Infographic by Coco Meng, William Mason High School

Female athletes in general are underappreciated. Cheerleaders in the NFL have historically been treated as an accessory to the game rather than professionals in their own right. 

The Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders (DCC)  have been a beloved part of the Dallas Cowboys organization for many years. While they exhibit athleticism, they are also a symbol of femininity and embody American football culture. Their presence at NFL games reflect the idea that sports in the U.S. are a full on entertainment experience.  It was not until recently that the Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders’ contributions to the organization were shown in their pay. 

The Dallas Cowboys are the most valuable sports franchise in the world, worth over $9 billion. They owe part of that image and brand power to their cheerleading squad. These women appear in advertising, travel internationally and maintain a professional athlete training schedule-all while holding down full-time jobs or being full-time students.

 In 2018, former DCC Erica Wilkens filed for a class action lawsuit against the Cowboys organization. According to Time Magazine, this resulted in a pay raise from $8 an hour to $12 and $200 a game to $400. Wilkens noted at the time that the Cowboys’ Mascot made more than the cheerleaders. This raise made it easier for cheerleaders, but it still wasn’t comparable to the millions of dollars players and even coaches received.

The Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders aren’t the only female athletes to fight for a pay raise. The United States women’s national soccer (USWNT)  team also fought for a raise. 

 The team has won four World Cups and is considered one of the best soccer teams in the world. Despite bringing in more revenue than the men’s teams, they were still paid less. In 2019, the USWNT filed a class action lawsuit against the U.S. Soccer Federation. They wanted a more equal salary between professional  male and female U.S. soccer players. 

Their fight did settle in 2022, but it wasn’t just about the money-it was about women becoming more valuable in the sports industry.  Female athletes are working towards a common goal: fair pay.

Recently, the DCC has been featured in their own reality documentary series titled “America’s Sweethearts: Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders.” 

Former DCC Kat Peryear brought up the topic of pay in season one. When asked about her salary as a DCC, she said she made the salary of a full-time Chick-fil-A worker.  While this comment sparked controversy on social media, no action was taken within the organization.

In season two, Jada McLean, Armani Latimer, Amanda Howard and Megan McElaney were the leading group of girls discussing the need for a pay raise. They set up meetings, spoke with the organization, and represented the DCC without help from their director, Kelli Finglass. Finglass’s power with the cheerleaders’ pay was limited.  After speaking with board members, the cheerleaders’ efforts were successful. 

According to NBC News, the Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders received a 400% percent pay raise. Instead of a fast food worker salary, they are now getting paid like professional dancers should be.

While their exact pay is not official, it was reported that the DCC will now earn around $150,000 per year.

By Coco Meng, William Mason High School

“And it was, you know, finally, we were done fighting,” said McLean. 

Future DCC will now be able to live financially stable lives while pursuing their dreams. After years of being America’s Sweethearts, the Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders have a salary to reflect their contributions.  

Although other professional female athletes are still working hard to get the pay they deserve, the DCC is an example of hard work turning into triumph.