Dallas Cowboy Cheerleaders Doc Inspires Pay Raise

For decades, professional cheerleaders have dazzled fans on the sidelines without ever drawing much attention to what happens off the field—until now. Thanks to the Netflix docuseries America’s Sweethearts: Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders, the conversation around the team has shifted from pom-poms and pageantry to pay equity and labor rights.

The series pulled back the curtain on the world’s most iconic cheerleading squad, revealing a startling truth: despite grueling hours, year-round rehearsals, and appearances at high-profile events, many of the Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders (DCC) were making little more than minimum wage. With most dancers holding down multiple jobs to make ends meet, fans were shocked and outraged.

Now, in a groundbreaking moment captured in the newly released Season 2 of the hit show, that is changing. In the final episode, viewers watched as several veteran cheerleaders successfully negotiated a massive 400% pay increase, reshaping not just their own futures, but potentially the landscape for professional cheerleaders across the country.

Although the DCC has long represented the glitz and glamour of NFL cheerleading, the reality behind the sequins was anything but lucrative. In 2024, veteran cheerleader Jada McLean disclosed she was earning $15 per hour for rehearsals and $500 per game appearance, wages that hadn’t kept pace with the squad’s global fame or demanding schedule.

What truly struck a chord with viewers was that many of the cheerleaders were juggling full-time careers in corporate, legal, and healthcare fields just to stay financially afloat while pursuing their passion.

In Season 2, cheerleaders like McLean, Armani Latimer, Amanda Howard, and Megan McElaney stepped up not just as performers, but as advocates. They initiated conversations with the Cowboys organization, and despite moments of tension, they persisted.

The result? A complete restructuring of the DCC pay model. Cheerleaders will now earn differentiated rates depending on the nature of their work. Game day rates exceed $75/hour, while other performances and special appearances may command even higher pay. Practices still pay less, but overall compensation now reflects the labor, time, and expertise required for the role.

It’s hard to ignore the role the Netflix docuseries played in bringing this conversation to the forefront. With over 3.3 million views in its first week, the show helped ignite a global discussion on the pay disparities cheerleaders face.

Series Director Greg Whiteley admits the release of the show probably played some role in the DCC girls finally getting paid their worth, but Whiteley gives full credit to the cheerleaders themselves, calling the outcome a testament to their courage and persistence.

For many fans, the cheerleaders’ victory represents more than just a local win. It’s a hopeful sign of progress in the broader fight for pay equity, especially in so-called “pink-collar” professions traditionally occupied by women.

While cheerleaders have long been expected to deliver top-tier athletic performances and serve as brand ambassadors, their compensation rarely reflected the value they brought to the table. Now, that’s beginning to change.

As Jada McLean prepares for life after DCC, she hopes their story inspires other women in undervalued professions to advocate for what they deserve.

Thanks to the boldness of the cheerleaders and a few million streaming eyes watching, it’s clear they’ve been heard.