Recent lawsuits against NFL teams have spurred the creation of a new bill sent to the California governor this week, proposing that cheerleaders for professional sports teams in California should earn minimum wage, as well as be entitled to overtime and sick leave. California’s legislation would be the first of its type to propose that cheerleaders should be considered NFL team employees. The lawsuits, which have occurred nationwide in New York, Florida, and Ohio, revolve around the issue of whether cheerleaders are considered independent contractors, and has inspired similar legislation earlier this year in New York.
See "Pom-pom pay: California bill gives cheerleaders minimum wage", Sudhin Thanawala, July 2, 2015