The Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders are making headlines with a remarkable pay increase. One of their former members, Jada McLean, shared on Netflix’s "America’s Sweethearts: Dallas Cowboy Cheerleaders" that they’ve seen their pay raised by 400 percent. McLean expressed her joy and relief, stating it felt like a culmination of years of effort.
For a long time, the cheerleaders fought for fair compensation. Back in 2019, they settled a lawsuit with a past member, pushing their per-game pay from $200 to $400. This was a significant step in their journey for improved pay and recognition.
Megan McElaney, another cheerleader, emphasized that their hard work paid off. With the pay increase, she described the change as “life-changing.”
The cheerleaders have also faced serious issues in the past. In a notable case, they received a $2.4 million settlement nine years ago after allegations surfaced about a former public relations executive filming them in the dressing room. Although the executive denied the claims, he left his position shortly before the matter received widespread attention in 2022.
The Dallas Cowboys aren’t just known for their cheerleaders but also for being an economic powerhouse. Forbes ranks them as the world’s most valuable sports team, with a staggering worth of $10.1 billion as of late last year. This valuation highlights the immense popularity and financial success of the franchise, making the recent pay raise for the cheerleaders even more significant.
These developments reflect broader conversations about pay equity in sports. As more teams and organizations examine compensation, witnessing the cheerleaders’ journey may inspire similar movements in the industry.
For more details on sports team valuations, you can check Forbes’ official report here.