Season 3 of the popular Netflix docuseries, *America’s Sweethearts: Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders,* premiered on 16 June, continuing to chronicle the lives and careers of the renowned cheerleading squad. The series offers an in-depth look at the diverse experiences of the cheerleaders, from their grueling audition process to the excitement of performing at NFL games.
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc():format(jpeg)/dallas-cowboys-cheerleaders-8-a56380a6b88c41c49d5004cd2d596b11.jpg)
One of the key themes that has emerged throughout the show is the cheerleaders’ ongoing struggle for equitable pay. The women once revealed they were earning wages that hovered around minimum wage, a shocking fact that prompted a broader conversation about the compensation of cheerleaders in the NFL. Viewers witnessed the veterans of the squad discussing their difficult contract negotiations for the 2024-25 season in season 2. Their initial compensation packages were described as “heartbreaking,” and one squad member, Kylie Dickson, expressed disappointment after hearing calls from the public urging them to advocate for higher pay.
However, following the 2024-25 season, a significant turnaround occurred when Dallas Cowboys executives announced a dramatic increase in salaries for the upcoming season. The cheerleaders received an extraordinary pay rise of 400% for the 2025-2026 season, with reports indicating that annual salaries could now reach approximately £75,000.
The considerable increase means that cheerleaders’ per-game earnings may rise to around £2,500, up from previous rates of £500 for each game they performed. This shift has been heralded as “life-changing” by members of the squad, including fourth-year veteran Megan McElaney, who remarked how rewarding it felt to have contributed to such meaningful change. Fellow member Armani Latimer echoed this sentiment, sharing her emotional connection to the victorious struggle for better compensation.
Alongside these financial improvements, *America’s Sweethearts* explores the rigorous requirements to join the team, which remain steeped in tradition. The role of a Dallas Cowboys cheerleader is not only about dance; it involves adherence to a strict code that governs appearance, conduct, and physical fitness. This framework has been in place since 1972, shaped initially by choreographer Texie Waterman and later expanded during Suzanne Mitchell’s tenure. Contemporary cheerleaders continue to navigate a demanding audition process that includes dance assessments, a written test on football knowledge, and a strict standard for grooming that emphasizes a natural appearance.
The demanding commitments do not end at auditions. The cheerleaders must adhere to a rigorous rehearsal schedule that spans the NFL season. They are also required to maintain their uniforms to the highest standards, ensuring a pristine presentation at all times. In addition, strict policies around social engagements and travel have long defined the role, reflecting the seriousness with which the organisation approaches its image.
In a broader context, the compensation of NFL cheerleaders has often been a contentious issue. Reports indicate that most cheerleaders typically earn around £150 per game, accumulating an average annual income of approximately £22,500. This leaves their earnings significantly lower than other non-playing roles within the league—such as waterboys or mascots—who garner salaries significantly above that of a cheerleader. Some cheerleaders have taken to legal avenues, filing lawsuits in pursuit of fair compensation and improved working conditions, with varying degrees of success.
Dallas Cowboys Chief Brand Officer Charlotte Jones addressed the controversial nature of cheerleader wages in the docuseries. She emphasized that many dancers are drawn to the role not for financial gain but out of a sheer passion for performance. Jones acknowledged the prevalent cynicism surrounding cheerleader pay but stressed that the appeal of being part of such a prestigious team often outweighs monetary considerations.
Further reinforcing this point during a banquet celebrating the end of the 2024-25 season, Director Kelli Finglass commended the cheerleaders for their tenacity in pursuing better pay. She recognised their achievements as a turning point that could inspire change across various dance organisations, marking a pivotal moment in the ongoing fight for equality in cheerleading within the sporting realm.
The series’ portrayal of the journey of the Dallas Cowboys cheerleaders highlights not only the passion and commitment that they invest into their roles but also their resilience in advocating for fairer compensation. With the significant pay rise for the upcoming season, it sets an encouraging precedent—one that might just ripple out to impact cheerleading organisations across the country. As issues of pay equity continue to resonate in the broader sports landscape, the cheerleaders’ ongoing story stands as a clear testament to the persistence and strength of women working within professional sports.
About the Author
