In recent years, the conversation around fair pay and recognition for professional cheerleaders has intensified, particularly within the NFL.
Among the most iconic and scrutinised teams is the Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders (DCC), a squad known not only for their performance excellence but also for their influence on cheerleading culture.
By 2025, after growing public and media pressure, the DCC implemented one of the most significant pay increases in league history.
This update offers a comprehensive look at the key changes in compensation, the timeline of implementation, and what these shifts mean for the future of cheerleading in the NFL.
Why Did the Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders Receive a Massive Pay Rise in 2025?
The Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders (DCC) have always been one of the most recognisable and respected cheer squads in the NFL. Their presence on the sidelines and involvement in community events have long made them a public face of the franchise.
Despite their visibility and role in promoting the Cowboys brand, their compensation had remained stagnant for years, prompting increasing concern and criticism from fans, media, and former cheerleaders.
The tipping point came with the release of Netflix’s behind-the-scenes documentary America’s Sweethearts: Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders, which aired at the end of 2024.
This series showcased the real experiences of current and former DCC members, highlighting financial struggles and the lack of benefits despite the demanding nature of their roles.
In one widely quoted moment from the series, veteran cheerleader Megan McElaney revealed that the squad was finally getting a pay rise a substantial 400% increase.
Her statement reflected years of advocacy and negotiation behind the scenes. This change was viewed not only as long overdue but as a symbolic victory for professional cheerleaders across the NFL.
The push for better pay was supported by several key factors:
- Public support following revelations in the docuseries
- Comparisons with the multimillion-dollar contracts of Cowboys players
- Dallas being named the most valuable sports franchise in the world by Forbes, valued at $10.1 billion
- Ongoing pressure from social media campaigns and former cheerleaders openly discussing past compensation practices
What Is the New Salary Structure for the Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders?
The Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders’ revised salary structure in 2025 marks a transformative step in how NFL cheerleaders are compensated.
Long criticised for underpaying performers despite their crucial role in the league’s entertainment and brand marketing, the Cowboys made bold changes that more accurately reflect the demands and visibility of the position.
Prior to the 2025 increase, DCC members earned modest wages. Practice sessions, which can span several hours multiple times a week, were paid at a rate of $15 per hour.
Game day appearances, which often required full-day commitments including travel, preparation, and media interaction, earned a flat fee of just $400.
Appearances for public or promotional events varied between $100 to $500, depending on seniority. For years, this outdated structure made it difficult for cheerleaders to treat their role as a sustainable profession.
In 2025, the Cowboys overhauled the compensation system with the goal of not only rewarding performance, but also retaining top talent and setting a new standard in the NFL.
The updated model introduced significant increases in hourly and flat-rate pay across every role, with specific adjustments for tenure and contribution to team events.
Key Features of the 2025 Pay Structure
- Practice Compensation: Increased from $15 to $60 per hour. This ensures cheerleaders are fairly compensated for the time spent on choreography, conditioning, and uniform fittings, many of which occur multiple times a week.
- Game Day Pay: Each cheerleader now receives a flat fee of $2,000 per game, up from the previous $400. This change acknowledges the intensity and professionalism required for performances in front of tens of thousands of live attendees and millions of viewers.
- Appearance Fees: These are now tiered based on experience, ranging from $500 for rookies to $1,500 or more for veterans with multiple seasons under their belt. Appearances include community events, sponsorship campaigns, media interviews, and national television features.
- Annual Earnings Potential: With the updated model, full-time DCC members are projected to earn between $120,000 and $150,000 annually, depending on the number of appearances and seniority. This range represents a significant increase from the prior estimated average of $25,000 to $30,000 per year.
The following table outlines the differences in compensation before and after the 2025 pay update:
| Role/Activity | 2024 Rate | 2025 Rate |
| Practice (per hour) | $15 | $60 |
| Game Day (flat rate) | $400 | $2,000 |
| Appearance (flat fee) | $100–$500 (tiered) | $500–$1,500 (tiered) |
| Estimated Annual Income | $25,000–$30,000 | $120,000–$150,000 |
The structure not only increases pay but also introduces consistency and transparency. Cheerleaders can now better anticipate their earnings and rely less on supplemental income outside of the squad.
