Dallas Cowboys cheerleaders receive 400% pay hike after prolonged lobbying
- Dallas Cowboys cheerleaders will receive a significant 400% pay increase starting in 2025, allowing veterans to earn over $75 an hour.
- The pay hike is the result of years of lobbying and comes amid ongoing discussions about cheerleader treatment and pay equity in sports.
- This major victory for the cheerleaders reflects their hard work and dedication, potentially influencing compensation structures for cheerleaders across the NFL.
In a significant transformation for professional cheerleading, the Dallas Cowboys cheerleaders are set to receive a monumental raise of 400% in 2025 after years of advocating for improved compensation. According to Megan McElaney, a four-year veteran cheerleader, this pay bump follows extensive lobbying efforts by cheerleaders seeking recognition for their hard work and dedication. The announcement was made during Season 2 of the Netflix docuseries 'America’s Sweethearts: Dallas Cowboy Cheerleaders,' which began streaming in June 2025. In previous seasons, discussions among cheerleaders about pay disparities were commonplace. Until 2024, the pay for a Cowboys cheerleader averaged $15 per hour, with an additional $500 for each appearance. This wage structure was a major concern as cheerleaders regularly spent long hours preparing for performances and participating in various events. The push for a raise was fueled by dissatisfaction around their earnings and the recognition that cheerleaders are integral to the entertainment of NFL games. The increase means that some veteran cheerleaders, after the raise takes effect, could earn more than $75 per hour, aligning their pay more closely with their contributions. However, despite this positive change, cheerleaders still lack health insurance as they are classified as part-time employees. Many of them rely on alternative employment to secure health coverage, amplifying the ongoing discussion about the professional treatment of cheerleaders in the NFL. The announcement has been met with strong support from former cheerleaders, with many expressing relief at the culmination of their advocacy efforts. Jada McLean, another cheerleader, shared her gratitude, noting that the joy stems from being heard and the recognition of their hard work. The Cowboys organization confirmed the news, concluding that it is happy with the outcome and that the cheerleaders are pleased with their new contract. This labor victory symbolizes a shift in how cheerleaders are valued within the professional sports industry, marking a potential turning point for cheerleading compensation nationwide.