The Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders have officially unionized. In a joint statement released Friday, the NFL franchise announced it will recognize the Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders Association as the collective bargaining representative for one of the most iconic cheer squads in professional sports.
Why the Union Matters
The move follows years of the cheerleaders campaigning for higher wages and improved working conditions. The statement praised the squad, noting they are “an esteemed part of the Cowboys organization, deeply respected for the talent and dedication they exhibit” and that they remain “one of the most sought‑after opportunities for talented dancers worldwide.”
Pay Increases and Past Litigation
During the second season of the Netflix series “America’s Sweethearts: Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders,” a squad member reported a 400% boost in pay. The Cowboys settled a lawsuit with a former cheerleader in 2019, which resulted in the per‑game pay doubling to $400. The new union agreement is expected to build on that precedent, providing a structured framework for future wage negotiations.
Historical Context
The first NFL cheer squad to unionize was the Buffalo Jills, the Buffalo Bills’ cheerleaders. In 1995, the National Labor Relations Board ruled in their favor, allowing them to form the National Football League Cheerleaders Association. The Jills later disbanded after a 2014 lawsuit alleging unpaid labor and harassment. The Dallas cheerleaders’ successful unionization demonstrates how high‑profile visibility can influence labor outcomes.
Expert Insight
Victor Chen, a labor‑studies sociologist at Virginia Commonwealth University, said the squad’s national exposure likely helped its cause. “Without that notoriety, the team may have just tried to replace the cheerleaders because there are so many people willing to take jobs in the entertainment industry at low pay,” Chen explained. He added that the situation reflects a broader pattern of compensation inequality in artistic and entertainment fields, where many aspiring performers accept little or no pay to break into the industry.
Economic Significance
The Dallas Cowboys are the most valuable professional sports franchise in the world, according to Forbes. Securing a union for the cheerleaders aligns with broader trends of labor organization within high‑profile industries and underscores the importance of fair compensation even in entertainment roles that attract national attention.
What Comes Next
With the union now recognized, the Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders Association will begin negotiations on wages, benefits, and working conditions. The agreement sets a precedent for other NFL cheer squads and could inspire similar efforts across the league.
Funk reported from Omaha, Nebraska.
Original reporting: KSAT Sports (San Antonio) — read the source article.
