Professional sports are about much more than what happens on the field, court or ice. Cheerleaders and dance teams have become an important part of the live sports experience, combining athletic ability, choreography, entertainment and team spirit.
While the Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders have traditionally received much of the attention, plenty of other professional sports teams have impressive squads of their own. From the NFL and NBA to the NHL, these teams have created memorable game-day performances that have earned plenty of attention from fans.
Here is a look back at 10 standout sports cheerleading and dance teams featured in the original ranking.
10. Seattle Seahawks Sea Gals
The Seattle Seahawks' Sea Gals were a familiar and energetic presence at Seahawks home games. Their performances added another layer of entertainment to the game-day atmosphere and helped make them one of the most recognizable cheerleading squads in professional sports.
With polished choreography, strong team spirit and a distinctive Seattle identity, the Sea Gals became a memorable part of the Seahawks experience. Their popularity extended well beyond the football field, making them one of the standout squads in this original ranking.
9. Denver Broncos Cheerleaders
The Denver Broncos Cheerleaders have a long history dating back to 1971. Although the squad went through a period of disbandment, it was eventually reassembled in 1993 and returned as an important part of Broncos game-day entertainment.
Beyond their performances at Broncos games, the cheerleaders have also been involved in community activities and events. Their combination of performance skills, professionalism and community involvement has helped make them one of the NFL's better-known cheerleading organizations.
8. Philadelphia Eagles Cheerleaders
The Philadelphia Eagles Cheerleaders bring energy and entertainment to Lincoln Financial Field during Eagles games. Their performances became a familiar part of the Philadelphia football experience, particularly during the warmer months when fans could enjoy the full game-day atmosphere.
The squad also gained attention for its fashion and technology initiatives. Designer Vera Wang created uniforms for the cheerleaders, while the organization was an early NFL squad to introduce a mobile cheerleader calendar app. Their combination of performance, style and community involvement helped them stand out.
7. Milwaukee Bucks Dance Team
The Milwaukee Bucks Dance Team gave fans another reason to enjoy game night at the BMO Harris Bradley Center. Their performances brought energy to the arena and became a recognizable part of the Bucks' entertainment program.
The dancers were also available for appearances at community, charity and school events, allowing their work to extend beyond basketball games. Their athletic performances and polished routines made the Bucks dance team a memorable entry on this list.
6. Miami Heat Dancers
The Miami Heat Dancers became one of the NBA's most recognizable dance teams. Their high-energy routines and professional performances added plenty of excitement to Heat home games and helped create a distinctive Miami atmosphere.
The squad also earned recognition outside regular-season games, including appearances and honors connected with NBA events. Their combination of athletic choreography, entertainment and strong stage presence made them one of the standout dance teams in professional basketball.
5. Los Angeles Clippers Spirit Dance Team
The Los Angeles Clippers Spirit Dance Team brought the glamour and energy of Los Angeles entertainment culture to NBA games. The team became particularly well known through television exposure and features focused on the dancers and their demanding professional routines.
Taylor Clark was highlighted in the original article as one of the team's dancers and co-captains. Her journey to Los Angeles reflected the dedication required to pursue a professional dance career, while the team's television exposure helped introduce its members to a wider audience.
4. Colorado Avalanche Ice Girls
The Colorado Avalanche Ice Girls were another memorable entertainment team from the NHL. Performing during Avalanche home games, the group added energy and excitement to the arena between periods and during breaks in play.
The combination of ice-side performances, choreography and team spirit made the Ice Girls a popular part of the Colorado Avalanche game-day experience and earned them a place among the most talked-about sports entertainment squads in this ranking.
3. Columbus Blue Jackets Pepsi Power Patrol
The Columbus Blue Jackets Pepsi Power Patrol was a familiar sight at Nationwide Arena. During breaks in play, the group took to the ice to help clear the playing surface while adding a dose of entertainment for fans.
The Power Patrol became part of the unique atmosphere surrounding Blue Jackets home games. Their presence offered fans something entertaining to watch between periods and stoppages, making them a memorable part of the Columbus hockey experience.
2. Calgary Flames Big Country Ice Crew
The Calgary Flames Big Country Ice Crew brought plenty of energy to Flames home games. Their appearances on the ice became a familiar part of the entertainment at the Saddledome, giving fans something to enjoy during breaks in the action.
With their coordinated performances and strong connection to the Flames' game-day atmosphere, the Big Country Ice Crew became one of the standout entertainment groups featured in this original ranking.
1. Arizona Cardinals Cheerleaders
Taking the top spot in the original ranking are the Arizona Cardinals Cheerleaders. The squad was established in 1988, giving the Cardinals an official cheerleading tradition after many years without one.
In addition to performing at Cardinals games, members of the squad participated in charity appearances and community events. Some also traveled internationally as part of the Cardinals Show Team, extending the team's reach beyond Arizona.
The Cardinals also offered a Junior Cheer Program for young participants, helping introduce the next generation to dance, performance and team spirit. Their combination of game-day entertainment, community involvement and professional performances made them the number-one choice in this list.
Which sports cheerleading or dance team would you put at number one? Share your favorite in the comments.