
<p><strong>ARLINGTON, TX – June 19, 2025</strong> – Following intense advocacy and public scrutiny, the Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders—a beloved NFL institution known as “America’s Sweethearts”—will receive a remarkable <strong>400% pay increase</strong> for the 2025–26 season, a development unveiled during the second season of Netflix’s hit series <em>America’s Sweethearts: Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders</em>.</p>



<h2 id="spotlight-on-change-from-sweat-and-sacrifice-to-solidarity" class="rb-heading-index-0 wp-block-heading">Spotlight on Change: From Sweat and Sacrifice to Solidarity</h2>



<p>Previously, some veteran cheerleaders earned as little as <strong>$15 per hour</strong> or <strong>$500 per appearance</strong>, requiring them to juggle additional jobs just to get by. Stories like Jada McLean nearly facing eviction brought their financial strain into bold relief. The Netflix show gave these stories national airtime, sparking outrage and driving decisive action.</p>



<p>Veterans like Megan McElaney described the raise as <strong>“life-changing”</strong>, with senior cheerleaders now set to earn upwards of <strong>$75 per hour</strong>, reflecting the demanding commitment they give to games, practices, appearances, and charity work.</p>



<h2 id="major-details-at-a-glance" class="rb-heading-index-1 wp-block-heading">Major Details at a Glance</h2>



<p><br></p>



<figure class="wp-block-table"><table class="has-fixed-layout"><thead><tr><th>Element</th><th>Details</th></tr></thead><tbody><tr><td><strong>Pay Increase</strong></td><td>400% for 2025–26 season</td></tr><tr><td><strong>Previous Pay</strong></td><td>$15–$20/hr; $500/game</td></tr><tr><td><strong>New Pay (veterans)</strong></td><td>Approx. $75/hr</td></tr><tr><td><strong>Contract Trigger</strong></td><td>Documented in Netflix’s <em>America’s Sweethearts</em> S2</td></tr><tr><td><strong>Team Size</strong></td><td>36 members</td></tr><tr><td><strong>Advocates</strong></td><td>Jada McLean, Armani Latimer, Megan McElaney, others</td></tr><tr><td><strong>Leadership</strong></td><td>Kelli Finglass &; Judy Trammell behind squad unity</td></tr><tr><td><strong>Public Reaction</strong></td><td>Widely praised, yet some call for further equity<br></td></tr></tbody></table></figure>



<h3 id="behind-the-scenes-rising-voices-amp-changing-culture" class="rb-heading-index-2 wp-block-heading">Behind the Scenes: Rising Voices &; Changing Culture</h3>



<p>Netflix’s <em>America’s Sweethearts: Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders</em>—now streaming Seasonâ¯2—follows 2024’s auditions, grueling practices, team dynamics, and the behindâtheârallyâlines campaign for fair compensation.</p>



<p>Leaders like Kelli Finglass and Judy Trammell applauded the squad’s solidarity and resilience—and highlighted moments of personal growth—even amid discouragement</p>



<p>Seasonâ¯2 also spotlights veterans such as Jada McLean and Armani Latimer leading the charge for equitable wages. Latimer, known for advocating mental health and raising awareness about alopecia, was at the forefront of the campaign</p>



<p>Inspiring rookie comeback stories—like Charly Barby and Kelly Villares overcoming cuts and health setbacks—add emotional depth to the show.</p>



<h2 id="8220americas-sweethearts8221-season%e2%80%af2-highlights" class="rb-heading-index-3 wp-block-heading">&#8220;America’s Sweethearts&#8221; Seasonâ¯2 Highlights</h2>



<ul class="wp-block-list">
<li><strong>Group Leaders &; Point Dancers</strong>: Jada McLean, Chandi Dayle, Armani Latimer, and Megan McElaney headlined the team both on and off-field.</li>



<li><strong>Rookie Triumphs</strong>: Fresh talent like Madie Krueger, Abby Summers, Ariel Brumfield, and Ava Lahey bring energy and determination.</li>



<li><strong>Coaching Corner</strong>: Director Kelli Finglass (since 1991) and choreographer Judy Trammell continue shaping the squad’s image and ethical culture.</li>
</ul>



<h2 id="why-this-matters" class="rb-heading-index-4 wp-block-heading">Why This Matters</h2>



<ol class="wp-block-list">
<li><strong>Fairness in Focus</strong><br>The cheerleaders’ battle reflects broader concerns over equitable pay in sports, entertainment, and gig work.</li>



<li><strong>Shining Through Media</strong><br>Netflix’s series offered a powerful platform, proving visibility can accelerate meaningful reforms.</li>



<li><strong>Redefining Roles</strong><br>The narrative reinforces that NFL cheerleading demands athleticism, time, professionalism—and should be compensated accordingly.</li>



<li><strong>Inspiring All Generations</strong><br>The stories resonate widely, uplifting anyone fighting for fairness and recognizing that visibility can lead to change.</li>
</ol>



<h2 id="frequently-asked-questions" class="rb-heading-index-5 wp-block-heading">Frequently Asked Questions</h2>


