The Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders Secure 400% Pay Raise
On June 18 in Arlington, Texas, the Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders finally got a pay rise to five times their old amount after years of low wages, no benefits, and growing public awareness. Their push for fair compensation highlighted the athletic needs and public role of their profession, leading to this landmark change.
The Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders, nicknamed “America’s Sweethearts,” have a 400% salary increase for this year’s NFL after pushing for more pay and better conditions. The raise is important for professional NFL cheerleaders in general, since some also have low pay.
The 400% pay raise follows the widespread exposure generated by the popular Netflix docuseries America’s Sweethearts: Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders, which opens the curtain on the long hours, athleticism, and dedication the cheerleaders put in. The series also shines a light on the behind-the-scenes fight for fair pay that took the squad into a new era of respect and acknowledgement.
For years, Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders got $15 an hour, $500 per game, and no health insurance or retirement accounts. With the physical labor and 30–40 hours work per week, most cheerleaders also had multiple jobs. “We were working hard, often late into the night, and still struggling,” said cheerleader Megan McElaney. The new agreement made rehearsal pay to $75 an hour and game pay to $1,600. That would keep the members making up to $150,000 per year. McElaney said to People magazine, “We ended up getting a 400% increase… life-changing.”
Negotiations progressed as the cheerleaders raised the possibility of a strike, pushing the organization to raise their pay. Latimer explained, “We wanted to set an example—not just for ourselves but for cheerleaders everywhere. It wasn’t just about the money, it was about respect.” The Netflix documentaries brought attention to the issue and motivated public support. “The series gave people an inside look at our lives,” said McElaney. “It showed that we’re professional athletes.” The series highlighted the hard work and skill behind their performances, earning them greater respect.
Despite this win, challenges remain. Health insurance and retirement benefits are still missing, though the organization expanded mental health resources that supports the cheerleaders’ well-being. “We’re hopeful that this raise (will achieve) full support and recognition for cheerleaders,” said Latimer. For many squad members, the improved pay is already transformative. McElaney added, “This finally lets me focus on what I love and be valued for it.”
The 400% increase is the biggest in the history of NFL cheerleading. The issue was first brought up in 2018 when a former Cowboys cheerleader, Erica Wilkins, sued the team for wage law violation, leading to small pay raises. However, the most recent increase is huge compared to previous raises.
The Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders’ pay rise also tells other NFL sports organizations to treat cheerleaders as valued professionals. McElaney said, “We’re athletes, professionals, and ambassadors. Now, finally, we’re being paid like it.” With this raise, the Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders not only changed their own lives but initiated a broader debate of justice, dignity, and the merits of cheerleading as a respectable profession, starting a debate about fairness and respect and challenging long-standing views of cheerleading.
Sources:
https://pagesix.com/2025/06/23/entertainment/how-much-do-dallas-cowboys-cheerleaders-make-breaking-down-their-400-percent-salary-increase/
https://popcrush.com/dallas-cowboys-cheerleaders-raise/
https://www.eonline.com/news/1419030/how-much-dallas-cowboy-cheerleaders-make