The Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders just scored a game-changing 400 percent pay raise for the 2025–2026 season.
However, before you assume they’re rolling in luxury, it’s not quite as flashy as it sounds.
Their hard-fought pay bump, highlighted in the new season of America’s Sweethearts: Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders on Netflix, officially kicks off with the upcoming NFL season.
Related: You’ll Never Believe The Shocking Amount of Time Cheerleaders Spend Fluffing Their Pom-Poms
Jada McLean, a five-year veteran, tells The New York Times that seasoned team members can now earn up to $75 per hour, a massive jump from the $15 an hour many were previously making.
McLean said she and several teammates hesitated to sign their 2024–2025 contracts because they were still juggling outside jobs just to make ends meet.
Yes, we should still do something outside of just cheering. But there’s so many ways to make this something people can actually live off of. Because for us all to be struggling financially, I’m kind of over it.
At one point, some dancers even considered striking to make their demands heard.
What Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders Used to Make
- $15/hour for practice and appearances
- $500 per game, often requiring hours of unpaid prep
- Many cheerleaders had to take on full-time work outside of the squad
Back in 2018, retired cheerleader Erica Wilkins sued the team for unfair wages, claiming she was paid $7/hour and $200 per game.
What Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders Make Now
- Up to $75/hour for experienced cheerleaders
- Annual estimates range from $75K to $150K, depending on extras
Why Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders Pay Still Feels Low
McLean revealed that the cheerleaders don’t receive any health benefits and are still classified as part-time workers, despite clocking 30 to 40 hours a week, not including rehearsals, travel and public appearances.
Sure, the raise is a win, but the women making NFL sidelines sparkle are still fighting for basic things like job security and medical coverage.
It’s about more than money now; it’s about respect in a billion-dollar football machine.
Celebrities Who Were Professional Cheerleaders
They’ve got spirits, yes they do! These celebrities once cheered for famous teams before they themselves became famous.
Gallery Credit: Ryan Reichard
