The average annual salary of a professional NBA cheerleader is tiny. I couldn't believe how low it really is!

Just about everyone knows that NBA players make enough to get by, and then some. But what about the cheerleaders? How do they fare these days? Well, most of the cheerleaders have modest incomes. They are often paid on a per game basis, but that income is supplemented by making other appearances for public relations.

The most recent data available shows that cheerleaders are paid between $50 and $150 per game, with some exceptions. They are not all given a uniform wage; the exact pay depends upon the team. Generally, the more popular the team, the higher the pay. In other cases, cheerleaders make minimum wage, which varies from state to state.

Luckily for them, they actually earn more away from the court than they do while cheering at the games. Other perks include free tickets and parking and paid travel expenses. To boot, cheerleading can open doors for career advancement later in life. Hey, it worked out well for Paula Abdul.

Doubtless, for many cheerleaders it's not about the money. It's about living a dream. They get to dance, have a good time, keep the fans' and the teams' spirits up, and be seen by millions of people. That's a life dreamed of by many, and surely many cheerleaders feel fortunate to see it come true and get paid for it.

(Source)