The Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders have made headlines with their recent unionization, marking a significant milestone in professional sports. This new union is reportedly the first of its kind among cheerleading squads in major U.S. sports, aside from a brief attempt by the Buffalo Bills’ “Buffalo Jills” in the 1990s.
On Friday, a joint press release from the Dallas Cowboys and the Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders Association confirmed the recognition of the cheerleaders’ bargaining unit, following productive discussions between the involved parties.
This development sets the stage for the cheerleaders to negotiate an official contract. Currently, the squad comprises 36 active members, though it remains unclear how many will be represented by the union. The joint statement highlighted the cheerleaders’ esteemed role within the Cowboys organization, emphasizing their talent and dedication.
Representatives from both the Cheerleaders Association and the Dallas Cowboys have not yet provided additional comments on the union’s formation.
The push for unionization comes on the heels of a Netflix series titled “America’s Sweethearts,” which has showcased the lives of the cheerleaders, both on and off the field. This exposure contributed to a remarkable 400% salary increase for the squad ahead of the 2025 season, with some veterans reportedly set to earn over $75 per hour. This follows a previous lawsuit where a former cheerleader alleged that she was paid below minimum wage, a case that the Cowboys settled.
Historically, during the team’s peak in the 1990s, cheerleaders earned as little as $15 per game. The iconic cheerleading squad, established in 1961, underwent a professional transformation in the early 1970s when they adopted their well-known star-spangled uniforms, a legacy that continues today.
Photo credit: Ron Jenkins
