The
In a joint statement released on Friday, both the organization and the newly formed association confirmed the agreement. The statement highlighted the status of the squad within the franchise, noting that the performers are considered an esteemed part of the Cowboys organization and are widely respected for their dedication and talent. The franchise further acknowledged that the squad remains a highly sought-after opportunity for dancers on a global scale.
A Shift in Labor Relations and Compensation
The move toward unionization follows years of advocacy by the cheerleaders regarding their pay. The financial landscape for the squad has evolved significantly over the past several years. In 2019, the organization settled a lawsuit with a former member, a development that resulted in the per-game pay for the squad doubling from $200 to $400.
More recently, the financial trajectory for the members saw another substantial increase. During the second season of the Netflix documentary series America's Sweethearts: Dallas Cowboy Cheerleaders, which aired last year, it was revealed that the members were receiving a 400% increase in pay. This adjustment represented a fourfold rise from the previously established $400 per-game rate.
While the formation of the association marks a new chapter for the group, specific contact details for the Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders Association were not immediately available following the announcement. The Dallas Cowboys, consistently ranked by Forbes as the most valuable professional sports team in the world, have now formally integrated collective bargaining into the management of their cheerleading operations.
