Dallas Cowboys cheerleaders confirm 400% pay raise in Netflix's America's Sweethearts — here's what they're earning now

Time of India

4 hours ago

The Dallas Cowboys cheerleaders, one of the NFL's most iconic squads, are receiving a substantial pay increase following the release of the Netflix docuseries America's Sweethearts: Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders. As revealed during Season 2, which premiered on June 18, 2025, squad members are now earning 400% more than in previous seasons, marking one of the most significant wage shifts in the team's history.
What the Netflix series America's Sweethearts: Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders revealed
In America's Sweethearts, the cheerleaders gave an unfiltered look at their lives, highlighting both the physical demands of the job and the financial realities many faced behind the scenes. While the team's image has long been associated with glamour and prestige, the series made it clear that compensation hadn't kept pace.
During the second season, cheerleader Megan McElaney, a four-year veteran, confirmed the new raise on camera. 'Our efforts were heard, and they wanted to give us a raise,' she said. 'And we ended up getting a 400% increase, which is, like, life-changing.'
Her statement came after months of internal discussions between team leadership and returning squad members, who pushed for more equitable compensation as the franchise continued to grow in visibility and revenue.
A history of underpayment
Calls for fairer wages are not new. In 2019, the Cowboys settled a lawsuit filed by former cheerleader Erica Wilkins, who alleged she was making as little as $7 per hour, with no overtime pay and $200 per game. That legal action resulted in the team doubling game-day pay from $200 to $400, but base hourly wages remained low—around $15 an hour as recently as 2024.
The Netflix docuseries helped reignite public and internal attention to these concerns, giving current members a national platform to voice the need for updated pay standards.
What the Dallas Cowboys cheerleaders make now
Following the 400% increase, current Dallas Cowboys cheerleaders are earning:
$75 or more per hour for rehearsals, appearances, and related duties
Up to $2,000 per game day, compared to $500 before the raise
Weekly earnings around $1,600, depending on scheduling and event participation
While the pay increase marks a dramatic improvement, the cheerleaders remain classified as part-time employees, which means they do not receive health insurance or long-term employment benefits. However, they continue to have access to the Cowboys' medical staff during the season.
Why this matters
The Dallas Cowboys are consistently ranked as the most valuable sports franchise in the world, with a current estimated valuation exceeding $10 billion. For years, many have argued that the cheerleaders, integral to the team's brand identity and media presence, were being underpaid despite their contributions.
With America's Sweethearts shining a spotlight on these issues, the newly announced raise is being viewed not only as a win for the current team but as a pivotal moment for cheerleaders across the NFL.