Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders Land Massive Pay Hike, Documented in Netflix Series
The world-famous Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders (DCC) have reason to celebrate. The newest season of the Netflix docuseries, “America’s Sweethearts: Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders,” pulls back the curtain on a significant victory for the squad: a life-changing pay increase.
Veteran members featured in Season 2 describe profound relief and vindication after years of advocating for better compensation. “‘Happy’ isn’t even the right word for it. It kind of felt like a relief, like everything had paid off,” shared former cheerleader Jada McLean. “And finally, we were done fighting.”
Megan McElaney, a four-year veteran, confirmed that their persistent efforts were heard. “Our efforts were heard, and they wanted to give us a raise,” she stated. The result? A staggering 400 percent increase in pay, which McElaney called “life-changing.”
From Second Jobs to Significant Increase
The first season of “America’s Sweethearts” highlighted the financial reality faced by many cheerleaders. Despite dedicating considerable time—often 30 to 40 hours per week in practices and game days—many were reportedly earning around minimum wage and needed to work second or even full-time jobs to make ends meet. This starkly contrasted with the Dallas Cowboys franchise’s immense value, consistently ranked as the most valuable professional sports team globally for nearly a decade.
While some reports prior to the raise indicated DCC members might earn around $15-$20 per hour or $500 per game (potentially totaling up to $75,000 annually, although lower figures were also reported), even these amounts felt insufficient given the demands and the revenue generated by the team. Other NFL cheerleader squads have previously pursued legal action for fairer wages, resulting in settlements that acknowledged the need for better compensation compared to other NFL roles like mascots or even waterboys.
Dallas Cowboys chief brand officer Charlotte Jones Anderson was quoted in the series stating that cheerleaders “don’t come here for the money” and acknowledged they are “not paid a lot.” However, cheerleaders like Ariana McClure, also featured in the series, argued that despite their passion, the job requires a full-time commitment and should be compensated accordingly, especially by an organization with ample resources.
A Hard-Earned Victory
The substantial 400% increase is reportedly slated for the upcoming 2025-26 season, a direct outcome of the advocacy efforts documented in the show’s second season. Veteran members played a crucial role in pushing for this change, ensuring future cheerleaders will benefit from improved pay. DCC director Kelli Finglass lauded the cheerleaders who led this initiative, recognizing it as a change that will “forever change our organization” and was “60-plus years long overdue.”
Beyond the financial aspect, the series delves into the immense pressure and strict standards the cheerleaders face, from rigorous fitness and appearance requirements to mandatory rehearsals and extensive preparation. Some former cheerleaders have spoken out about the mental health toll of these demands, highlighting the need for robust support systems. The docuseries has garnered attention for showcasing the cheerleaders’ dedication while also drawing criticism for revealing potentially disturbing aspects of the environment, including the low pay and perceived objectification.
“America’s Sweethearts: Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders” offers viewers an unprecedented look into the journey from auditions to the NFL season. Season 2, now streaming on Netflix, captures the culmination of the cheerleaders’ long-standing fight for fair compensation, marking a pivotal moment for the iconic squad.
