Historic Win for Dancers Revealed in ‘America’s Sweethearts’ Season Two
Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders pay hike of 400% marks a historic shift in NFL cheerleader compensation and industry standards. The increase was revealed at the end of Season Two of America’s Sweethearts: Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders, a Netflix documentary series that debuted on June 18, 2025.
The team, long considered the most iconic cheer squad in professional sports, used the visibility and momentum from the Netflix series to advocate for fairer wages — and succeeded.
Decades of Underpayment Spark Action
Until now, the cheerleaders — who perform for one of the NFL’s most valuable franchises — had been earning as little as $15/hour and $500 per appearance, according to former squad member Jada McLean, who led the push.
With the 400% raise, some veterans may now earn more than $75/hour, a dramatic leap from years past where cheerleaders earned less than mascots or fast-food workers.
“The world was kind of telling us, ‘Girls, fight for more,’” said veteran dancer Kylie Dickson in the show.
Netflix’s Notoriety Raises Awareness and Leverage
The first season of America’s Sweethearts made some dancers famous on the internet. The cheerleaders’ low pay, however, also sparked public outrage given their physical strength, brand value, and injury risks.
In Season Two, cheerleaders are seen meeting with Cowboys staff and expressing disappointment when their 2024–25 contracts still lacked raises — until the final episode, when they learned of the new pay structure.
“Dancers are athletes. They have so much value,” cheerleader Megan McElaney says, calling the moment “a relief.”
Years of Legal Battles and Scrutiny Pay Off
The issue of cheerleader pay has long been controversial. In 2018, former Cowboys cheerleader Erica Wilkins filed a class action lawsuit, claiming she was underpaid and sometimes earned less than minimum wage.
That lawsuit led to the last known wage increase in 2019 — from $8/hour to $12/hour and from $200 to $400 per game. But the latest 400% boost is the most significant raise in the team’s history.
Cowboys Executive Acknowledges Pay Cynicism
Even Charlotte Jones, Cowboys EVP and chief brand officer, acknowledges criticism over cheerleader pay on the show:
“There’s a lot of cynicism around pay for NFL cheerleaders, as it should be.”
Still, she notes that most dancers “don’t come here for the money.” Instead, many do it out of passion — even while juggling full-time jobs.
What Comes Next for the DCC?
The raise is effective for the upcoming NFL season, though the exact wage structure remains undisclosed. The show emphasizes the collective power of public support, media visibility, and team unity.
“Finally, we were done fighting,” McElaney concludes in the finale.
Source: NBC News
