Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders unionize, will collectively bargain with team
The Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders Association, the union formed by the team's entertainment crew, will collectively bargain with the franchise.
The Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders have taken a historic step by unionizing, forming a labor organization called the Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders Association (DCCA). This marks the first time a cheerleading squad has collectively bargained with a professional sports team. The announcement was made on October 23, 2026, and emphasizes the cheerleaders' importance to the Cowboys organization, describing them as highly respected for their talent and dedication.
These esteemed performers have gained international recognition, with recent features on Netflix's America's Sweethearts: Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders and various other programs. In 2024, a fifth-year cheerleader reportedly earned $15 per hour and $500 for each appearance, highlighting their significant financial contributions. The Dallas Morning News reported that the cheerleaders sought a 400% raise for the 2025 season.
While the Cowboys have not commented further, this union is not the NFL's first of its kind. In 1995, the Buffalo Bills' cheerleading group, the Jills, became the first union representing cheerleading squads before disbanding in 2014 due to allegations of mistreatment and underpayment.
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