The Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders Get a 400 Percent Pay Raise

[Déjà Bru]

They were making less than the team mascot, Rowdy. The popularity of their docuseries “America’s Sweethearts” on Netflix (one of the top 10 shows on that network) surely helped their cause.



https://www.nytimes.com/2025/06/18/s...smid=url-share

Apparently, part of the problem is that some cheerleaders don't actually work for the team that they cheer for. There is a reference in the NYT article to the former Buffalo Jills who were disbanded in 2014 after a pay dispute.

The Bills had subcontracted them to Mighty Taco who paid them on the scale of fast food workers. Then they were transferred to some media outfit who became the defendant in the Jills lawsuit.

The cheerleaders won a settlement but the Buffalo Jills are no more. Part of the settlement was forcing the Buffalo Bills to share some of the financial responsibility.

[Cobra Mgr]

I think every cheerleading team is paid paltry sums. It is the dirty "not-completely-unknown" secret. I think it is disgusting. But if the women speak up, there are 100's of other women w/low self worth willing to do it.

[Déjà Bru]

Originally Posted by Cobra Mgr

I think every cheerleading team is paid paltry sums. It is the dirty "not-completely-unknown" secret. I think it is disgusting. But if the women speak up, there are 100's of other women w/low self worth willing to do it.

Well, there are perks. A professional cheerleader can leverage her position to gain access to other, more lucrative opportunities.

But this is a crock:

For years, the mythmaking and prestige of being a Dallas Cowboys cheerleader has been used as an explanation for the low wages, presenting the cheerleaders as motivated not by money but by something “bigger than that to them,” as Charlotte Jones, the Dallas Cowboys’ executive vice president and chief brand officer, described it on the show.

Really.

[Cobra Mgr]

Originally Posted by Déjà Bru

Well, there are perks. A professional cheerleader can leverage her position to gain access to other, more lucrative opportunities.

I keep hearing that. Can you provide multiple examples besides marrying rich?

[Syd Thrift]

We should lower the wages of C suite people at tech companies because one of them after all married Serena Williams…

[Déjà Bru]

Originally Posted by Cobra Mgr

I keep hearing that. Can you provide multiple examples besides marrying rich?

They are paid for appearances at corporate (team and otherwise), charity, and community events. Some cheerleaders, not all. And their shelf-life is short. I am not saying that this additional income covers all of their expenses in the short-term, much less in the long run.

When I read "Every year, thousands of women audition for a few dozen coveted spots on the squad — including veterans themselves who have to compete to remain on the team" in the article, I don't feel that it's an indication of how great a job professional cheerleading is. Rather, it's a sad commentary on the limited prospects for these women in our society.

[Cobra Mgr]

Originally Posted by Déjà Bru

They are paid for appearances at corporate (team and otherwise), charity, and community events. Some cheerleaders, not all. And their shelf-life is short. I am not saying that this additional income covers all of their expenses in the short-term, much less in the long run.

When I read "Every year, thousands of women audition for a few dozen coveted spots on the squad — including veterans themselves who have to compete to remain on the team" in the article, I don't feel that it's an indication of how great a job professional cheerleading is. Rather, it's a sad commentary on the limited prospects for these women in our society.

I know about the appearances. Even those don't pay half a week's rent.

I'm talking about the "lucrative opportunities". When has that paid off?

[Déjà Bru]

Originally Posted by Cobra Mgr

I know about the appearances. Even those don't pay half a week's rent.

I'm talking about the "lucrative opportunities". When has that paid off?

Heh. That's what I meant when I said it. Maybe "lucrative" was a bit of an unintended exaggeration.

[Westheim]

Never cared for cheerleaders. The whole thing just screams "cheap". Not in the sense of "paid a pittance", but in the sense of "here, have some flesh to gawk at".

Now, a ballet of singing middle-aged hot dog vendors, that would be something bold I could get behind...!

[Cobra Mgr]

Originally Posted by Westheim

Never cared for cheerleaders. The whole thing just screams "cheap". Not in the sense of "paid a pittance", but in the sense of "here, have some flesh to gawk at".

Now, a ballet of singing middle-aged hot dog vendors, that would be something bold I could get behind...!

I always thought the idea of cheerleaders dumb. I am heterosexual so I don't mind the photos. But during the game they add nothing to the experience.

[Déjà Bru]

Originally Posted by Westheim

Never cared for cheerleaders. The whole thing just screams "cheap". Not in the sense of "paid a pittance", but in the sense of "here, have some flesh to gawk at".

Now, a ballet of singing middle-aged hot dog vendors, that would be something bold I could get behind...!

Originally Posted by Cobra Mgr

I always thought the idea of cheerleaders dumb. I am heterosexual so I don't mind the photos. But during the game they add nothing to the experience.

That makes three of us. Unfortunately, we seem to be rather unique in this regard. It sells.

[Cobra Mgr]

Originally Posted by Déjà Bru

That makes three of us. Unfortunately, we seem to be rather unique in this regard. It sells.

Does it? Can anyone quantify how much effect cheerleaders have on the bottom line? I more apt to believe it is most effective as a tax write off that anything else.

[Westheim]

Originally Posted by Cobra Mgr

Does it? Can anyone quantify how much effect cheerleaders have on the bottom line? I more apt to believe it is most effective as a tax write off that anything else.

But higher salaries would mean they save you more on taxes.

Payroll items are really hard to inflate in value for your corporate tax return.

[mytreds]

Cheerleading is not their main job, Cobra. Most of them are getting degrees or work daytime jobs and do the cheerleading on the weekend.

[Cobra Mgr]

Originally Posted by mytreds

Cheerleading is not their main job, Cobra. Most of them are getting degrees or work daytime jobs and do the cheerleading on the weekend.

It may not be their main source of income. But it is still a job. They have hours of practice & i'm sure spend a lot on maintaining their figure & makeup. They should be compensated reasonably.