Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders Get Massive 400% Pay Raise in 2025

One of the world’s most famous cheer squads, the Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders, has finally gotten a big raise and it’s a big deal. After years of demanding fair pay, the team has received a 400% pay raise, and many are calling it a life-changing moment.

The big news was shared during Season 2 of Netflix’s popular show, America’s Sweethearts: Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders. Former team member Jada McLean shared the emotional story of how the cheerleaders found out about the raise.

“‘Happy’ isn’t even the right word,” she said. “I was relieved, like everything we fought for was finally paying off.”

A Big Step Toward Fair Pay

Before the raise, cheerleaders made about $400 per game. That amount was often criticized, especially since cheerleaders are known worldwide and have millions of fans online. They perform at big NFL games, do brand deals, and appear at major events. Many believed they should be paid more for all their time and work.

With the increase, cheerleaders will now earn more than $1,000 per game. They will also be paid more for practices, rehearsals, and outside appearances. Longtime cheerleader Megan McAleney shared on the show:

“We got a 400% raise, which is life-changing.”

The pay change didn’t come suddenly. In 2018, a former cheerleader filed a lawsuit against the team for underpay. That case was slightly increased in 2019, but many still felt the pay was unfair. The Netflix series helped shine a light on the issue, and public support grew stronger. By the end of Season 1, many fans were upset about the low pay and the team was paying attention.

Now, team owner Jerry Jones and Cowboys management have responded with a big raise. It’s not just about the money it’s about respect and fairness.

Behind The Scenes of The Fight

In season 2 of the Netflix show, viewers can see how hard the cheerleaders work to make the team. Every year, both veterans and new players have to re-audition. They also go through grueling practices and long rehearsals, even between work and school.

Veteran cheerleader Jada McLean was one of the leaders pushing for higher pay. At one point, she even received an eviction notice for not being able to pay rent. She says the show helped her speak out against Curry.

“People saw what we were going through, and they started speaking up for us,” she said. “It also gave us the strength to speak out.”

The cheerleaders had several private meetings with the Cowboys’ HR and legal teams. They even talked about organizing a walkout or protest, but in the end, they decided not to let their fans down.

Talking About Struggles

While the show didn’t show every meeting, it captured many real moments. In one episode, the cheerleaders talk about money over breakfast. Some of them had to work two, three, four jobs to pay rent, food, and bills.

A veteran cheerleader, Megan, says bluntly:

“They give us spray tans and hair styles, but it doesn’t pay my rent. I have student loans, car payments.”

Another cheerleader, Amanda, brought up the issue of pay during a meeting with the directors. She said:

“We work really hard. I think a lot of us would quit our full-time jobs if this could be a full-time career.”

In response, choreographer Judy Trammell said:

“But why do we want you to quit your job? That’s what’s so impressive about all of you.”

Jada disagreed. She said that working multiple jobs makes it harder to be your best. She believes that if cheerleaders were paid well enough, they would be able to focus fully on their team roles.

A New Chapter for Cheerleader Pay

Although Jada led the fight, she announced that she would not be returning to the team. She wants more time for herself and a more flexible life. But she is proud of what she helped achieve.

“I’m glad I helped make a difference, even if I wasn’t there to enjoy it,” she said.

Cheerleader Armani Latimer, who also decided to quit, said she hopes this will inspire other women to speak up for fair pay in their own jobs.

By some reports, cheerleaders now earn about $75 an hour, and veterans can earn up to $150,000 a year. While they still don’t get benefits like health insurance, the raise is a major turning point.

“We’re not just pretty faces with pom-poms,” McLean said. “We’re real athletes. We work hard. We deserve to be respected.”

Final Thoughts

With this raise, the Dallas Cowboys cheerleaders have earned more than just money they’ve earned respect and recognition. This moment could be a game-changer for the NFL, as other teams may now feel pressure to raise their own cheer squad salaries.

As the Cowboys prepare to begin their 2025 season, it’s clear that the cheerleaders have earned their first big win of the year.