NFL1 hour ago2 minute read

Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders Form Union After Pay Battles

The Dallas Cowboys have agreed to recognize a union for their cheer squad following years of efforts to secure higher pay.

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Squad secures official recognition

The Dallas Cowboys cheerleaders are officially unionizing. The NFL franchise has agreed to recognize the Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders Association as the collective bargaining representative for the cheer squad. Both sides announced the news in a joint statement released on Friday.

This development comes after years of cheerleaders fighting for pay increases. The squad is widely known as one of the most famous cheer squads in professional sports. In the joint statement, the organization and the cheerleaders stated that the squad members are an esteemed part of the Cowboys organization. They added that the members are deeply respected for the talent and dedication they exhibit, and that the squad remains one of the most sought after opportunities for talented dancers worldwide.

Pay changes over recent years

The move to unionize follows a history of changes regarding squad compensation. In 2019, the Cowboys settled a lawsuit with a former cheerleader. That legal settlement resulted in the squad doubling its per game pay, moving the rate from $200 to $400 per game.

Pay continued to be a topic during the second season of the Netflix series America's Sweethearts: Dallas Cowboy Cheerleaders, which aired last year. During that season, one of the cheerleaders said that squad members were receiving a 400 percent boost in pay. The raise announced in 2025 was four times that amount.

Financial status and association contact

The franchise continues to sit at the top of sports valuations. The Dallas Cowboys have been the most valuable pro sports team in the world.

A contact for the Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders Association could not immediately be found on Friday. However, both sides have formally confirmed the agreement to recognize the association as the squad representative going forward.

What it means for the next game

Dallas Cowboys at Philadelphia Eagles (NFL, Tue, 27 Oct): Philadelphia Eagles win 35%, Dallas Cowboys win 65%; projected score Philadelphia Eagles 21, Dallas Cowboys 24. Our safest pick: Over 37.5 points.

Arizona Cardinals at Dallas Cowboys (NFL, Sun, 01 Nov): Dallas Cowboys win 71%, Arizona Cardinals win 29%; projected score Dallas Cowboys 29, Arizona Cardinals 24. Our safest pick: Cowboys to win.