The Dallas Cowboys cheerleaders have reportedly secured a nearly 400% pay increase for the 2025 season after publicly advocating for more equitable compensation in the Netflix docuseries “America’s Sweethearts: Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders.”
Veteran squad members led the call for change, spotlighting lengthy practice schedules and demanding game-day commitments that previously only earned members roughly $15 to $20 per hour and about $500 per game, according to The New York Times.
As previously reported by The Dallas Express, Cowboys cheerleaders previously earned an annual salary of roughly $75,000; however, the majority of cheerleaders do not work the full year and earn less than this annual estimation.
Cowboys cheerleader Megan McElaney revealed during an episode of“America’s Sweethearts” that the organization increased raises by 400%.
“Our efforts were heard, and they wanted to give us a raise,” she said. “And we ended up getting a 400% increase, which is like, life-changing.”
Jada McLean, a five-year veteran of the squad who helped lead the charge for higher pay, told TIME that the viral discourse about the low pay encouraged the squad to advocate for themselves.
“Having people watch the television show and speak up honestly on behalf of us and say, ‘Hey, this is not right. We weren’t aware that these girls are making so little’—that motivated us to speak up more for ourselves,” she explained.
Now, Cowboys cheerleaders could earn up to $75 an hour.
Tad Carper, senior vice president of communications for the Cowboys, wrote in a statement that both sides are excited about the change to this structure.
“We’re pleased, as you’ll see in the series, that the Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders were happy with the outcome,” stated Carper, per TIME.
Although this deal does not include health insurance since the cheerleaders are still considered part-time employees, members of the squad will have access to the team doctor and a physical therapist.