The Dallas Cowboys cheerleaders, iconic figures in American sports culture, have announced a significant pay increase that will take effect in the 2025 season. This development was revealed in the latest episode of the Netflix docuseries America’s Sweethearts, which follows the lives of the cheer squad. The cheerleaders are set to receive a 400% salary hike, a substantial improvement from their previous earnings.
While the exact figures of the salary increase were not disclosed, the news marks a pivotal moment in the cheerleaders’ ongoing battle for fair compensation. The announcement comes after years of underpayment, highlighted by a 2018 lawsuit filed by former cheerleader Erica Wilkins. Wilkins’ case, which was settled out of court, brought attention to the meager earnings of $7 per hour and a flat fee of $200 per game that cheerleaders were receiving at the time.
The Fight for Fair Pay
The journey to this significant pay raise has been long and arduous. In the years following the lawsuit, cheerleaders reported only modest increases in their wages. According to a former cheerleader who spoke to the New York Times, pay in 2024 was around $15 per hour with $500 for each appearance, with more experienced members earning upwards of $60 per hour. Despite these increases, the compensation remained insufficient given the demands of the role.
The docuseries America’s Sweethearts has played a crucial role in spotlighting the financial struggles faced by the cheerleaders. The series depicted the reality of many squad members needing to maintain full-time jobs alongside their commitments to the team, which include extensive rehearsals, performances at 10 home games each season, and numerous special appearances.
Behind the Glamour: The Reality of Cheerleading
While the cheerleaders are synonymous with the glitz and glamour of the NFL, the reality of their work conditions has often been less than ideal. Beyond the financial challenges, cheerleaders do not receive health insurance through the team, although they do have access to a team doctor and physical therapist. This lack of benefits has been a point of contention and a rallying cry for better treatment.
Cheerleader Kylie Dickson expressed the squad’s sentiments on the show, saying, “We got our contracts and probably wrongly assumed that it maybe would have been different, just because of everything that was on TV. The world was kind of telling us, ‘Girls, fight for more.’”
Implications and Future Prospects
The pay raise for the Dallas Cowboys cheerleaders is not just a victory for the squad but also sets a precedent for other NFL teams. The move represents a growing recognition of the value and contributions of cheerleaders, who are integral to the entertainment and spirit of the games. It also reflects a broader societal shift towards addressing pay disparities and ensuring fair compensation for all workers.
As the cheerleaders prepare to enter the 2025 season with their new contracts, the hope is that this change will inspire similar actions across the league. The increased pay could potentially attract more talent to the profession, enhancing the overall quality and appeal of cheerleading in the NFL.
Meanwhile, the conversation around fair pay and working conditions continues to gain momentum, with advocates calling for further improvements in benefits and protections for cheerleaders. As the industry evolves, the Dallas Cowboys cheerleaders’ recent victory may well be a catalyst for broader change.
For now, the cheerleaders have ample reason to celebrate, both on and off the field, as they look forward to a season marked not only by their performances but also by the recognition of their worth.
