Overview
- Mid-June 2026 coverage tied to Netflix’s America’s Sweethearts renewed attention on a pay push that veterans led during the 2024–25 season and say resulted in a major raise.
- Multiple reports describe the boost as roughly 300 to 400 percent with veteran hourly rates cited near $75 and possible annualized earnings up to about $150,000, but the Cowboys have not publicly released the new pay schedule.
- The Dallas Cowboys continue to treat cheerleaders as part-time employees, so the role provides no employer health insurance or full benefits despite the higher pay.
- Cheerleaders still rely on outside income because of the part-time status, using second jobs and social-media brand deals that sources say can range from about $5,000 to $50,000 per partnership.
- The change follows earlier legal and organizing pressure, including a 2018 lawsuit settled in 2019 and veteran-led negotiations in 2024–25, and leaves unanswered questions about how pay is distributed and whether other NFL teams will follow suit.