The Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders, widely known as “America’s Sweethearts,” have secured a dramatic pay increase, described by members as “life-changing.” This significant win follows years of advocacy for better compensation, a journey highlighted in the second season of the Netflix docuseries, America’s Sweethearts: Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders, which recently premiered.
Cheerleaders confirmed in the show that their efforts were heard, resulting in a substantial 400 percent increase in pay, set to take effect for the 2025 NFL season.
“Happy isn’t even the right word for it. It kind of felt like a relief, like everything had paid off. And finally, we were done fighting,” shared former cheerleader Jada McLean on the series. Veteran Megan McElaney echoed this sentiment, calling the 400 percent jump “like, life-changing.”
Years of Advocating for Fair Pay
The push for higher wages has been a long-standing issue for the iconic squad. The physically demanding role, requiring hours of mandatory practices, appearances, and game days, often meant that cheerleaders had to work other jobs to make ends meet.
The first season of America’s Sweethearts openly discussed the financial realities faced by the women, shining a spotlight on their relatively low earnings compared to the team’s immense value. Forbes recently valued the Dallas Cowboys franchise at $10.1 billion, making them the most valuable NFL team for the ninth consecutive year.
Historical pay rates for NFL cheerleaders, including the Cowboys, have been notably low. Reports indicate past pay structures where members might earn as little as $7 per hour, or flat rates per game that amounted to far less than minimum wage when factoring in practice time. In 2018, a former cheerleader filed a lawsuit over unfair pay practices, which was settled in 2019. Following that settlement, reports indicated the per-game pay for the DCC increased to $400.
Despite this previous adjustment, the compensation remained a challenge for many. The Netflix series even touched upon the cheerleaders contemplating actions like a walkout to press their case. While an initial plea to management reportedly received a response that “this is just not the time,” persistence ultimately led to the positive change revealed in Season 2.
What the 400 Percent Increase Means
While the exact new figures weren’t fully detailed on the show, reports suggest the raise could dramatically boost earnings. Estimates indicate that veteran cheerleaders could potentially earn upward of $75 per hour or over $1000 per game under the new structure. This marks a significant leap from previous rates, including compensation structures around $15 per hour and $500 per appearance reported for the 2024 season.
The Dallas Cowboys organization has expressed satisfaction with the outcome, noting they were “pleased… that the Dallas Cowboys cheerleaders were happy with the outcome,” as seen in the series.
However, important details remain regarding their employment status. The cheerleaders are still considered part-time employees. While they will gain better financial stability, health insurance is not included in their updated compensation agreement, although they do have access to team medical staff like doctors and physical therapists.
More Than Just Game Day Performances
The role of a Dallas Cowboys Cheerleader extends far beyond the sidelines. The Netflix series and other accounts highlight the rigorous training, intense physical demands that can lead to injuries, and the commitment required for appearances, community work like USO tours and hospital visits, and maintaining their iconic image.
While appearance and fitness are crucial, coaching staff like Director Kelli Finglass emphasize a focus on ensuring uniforms fit well and look beautiful, rather than strict weight requirements. Cheerleaders also receive etiquette training, preparing them to represent the organization on various global stages. An active alumni association, “The Spirit of DCC,” provides support for former members as they transition from cheerleading.
For the cheerleaders, this 400 percent raise is more than just a pay bump; it’s validation of their value, talent, and hard work. As former cheerleader Jada McLean articulated, “We are more than just cheerleaders. We’re talented, strong, educated women, and we’re hard-working athletes who deserve to be seen as such.” The significant increase is a testament to their collective efforts and the increased visibility brought by the Netflix series.
