Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders Unionize After Years of Pay Disputes

The Dallas Cowboys have officially recognized the Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders Association, marking a significant development after years of advocacy by the cheerleaders for increased pay. The NFL franchise’s agreement to recognize the union comes as the squad stands as one of professional sports' most iconic performance groups.

"The Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders are an esteemed part of the Cowboys organization, deeply respected for the talent and dedication they exhibit," the team and the union said in a joint statement. "They remain one of the most sought-after opportunities for talented dancers worldwide."

The recognition follows a period of significant activism from the cheerleaders. During the second season of the Netflix series "America’s Sweethearts: Dallas Cowboy Cheerleaders," it was reported that the members received a substantial pay increase. Previously, in 2019, the Cowboys settled a lawsuit with a former cheerleader that led to a doubling of the per-game pay from $200 to $400. The reported raise in 2025 was four times that amount.

Forbes magazine has identified the Cowboys as the most valuable professional sports team globally. A representative for the Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders Association was not immediately available for comment.