DALLAS — In a landmark move for the world-renowned Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders, the team has announced a substantial 400% salary increase, marking a significant shift in compensation for the squad known as “America’s Sweethearts.”
Immediate Impact of the Salary Increase
The announcement comes as the latest season of the Netflix series “America’s Sweethearts: Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders” captures the behind-the-scenes journey of the cheer squad. Despite a challenging 2024 football season for the Cowboys, the cheerleaders ended the year on a high note with this unprecedented pay raise.
Kelli Finglass, the squad’s director, expressed her enthusiasm during the end-of-season banquet, as shown in Episode 7 of Season 2. “You guys have moved some mountains this year that will forever change our organization and hopefully dancers’ organizations across the world,” Finglass stated, emphasizing the long-overdue nature of this change.
Key Details Emerge
Historically, the Cowboys have faced criticism over the low compensation provided to their cheerleaders. NBC Sports Boston reported in 2022 that the cheerleaders earned between $15-$20 per hour, translating to an average annual salary of $22,500. This is starkly contrasted against the club’s valuation of approximately $9 billion.
400% Salary Increase: New pay could reach around $100,000 annually.
Most cheerleaders have juggled additional full-time or part-time jobs alongside their commitments to the Cowboys. Charlotte Jones, the team’s chief brand officer and daughter of Cowboys owner Jerry Jones, has defended the previous compensation levels, citing limited professional dance opportunities, especially within the NFL.
Industry Response and Reactions
According to sources familiar with the negotiations, the push for higher pay was spearheaded by team leaders and supported by Finglass, who reconvened discussions on the cheerleaders’ salaries. The result was a significant pay increase, although the exact new salary figures were not disclosed.
Cheerleader Jada McClean expressed her relief to the New York Times, stating she would now earn more than $75 an hour. “Happy isn’t even the right word for it,” McClean told Netflix. “I just felt relief and it was finally, we were done fighting.”
Cheerleader Jada McClean: “I just felt relief and it was finally, we were done fighting.”
Background Context and Historical Precedents
The timing is particularly significant because the cheerleaders’ compensation has been a contentious issue for decades. The move represents a significant shift from past practices, where cheerleaders were part of the Cowboys’ brand yet received minimal financial recognition.
Armani, a cheerleader in her fifth and final season, noted the importance of the raise as part of her legacy. “I’m proud that this pay raise will be part of my legacy, even after I’m gone from the team,” she said.
Future Implications and Next Steps
This development builds on growing awareness and advocacy for fair compensation in cheerleading and similar professions. The Cowboys’ decision may set a precedent for other NFL teams and professional sports organizations to reevaluate and potentially increase pay for their cheer squads.
As the cheerleaders celebrate this victory, the broader implications for dancers and performers in sports remain to be seen. The move could inspire similar actions across the industry, leading to more equitable treatment and recognition of the vital role cheerleaders play in sports entertainment.
With this historic pay raise, the Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders are not only enhancing their own financial futures but also potentially paving the way for systemic change in the industry.