Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders practicing their routines for an upcoming game, reflecting their hard work and dedication.
The Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders will see a significant pay increase ahead of the next NFL season, nearly quadrupling their salaries to address ongoing compensation disparities. Reports suggest that veteran cheerleaders could earn more than $75 per hour, compared to the previous $15 per hour for newcomers. This decision follows public criticism and discussions highlighted in the recent Netflix docuseries ‘America’s Sweethearts: Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders,’ reflecting the cheerleaders’ ongoing struggle for fair compensation.
Dallas – The Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders are set to receive a significant pay increase ahead of the 2025-26 NFL season, following criticisms regarding their compensation relative to other roles within the organization, such as the team’s waterboys. This monumental announcement indicates that their salaries will nearly quadruple, resulting in an approximate 400% pay raise for the cheerleaders.
According to recent reports, veteran cheerleaders could potentially earn more than $75 per hour after the pay raise takes effect. In direct contrast, the starting pay for cheerleader Jada McLean was just $15 per hour prior to this increase, amounting to $500 for each appearance. Historically, salaries for NFL cheerleaders were limited; in 2022, the average pay was about $150 per game, which translated to an annual salary of approximately $22,500. In comparison, the pay for team waterboys averaged around $53,000 annually, whereas mascots earned about $25,000 per year.
The onset of discussions surrounding salary and compensation became increasingly prominent when season two of America’s Sweethearts: Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders, a Netflix docuseries, premiered this past week. The series has served as a platform to highlight the cheerleaders’ struggles and their fight for better pay. Producers were taken aback by the revelation that many cheerleaders held second or third jobs to survive on their previous earnings, emphasizing the financial pressure they faced.
The ongoing struggle for fair compensation has historical roots, with former cheerleader Erica Wilkins filing a lawsuit in 2018 regarding unfair pay. Following this, a settlement was reached, leading to a slight pay raise in 2019, but the disparities in earnings remained a contentious issue. Charlotte Jones, the Cowboys’ executive vice president, acknowledged the longstanding criticism concerning the pay issues faced by cheerleaders.
As the second season of the docuseries progressed, testimony after testimony revealed a collective sense of relief among the cheerleaders upon learning of their substantial raises, which many viewed as a hard-earned victory. The new pay structure is anticipated to provide substantial financial benefits, possibly equating to around $34,000 for a regular season, assuming the per-game calculations align with previously disclosed figures.
In light of the recent developments, Kelli Finglass, the cheerleading director, along with Judy Trammell, head choreographer, both emphasized the unique appeal and dedication of the cheerleaders beyond mere financial motivations. However, the path to achieving equitable pay was lined with challenges, as multiple discussions and meetings were required to secure leadership support for better contracts.
The current announcement does not disclose the exact new wages prompted by the increase, but the overarching message is clear: the Dallas Cowboys are acknowledging the criticisms and making strides toward rectifying salary inequalities within their organization. This change not only represents a significant financial improvement for the cheerleaders but also showcases a growing recognition of their contributions to the team’s image and culture.
The salary adjustments, which came in light of ongoing dialogue about pay equity among the squad, are seen as a pivotal step towards dismantling the historical disparities that cheerleaders have faced for years. With new momentum gained from the docuseries, the cheerleaders have galvanized support, driving their quest for fair compensation to the forefront of discussions around gender pay equity within professional sports.
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