Dallas Cowboys cheerleaders’ 400% raise is a reminder of how little female athletes get paid
If you’re one of the many viewers who have been captivated by America’s Sweethearts, Netflix’s docuseries about the Dallas Cowboys cheerleaders, then you already know that these women are more than just dancers — they are true athletes. Coming from studio-trained dance backgrounds, these 36 women endure gruelling training programs and meet intense physical demands in order to perform their trademark kick-line and jump-split moves. In fact, some have even suffered hip injuries severe enough to require surgery.
From July to the end of the Cowboys season, these cheerleaders rehearse three to four times per week for two to three hours at a time, in addition to performing at all home games. With practices alone totaling up to 40 hours per week, it’s no wonder that many of these women work second or even third jobs just to make ends meet.
However, the recent release of the second season of America’s Sweethearts brought with it a major announcement: a 400% pay increase for the cheerleaders. Former cheerleader Megan McElaney expressed her joy at the raise, calling it “life-changing.” While the exact details of their previous and current compensation were not disclosed on the show, former cheerleader Jada McLean revealed that she used to earn $15 per hour and could now potentially make $75 per hour with the pay bump.
The revelation of the cheerleaders’ low wages sheds light on the broader issue of the gender pay gap in women’s sports, according to Cheri Bradish, the director of the Future of Sport Lab at Toronto Metropolitan University. This disparity is not unique to cheerleading, as female athletes across various sports face similar challenges when it comes to fair compensation.
Raeanne Milovanovic, co-founder of the Canadian Football Cheerleaders Alumni Organization, emphasized that being a cheerleader requires a high level of athleticism, dedication, and professionalism. While compensation varies by team and has historically been a topic of discussion, many cheerleaders view their role as a volunteer position.
As female sports continue to gain popularity, the issue of unequal pay has come to the forefront. Despite the rise of female sports stars like Caitlin Clark, Simone Biles, Ilona Maher, and Summer McIntosh, many athletes are still earning far less than their male counterparts. For example, the average salary for top-tier women’s soccer teams globally is just $24,030 USD, which is less than a living wage in many places.
The Dallas Cowboys cheerleaders have been advocating for fair pay for years, with their recent pay increase marking a significant victory in their battle for equitable compensation. Former cheerleader Robyn Pineault, who cheered for the Hamilton Tiger-Cats and the Toronto Argonauts in the early 2000s, commended the Dallas cheerleaders for their perseverance in fighting for fair wages.
In conclusion, the Dallas Cowboys cheerleaders’ journey towards fair pay serves as a beacon of hope for dancers and athletes everywhere. Their dedication, skill, and determination have not only earned them respect in the industry but have also paved the way for a more equitable future for women in sports.
