The Dallas Cowboys cheerleaders unionized after years of seeking better pay
The Dallas Cowboys have agreed to recognize the Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders Association as the cheerleaders’ collective bargaining representative, the team and association said in a joint statement. The recognition follows years of pay disputes and gives the squad a formal route to negotiate compensation and benefits. No bargaining agreement has been reported.
More context
In a joint statement Friday, the team and association said the Cowboys will recognize the Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders Association as the squad’s representative in collective bargaining. The move follows years of disputes over pay and provides a formal route for negotiations; their outcome has not been announced. The statement said the recognition followed “meaningful discussion” and called the cheerleaders “an esteemed part of the Cowboys organization.” Former Dallas Cowboys cheerleader Erica Wilkins filed a lawsuit over pay in 2018. A 2019 settlement doubled the squad’s per-game pay to $400. Ahead of the 2025 season, the cheerleaders received a 400% pay increase. A former team member told The New York Times that the new contract restructured pay for game days and other appearances but did not include health insurance.
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Reporting
- The Times of India — “So you see a lot of that inequality”: Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders unionize after years of pay disputes as collective bargaining begins | NFL News - The Times of India
- Associated Press — Dallas Cowboys recognize union formed by their cheerleaders | AP News
- The New York Times — Cowboys recognize Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders union in collective bargaining - The Athletic
- newsday.com — Dallas Cowboys cheerleaders unionize after years of ...
Verifier’s note
The results report that the Cowboys agreed to recognize the cheerleaders’ association as their collective-bargaining representative, following years of pay advocacy. The reports are current and consistent with the proposed event.