Dallas Cowboys cheerleaders receive ‘life-changing’ pay raise ahead of 2025 season
The Dallas Cowboys cheerleaders, widely regarded as the most iconic cheerleading squad in all of professional sports, are entering a new era—one marked not just by glittering performances and nationally televised appearances, but by a significant and long-overdue financial recognition. Ahead of the 2025 NFL season, the organization has announced a monumental pay raise for its cheerleaders, a move that has already been described by many within the team as “life-changing.” In a league where players often make headlines for multimillion-dollar contracts, the pay structure for cheerleaders has historically lagged far behind, both in terms of fairness and respect. Now, that’s finally beginning to change, and it’s sending ripples not only throughout the NFL but across the broader world of sports and entertainment.
The Cowboys’ decision to implement a sweeping pay increase follows years of advocacy, both publicly and behind the scenes, by current and former members of the squad, labor advocates, and fans who have grown increasingly aware of the financial disparities. For decades, these women—who serve as ambassadors for one of the NFL’s most valuable franchises—have trained like athletes, performed like entertainers, and maintained a standard of excellence that few other squads can match, all while juggling second jobs or full-time careers just to make ends meet. With this raise, that balancing act may no longer be necessary, as the cheerleaders will finally receive compensation commensurate with their dedication and impact.
While exact figures were not immediately disclosed by the organization, multiple sources close to the situation have reported that game-day pay for cheerleaders will more than double from previous seasons. In addition to increased compensation for performances, the raise will also apply to rehearsals, media appearances, promotional events, and off-season commitments. Furthermore, cheerleaders will now be eligible for benefits packages that include health insurance, paid time off, and 401(k) contributions—marking a dramatic shift in how the team views and treats its cheer squad.
The pay raise didn’t happen in a vacuum. It comes at a time of increased scrutiny over how professional sports teams treat non-playing personnel, especially those in highly visible roles like cheerleading. In recent years, lawsuits, exposés, and documentaries have shed light on the often exploitative conditions faced by professional cheerleaders in various leagues. From inadequate pay and lack of workplace protections to restrictive contracts and dress codes, many of these women have endured conditions that would be unacceptable in other industries. The Cowboys, long considered the gold standard in NFL cheerleading, have now taken a definitive step toward reversing that legacy—and potentially setting a precedent for other teams to follow.
Perhaps what makes this change even more profound is the emotional weight it carries for those directly impacted. In interviews, several current and former Dallas Cowboys cheerleaders described the pay raise not just in terms of numbers, but as a moment of long-awaited validation. For many of them, being a cheerleader wasn’t just about performing on Sundays; it was about serving as a role model, representing the brand with integrity, and contributing to the overall experience of one of the most successful sports franchises in the world. For too long, they say, those contributions were overlooked when it came time to cut the check. Now, they’re being seen, valued, and compensated accordingly.
One veteran cheerleader, who has been with the squad for five seasons, called the news “overwhelming in the best way possible.” She explained that the additional income would finally allow her to focus on cheerleading full-time without the constant stress of juggling bartending shifts and weekend rehearsals. Another former squad member, who left in 2022 citing financial strain, said she was “proud and emotional” upon hearing the news, knowing that the team she still loves has taken steps to right past wrongs.
The Cowboys organization has also spoken out, expressing pride in being at the forefront of a broader cultural shift. In a press release, Jerry Jones, t
