Background and Previous Pay Structure of Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders
Historically, the Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders have been underpaid despite their significant role in NFL entertainment. Before the 2025 Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders 400% pay raise, members earned around $15 per hour for practice and $400 per game, with additional flat fees for appearances increasing with tenure. Former cheerleader Jada McLean revealed she made $15 an hour and $500 per appearance in 2024, highlighting the disparity between pay and effort.
In 2019, after a lawsuit, the cheerleaders secured a raise doubling their game day pay from $200 to $400. However, this was still considered insufficient given their demanding roles and the franchise’s financial success.
What the Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders 400% Pay Raise Means in 2025
The recent Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders 400% pay raise means cheerleaders now earn over $1,000 per game, a fourfold increase from the previous $400 rate. Veteran Megan McElaney described this raise as “life-changing,” reflecting the significant financial impact on the team. The new pay scale includes differentiated rates for practices, performances, and special events, with some senior cheerleaders earning over $75 per hour during games.
This restructured compensation represents not only a raise in hourly wages but a fundamental overhaul of how cheerleaders are paid.
Financial and Employment Details After the Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders 400% Pay Raise
Despite the substantial raise, cheerleaders remain classified as part-time employees, meaning they do not receive health insurance or access to team medical resources. Many members juggle multiple jobs to cover expenses. While some veterans may now earn up to $75,000 annually, the lack of benefits remains a critical unresolved issue.
The Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders 400% pay raise marks progress but also highlights ongoing challenges related to employment equality and comprehensive compensation.
Impact and Broader Significance of the Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders 400% Pay Raise
In 2024, Forbes valued the Dallas Cowboys as the world’s most valuable sports franchise at $10.1 billion. The decision to grant the Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders 400% pay raise aligns with the franchise’s prestige and acknowledges the cheerleaders’ vital role in enhancing the team’s brand and fan experience.
The Netflix series America’s Sweethearts: Dallas Cowboy Cheerleaders helped spotlight the pay disparity, acting as a catalyst for this historic change.
Conclusion: The Future After the Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders 400% Pay Raise
The Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders 400% pay raise in 2025 is a record-breaking milestone in sports entertainment labor rights. It rewards years of advocacy and sets a new standard for fair pay for performers integral to the NFL’s entertainment package. While issues like health benefits remain, this raise improves the financial security and recognition of the Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders, potentially inspiring similar changes across other professional cheer squads and sports franchises.
- Associated Press. (2025). Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders receive 400% pay raise. Retrieved from AP News
- US Weekly. (2025). Former Dallas Cowboys Cheerleader Kristin Westbrook discusses pay structure. Retrieved from US Weekly
- El Paso Times. (2025). Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders’ new pay rates detailed. Retrieved from El Paso Times
- New York Times. (2024). Interview with former cheerleader Jada McLean on pay and benefits. Retrieved from NY Times
- Forbes. (2024). Dallas Cowboys named most valuable sports franchise at $10.1 billion. Retrieved from Forbes
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