Additional Elements of the Compensation Package
While the primary focus of the 2025 update was on core wages, several supporting changes have been introduced to enhance the overall financial and professional experience for the DCC:
- Increased Wardrobe Stipend: Cheerleaders receive a higher allowance to manage uniform costs, including cleaning, repairs, and replacements.
- Paid Travel and Lodging: For all team-approved travel outside of Dallas, including promotional appearances or NFL-wide events, expenses are now fully covered.
- Performance-Based Bonuses: Special bonuses are awarded for high-profile activities such as Super Bowl appearances, television interviews, and branded campaigns.
- Recognition for Tenure: Veteran cheerleaders benefit from higher earnings and have greater access to leadership roles within the squad, media representation, and mentoring opportunities.
These changes collectively transform the position into a more financially viable and professionally rewarding opportunity.
The 2025 DCC salary structure is now widely considered a benchmark across the league, and it’s expected to influence how other teams evaluate and compensate their own cheer squads in the coming years.
How Does the 2025 DCC Pay Compare to Past Years?
Historically, the DCC pay model had been criticised for lagging behind the cost of living and underrepresenting the value the squad brings to the team.
In 2019, a modest improvement was made when game day rates were doubled from $200 to $400. This remained unchanged until the end of 2024.
Practice wages at $15 per hour had not increased in over a decade, making it difficult for cheerleaders to justify the time commitment.
Many held second jobs or attended school while performing with the squad. Flat fees for promotional appearances also followed a dated structure that paid only $100 per event for rookies.
The 2025 increase changed this dramatically:
- Practice pay now reflects the time and effort needed to prepare for public performances
- Veterans are recognised with increased pay and tiered rates
- Annual earnings now rival entry-level professional salaries in other entertainment sectors
Veterans can now earn upwards of $150,000 per year, a significant improvement that places them among the highest-paid cheerleaders in the NFL.
When Will the New Pay Rates Come Into Effect?
The salary changes were implemented at the start of 2025, just before the Cowboys launched their off-season training program.
The timeline of key events shows how quickly the changes moved once internal discussions gained traction:
- December 2024: The franchise finalised updates to the DCC compensation structure following the airing of the Netflix series.
- January 8, 2025: Official contracts were issued and signed by returning cheerleaders and new recruits.
- February 2025: Updated hourly rates took effect for training sessions and rehearsals.
- March–April 2025: First rounds of new appearance fees were paid during off-season events such as community programs and NFL Draft promos.
The team ensured that all 2025 DCC members entered the new season under the revised pay structure, meaning the changes applied universally from the start of their training year.
What Are the Key Factors Driving the Pay Rise?
The push for a pay rise was influenced by a combination of internal discussions and external pressures.
Among the primary factors were increased media coverage, greater public transparency, and mounting concerns over fairness in sports entertainment.
The Netflix series had a profound impact. By showcasing the reality of cheerleaders’ lives, including their schedules, personal sacrifices, and financial burdens, it brought national attention to the imbalance between the glamour of the role and the compensation provided.
Other major factors included:
- A rise in awareness around wage equity across all sports and entertainment professions
- Social media activism by former DCC members who shared firsthand experiences
- Comparisons to Cowboys players’ salaries, particularly star contracts like those of Dak Prescott and CeeDee Lamb
- Broader legal discussions around cheerleader compensation across the NFL and other leagues
Are the Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders Receiving Any Additional Benefits?
While the pay increase in 2025 addressed many financial issues, some limitations remain. Most notably, the DCC are still not offered health insurance directly through the Cowboys organisation.
This has been one of the most persistent concerns from current and former squad members, especially given the physical strain of the role.
