The second season of the Netflix documentary series, America’s Sweethearts, concludes with significant news for the Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders (DCC). Viewers witness a pivotal moment as veteran cheerleader Megan shares exciting details about a “life-changing” 400% increase in pay for the team. This substantial boost covers both their time cheering at Dallas Cowboys football games and compensation for external appearances.
This triumphant development marks a crucial victory in the cheerleaders’ ongoing quest for fair compensation, a struggle openly documented throughout the docuseries.
The Financial Strain Behind the Smiles
America’s Sweethearts delves into the rigorous process of selecting and training the 36-person DCC squad, highlighting the intense audition boot camp where even veteran members must re-earn their spot alongside new hopefuls. Amidst this pressure, the cheerleaders’ financial realities became a central theme.
Despite the Dallas Cowboys organization being valued at over $10 billion, many cheerleaders revealed they had to work multiple jobs just to cover basic living expenses. Jada McLean, a five-year veteran instrumental in leading pay negotiations, shared her experience of nearly facing eviction, underscoring the urgent need for better wages. The series effectively showcased this disparity, prompting public support and motivating the cheerleaders to push harder for change.
“Having people watch the television show and speak up honestly on behalf of us… motivated us to speak up more for ourselves,” McLean told TIME, emphasizing the power of the platform the show provided.
While the exact new pay rates remain undisclosed by the team, past reports in 2022 indicated DCC compensation could range from $15 to $20 per hour, plus around $500 per game, potentially totaling about $75,000 annually for some. However, dissatisfaction with wages has historical roots. A 2018 lawsuit filed by former cheerleader Erica Wilkins led to a 2019 settlement that increased hourly pay from $8 to $12 and game day pay from $200 to $400.
Within the latest season of America’s Sweethearts, subtle but telling comments from cheerleaders reveal their disappointment with their earnings. Many, like fifth-year veteran Armani, rely heavily on outside jobs to pay bills, while others, such as four-year veteran Kleine, juggle as many as four jobs during the football season. As Megan noted, while perks like hair styling and spray tans are provided, they don’t cover essential costs like rent, student loans, or car payments.
Advocating for Change
The push for a pay increase gained momentum partway through Season 2. A candid conversation among cheerleaders over breakfast in Episode 4 captured their collective frustration. Jada voiced being “over” the financial struggle, and Armani expressed a desire to leave the team in a better place financially than they found it. Jada declared their “legacy will be the money.”
The cheerleaders took proactive steps, consulting legal experts among alumni families and holding multiple meetings with the Cowboys’ HR and legal teams. While these official negotiations weren’t filmed, internal team discussions featured prominently. A Zoom call shown in the series captured veterans updating their teammates on the slow progress, leading to emotional reactions like Amanda’s account of feeling heartbroken by the initial response from management.
Recognizing the unique leverage provided by the Netflix series’ popularity, Amanda rallied her teammates, stating, “If there’s any time to do it, it’s now that we are relevant and the world is on our side.” Discussions even included the possibility of staging a walkout or strike. However, this tactic was ultimately foregone, primarily because the cheerleaders were reluctant to disappoint their fans, who had shown immense support following the first season.
Even without a walkout, the topic was raised directly with team leadership. During a progress check-in, Amanda shared her hope with choreographer Judy Trammell and director Kelli Finglass that cheerleaders would one day be paid more, citing their immense dedication. Trammell’s response, questioning why they would want cheerleaders to quit their full-time jobs when juggling multiple roles was so “impressive,” highlighted a disconnect in perspective. Jada McLean later countered this view, explaining that balancing multiple jobs makes it difficult to fully commit and excel at cheerleading.
A New End Zone
The tireless advocacy, fueled by the visibility of America’s Sweethearts, culminated in the dramatic pay increase. The announcement shown in the series confirms a significant step towards fair compensation, ensuring the cheerleaders are better rewarded for their demanding work and iconic status.
Although Jada McLean, a driving force behind the pay negotiations, will not be returning to the team herself, citing the intense workload, her fight leaves a lasting impact. She hopes their success inspires other women to advocate for fair pay in their own professions. “You don’t know what’s going to come from it,” she remarked, “and it may be something that benefits you or the people who come after you.”
The cheerleaders also hope the series fosters a deeper appreciation for their athleticism and professionalism. As McLean puts it, they are far more than just “pretty faces out there shaking pom poms”; they are true athletes and accomplished women outside of their uniforms. This landmark pay raise is a testament to their dedication, influence, and their successful fight for the recognition and compensation they deserve.
