2025-06-18T21:30:04Z

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Megan McElaney, a Dallas Cowboys cheerleader, recently shared exciting news during an episode of Netflix's America's Sweethearts: Dallas Cowboy Cheerleaders. She revealed that the cheerleaders will see a dramatic pay increase of 400 percent starting in the 2025 season. This monumental change in compensation comes as a direct result of the cheerleaders' persistent advocacy for fair pay, signaling a significant shift in the organization’s approach to compensating its cheerleading squad.

McElaney expressed her joy and gratitude, stating, “Our efforts were heard and they wanted to give us a raise. And we ended up getting a 400 percent increase, which is like, life-changing.” This statement not only reflects her personal relief but also highlights the culmination of a long struggle for better pay among cheerleaders in professional sports. Former cheerleader Jada McLean shared a similar sentiment, saying, “'Happy' isn't even the right word for it. I think I was just... kind of felt, like, a relief—like everything had paid off. And it was, you know, finally, we were done fighting.”

These remarks underscore the emotional weight of this achievement, illustrating the hardships that cheerleaders have faced in a competitive and often underappreciated role. The Dallas Cowboys organization responded positively to these developments, stating in a statement to ABC News that it was “pleased, as you’ll see in the series, that the Dallas Cowboys cheerleaders were happy with the outcome.” This comment suggests a progressive shift in the organization's culture, acknowledging the cheerleaders’ contributions and valuing their work.

For context, McLean revealed to Alisha Haridasani Gupta and Katie Van Syckle of the New York Times that during the 2024 season, she was compensated at a rate of $15 an hour, with additional earnings of $500 for each public appearance. With the new pay structure, veteran cheerleaders can expect to earn more than $75 an hour, which represents a remarkable transformation in financial remuneration for these athletes. This change not only recognizes their hard work but also aims to attract a more diverse and talented group of individuals into the cheerleading ranks.