Cheerleaders are the only college athletes who can “make big bucks.” While most college basketball and football players in the NCAA can be punished for signing “lucrative endorsement deals,” cheerleaders (who aren’t regulated by the association) have been able to cash in on the opportunities. Some cheerleaders—or “cheerlebrities”—who have large followings on social media have been making “thousands of dollars” through sponsorship deals with brands like Crocs, L’Oréal, American Eagle, and Lokai. However, following some legislation from states like California, the NCAA is set to adopt new rules in 2021 that would potentially allow other athletes to earn money from some endorsements. (NYTimes)
