Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders unionize after years of wage disputes

The Dallas Cowboys have officially recognized the Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders Association (DCCA) as the collective bargaining representative for its cheerleading squad. This historic move follows years of public scrutiny and legal battles regarding low wages and working conditions for the performers.

The recognition follows a period of significant pay increases, including a reported 400% boost for the 2025 season, which was highlighted in the Netflix documentary series “America’s Sweethearts: Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders”. Previously, the squad faced criticism over compensation, with some members earning as little as $15 per hour or low per-game rates.

While the Dallas Cowboys are not the first NFL cheerleading squad to unionize—the Buffalo Jills achieved this in 1995—the DCCA represents a major development in labor relations for one of the world’s most valuable professional sports franchises. The union will now allow members to collectively negotiate for better wages, benefits, and workplace protections.