However, the 2025 structure includes several non-salary enhancements:
- Travel expenses for all away-game appearances are now fully reimbursed
- A wardrobe stipend has been introduced to help offset the costs of performance attire
- Bonuses are awarded for appearances in high-profile marketing events, including national TV coverage and major sponsorship campaigns
These additions provide meaningful value but still fall short of full employment benefits like retirement contributions, paid leave, or insurance coverage. Conversations are ongoing between team leadership and management consultants to explore extended support programs in the future.
How Does the DCC Pay Compare with Other NFL Cheerleaders?
The Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders now rank among the highest-paid squads in the National Football League.
Most other NFL cheerleaders continue to operate under outdated compensation models, with significant pay disparities depending on the team and region.
Comparison of NFL Cheerleader Pay in 2025
| Team | Practice Pay (per hour) | Game Day Pay | Appearance Fee |
| Dallas Cowboys | $60 | $2,000 | $500–$1,500 |
| New England Patriots | $25 | $500 | $150–$600 |
| San Francisco 49ers | $20 | $350 | $100–$400 |
| Las Vegas Raiders | $30 | $600 | $300–$750 |
| Average NFL Team | $20–$30 | $300–$600 | $100–$500 |
The Cowboys’ updated model sets a new industry benchmark. While some teams have responded to media pressure by revisiting their compensation models, most still operate under lower-tier pay scales.
The NFL does not currently mandate a standardised minimum for cheerleader wages, allowing teams to set terms based on internal policies.
This disparity may lead to more uniform contracts in the future, particularly if teams face legal action or public backlash for underpaying cheer squads.
What Does the Future Hold for DCC and NFL Cheerleader Compensation?
Looking ahead, the DCC’s bold move in 2025 is expected to influence the broader landscape of NFL cheerleading.
Their new pay model has already sparked conversations in front offices across the league and among entertainment labour advocates. Some cheerleaders from other teams have expressed hope that the Cowboys’ decision will encourage change league-wide.
Industry insiders believe this is only the beginning of a much-needed shift. There is growing momentum behind initiatives aimed at:
- Establishing a cheerleader union or representation body
- Creating standardised contracts across the NFL
- Expanding access to health and retirement benefits
- Developing alternative career paths for cheerleaders within team organisations
The DCC’s leadership has stated that they are open to continued review and negotiation of pay terms. As the squad continues to gain visibility through media and marketing, their role as industry leaders in compensation reform is firmly established.
Conclusion
The dcc pay rise in 2025 marks a historic turning point for cheerleader compensation in the NFL.
After years of advocating for change, the Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders have finally secured the recognition they deserve, not just through applause but with a paycheck that reflects their contribution.
As the NFL continues evolving with societal trends, the DCC’s pay increase is not only a win for one team but a potential signal of what’s to come across the league.
Fans, teams, and media alike will be watching how this bold move reshapes the future of professional cheerleading.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the minimum salary for NFL cheerleaders in 2025?
The minimum varies by team, but the DCC now earn at least $2,000 per game and $60 per hour for practices, setting a high benchmark in the league.
Do DCC cheerleaders get paid weekly or monthly?
They are generally paid bi-weekly during the season and monthly for off-season appearances or training camp commitments.
Are DCC cheerleading positions considered full-time jobs?
No, most cheerleaders maintain secondary jobs or are full-time students, although the 2025 pay rise makes full-time cheerleading more viable.
How long do most cheerleaders stay on the DCC squad?
The average tenure is between 2–4 years, though some veterans stay longer depending on performance and fitness.
Is there a union for NFL cheerleaders?
There is no official union yet, but several grassroots efforts are underway to organise across NFL teams and advocate for standardized contracts and benefits.
Do other NFL cheer teams offer similar compensation?
Few match the DCC’s new rates. The Cowboys currently lead in pay, but the trend may influence changes in other franchises.
What qualifications are needed to become a DCC cheerleader?
Applicants must have a background in dance, fitness, and performance. Auditions are competitive, with hundreds applying each year for limited spots.
