event. That’s not even minimum wage for the hours put in. I’m not saying girls should get player money, but maybe enough to cover rent? Just a thought.

What About the Future?

Here’s the good news: the conversation is changing. In 2022, the Broncos joined several other teams in guaranteeing a base pay for cheerleaders, plus overtime for rehearsals over 40 hours. It’s a step up, but it’s still modest. For instance, some reporting suggests the top cheerleaders—like the ones on the Broncos’ “veteran” squad—might earn $30,000 to $40,000 a year if they land corporate sponsorship gigs on the side. That’s better, but it’s still less than a schoolteacher with way more sparkle.

So, next time you watch a Broncos game and see those amazing athletes doing their thing, remember: they’re not exactly rolling in Benjamins. They’re doing it for the love of the game, the stage, and the adrenaline. And maybe a little bit for the free Gatorade. If you really want to support them, shout out their names, buy their calendar, or just give them a respectful nod. Because that smile you see? It’s earning them a lot less than you think.