What the Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders Want at the Bargaining Table
Will the cheer squad get what they want at the bargaining table?
The Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders Association (DCCA) has officially been recognized as a union by the Dallas Cowboys, marking the second successful labor-organizing effort by an NFL cheerleading squad. The first came in 1995 by the Bills cheerleaders, who later disbanded in 2014 after a lawsuit. The rise in popularity of the Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders, particularly thanks to the 2024 Netflix documentary series America’s Sweethearts: Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders, puts them in a strong position for collective bargaining.
Increased pay is expected to be a key demand, with the cheerleaders already receiving a 400% raise ahead of the 2025 season. Their demanding schedule, including daily practices and high-profile appearances, strengthens their argument for additional benefits such as healthcare, mandated breaks, and control over travel. The Cowboys may aim to regulate their public image and business ventures, as well as impose penalties for violations.
The DCCA's unique career duration and the team's immense value make unionizing challenging, but not impossible.
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