<div id="rank-math-faq" class="rank-math-block">
<div class="rank-math-list ">
<div id="faq-question-1750332409296" class="rank-math-list-item">
<h3 id="how-much-did-cheerleaders-make-before" class="rb-heading-index-6 rank-math-question ">How much did cheerleaders make before?</h3>
<div class="rank-math-answer ">

<p>They earned roughly $15–$20/hour and $500 per appearance during the 2024 season <a href="https://time.com/7295238/dallas-cowboys-cheerleaders-pay-raise/?utm_source=chatgpt.com" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"></a></p>

</div>
</div>
<div id="faq-question-1750332426600" class="rank-math-list-item">
<h3 id="what-triggers-the-pay-boost" class="rb-heading-index-7 rank-math-question ">What triggers the pay boost?</h3>
<div class="rank-math-answer ">

<p>The raise followed the Netflix docuseries exposing their low wage, combined with internal demands from leads like McLean and Latimer <a href="https://time.com/7295238/dallas-cowboys-cheerleaders-pay-raise/?utm_source=chatgpt.com" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"></a></p>

</div>
</div>
<div id="faq-question-1750332444487" class="rank-math-list-item">
<h3 id="what-exactly-will-veterans-earn-now" class="rb-heading-index-8 rank-math-question ">What exactly will veterans earn now?</h3>
<div class="rank-math-answer ">

<p>Veterans are slated to receive about $75/hour—up from $15—which translates to a 400% increase <a href="https://www.fox4news.com/news/dallas-cowboys-cheerleaders-get-400-pay-raise?utm_source=chatgpt.com" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"></a></p>

</div>
</div>
<div id="faq-question-1750332458775" class="rank-math-list-item">
<h3 id="who-supported-the-initiative-internally" class="rb-heading-index-9 rank-math-question ">Who supported the initiative internally?</h3>
<div class="rank-math-answer ">

<p>Team leaders Kelli Finglass and Judy Trammell publicly praised the squad&#8217;s solidarity and efforts <a href="https://decider.com/2025/06/18/americas-sweethearts-dallas-cowboys-kelli-finglass-and-judy-trammell-interview-pay-raise/?utm_source=chatgpt.com" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"></a></p>

</div>
</div>
<div id="faq-question-1750332472268" class="rank-math-list-item">
<h3 id="is-this-change-permanent" class="rb-heading-index-10 rank-math-question ">Is this change permanent?</h3>
<div class="rank-math-answer ">

<p>Current reports focus on the 2025–26 season. Fans and cheerleaders alike are advocating for sustained pay equity in the long run.</p>

</div>
</div>
</div>
</div>


<h2 id="people-are-talking" class="rb-heading-index-11 wp-block-heading">People Are Talking</h2>



<p>Reddit’s <em>r/popculturechat</em> buzzed with excitement:</p>



<blockquote class="wp-block-quote is-layout-flow wp-block-quote-is-layout-flow">
<p>Dallas Cowboys cheerleaders get &#8216;400 percent increase&#8217; after pay fight in ‘America&#8217;s Sweethearts’ – Putting In The Work.</p>
</blockquote>



<p>Fan comments highlight how “life-changing” this step is—and underscore that performing is serious, rigorous work deserving of respect (and fair wages).</p>



<h2 id="looking-ahead" class="rb-heading-index-12 wp-block-heading">Looking Ahead</h2>



<p>The raise is a milestone—but cheerleaders themselves emphasize this is just step one. As Jada McLean stated:</p>



<blockquote class="wp-block-quote is-layout-flow wp-block-quote-is-layout-flow">
<p>This campaign matters for women everywhere. We’re not just performers—we’re dedicated professionals deserving fair pay.</p>
</blockquote>



<p>With <em>America’s Sweethearts</em> gaining popularity, and public attention heightening, this could trigger similar reforms across NFL squads and entertainment sectors.</p>



<h2 id="final-thoughts" class="rb-heading-index-13 wp-block-heading">Final Thoughts</h2>



<p>The Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders have long dazzled fans with high-energy performances, precision routines, and unwavering team spirit. But behind the glittering uniforms were years of underappreciated labor. This year’s massive pay raise isn’t just a win for these 36 women—it’s a signal that times are changing.</p>



<p>Thanks to the raw honesty shown in <em>America’s Sweethearts</em>, what was once whispered behind closed doors is now part of a national conversation about respect, value, and fairness in the workplace. From the locker room to the boardroom, these cheerleaders proved that even in traditionally glamorous roles, there’s room to demand more—and to get it.</p>



<p>This isn’t just about money. It’s about recognition, dignity, and leading by example. If America&#8217;s Sweethearts can shift the system, maybe it&#8217;s a sign that other overlooked performers—on and off the field—won’t stay silent much longer.</p>

💌 Enjoyed the read?
If this article caught your interest or gave you something to think about, feel free to share it with a friend! We always appreciate fresh eyes and new ideas. Got suggestions to help us improve our content? We’d love to hear from you—drop your thoughts and feedback anytime at newstrendd.com. Your voice helps shape our stories!