Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders Officially Recognize Their Union Amid Pay Raise and Spotlight
It’s been a winning week for the Dallas Cowboys, both on and off the field. Just days before the team secured a commanding 38-21 victory against the Philadelphia Eagles on Monday Night Football, the Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders announced a significant milestone: the franchise has officially recognized their union. This development marks a historic moment for the squad and for cheerleaders across the NFL.
A New Chapter: Union Recognition
The Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders Association will now serve as the squad’s collective bargaining representative, formalizing their position within the organization. In a joint statement, both the cheerleaders and the Cowboys organization emphasized the mutual respect shared between the parties: “The Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders are an esteemed part of the Cowboys organization, deeply respected for the talent and dedication they exhibit.”
This union recognition is particularly notable because, while the Buffalo Jills cheerleading squad unionized back in 1995, that squad eventually disbanded. As a result, the Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders’ union stands as the only active cheerleading union in the entire NFL, setting a precedent for labor rights and representation in professional sports entertainment.
Addressing Longstanding Pay Issues
Compensation for NFL cheerleaders has long been a contentious issue, often described as a “fumble” due to low wages and lack of benefits. Netflix’s documentary series “America’s Sweethearts: Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders” cast a bright spotlight on these challenges, bringing public attention to the cheerleaders’ working conditions and pay scales.
Prior to the 2025 NFL season, the cheerleaders secured a remarkable 400% pay raise. Despite this substantial increase, important benefits such as health insurance were not included in the new contract. Veteran cheerleader Jada McLean revealed to The New York Times that in 2024, she earned $15 an hour and $500 per appearance, figures that underscore the historically modest compensation for cheerleaders. For context, in the 1990s, members of the squad reportedly made as little as $15 per game, as reported by The Dallas Morning News.
This union recognition and pay raise not only reflect progress for the Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders but also signal a growing movement toward fair labor practices in professional sports entertainment. Their achievement highlights the importance of collective bargaining and worker rights in industries that have traditionally undervalued the contributions of performers and athletes alike.
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