The Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders have unionised after years of seeking better pay and improved workplace conditions. The NFL franchise and the newly formed Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders Association (DCCA) announced on October 23 that the team had agreed to recognise the organisation as the cheerleading squad’s collective bargaining representative.
The development marks a significant step for the group, which has gained international recognition through performances at NFL games and the Netflix docuseries America’s Sweethearts: Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders. The union is expected to negotiate with the organisation on behalf of the cheerleaders.
In a joint statement, the Cowboys described the cheerleaders as an esteemed part of the organisation and acknowledged their talent and dedication.
The unionisation follows years of discussions about compensation and working conditions. The cheerleaders’ pay has drawn public attention, particularly after former members raised concerns about wages and the demands associated with the role.
In 2018, former cheerleader Erica Wilkins filed a lawsuit alleging unfair pay. The dispute resulted in a settlement in 2019, after which the squad’s reported game-day compensation increased from $200 to $400 per game, alongside changes to hourly wages.
The issue gained further visibility through the Netflix series, which documented the cheerleaders’ experiences, including discussions about compensation and contract negotiations.
During the second season, members discussed a substantial pay increase for the 2025 season. The reported increase was 400%, with some hourly rates rising from approximately $15 to $75.
The formation of the DCCA provides the cheerleaders with a formal structure through which they can collectively negotiate employment terms. The specific details of a future collective bargaining agreement have not yet been announced.
The Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders are among the most recognisable squads in professional sports. Established in 1961, the group has become a prominent part of the Cowboys’ game-day presentation and has developed a following beyond American football.
The move follows an earlier unionisation effort involving the Buffalo Bills’ cheerleading squad, which received recognition in 1995. That squad, known as the Buffalo Jills, later disbanded in 2014.