America's Sweethearts: Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders season 2 revealed a highly anticipated update about the originally lackluster pay the performers received. Throughout America's Sweethearts: Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders season 1, the cheerleaders discussed their pay frequently and struggled to make sense of why they didn't get paid what seemed like a fair wage. Throughout the history of the Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders, the team were paid minimally, oftentimes with higher ups talking about the privilege of being a part of the team being part of their compensation. While Coach Kelli Finglass changed things when she started working with the team, it wasn't enough.
Although Coach Kelli got the girls a ton of perks and amenities as part of their time with the Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders, like free meals, makeup and glam services, tanning, and beauty enhancements, the cheerleaders were more focused on the fact that they were typically working full-time jobs, sometimes multiple, to make ends meet. Despite knowing that the performers were looking for better compensation, Kelli and Choreographer Judy Trammell stayed out of things, doing their best to remain impartial when it came to money. Instead, the team had to work hard to get to chat with the Dallas Cowboys higher-ups.
Senior DCC Members Fought For A Pay Increase All Season
Several Veteran DCC Members Worked Hard For Change
Jada Mclean from America's Sweethearts: Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders waving in her uniform.
Custom Image by César Garcia
Throughout America's Sweethearts season 2, there were several veteran Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders who were hopeful that they'd be able to fight for better pay for the group. When the ladies first received their contracts, they were concerned that there hadn't been a change in the pay rate, especially after America's Sweethearts season 1 brought the organization so much attention. Unhappy with the lack of momentum, Jada Mclean, Armani Latimer, & Megan McElaney had a meeting with higher ups at the organization in hopes they'd be able to explain the value they bring to the team, and secure a pay increase.
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Talking to the rest of the team to offer a transparent understanding of what was going on after the meeting, the cheerleaders were open about the fact that it hadn't been easy for them to go to upper management and discuss something so sensitive. Even though they didn't receive good news, or any news, within the meeting, the cheerleaders were hopeful they'd made their point well and would see change soon. Unfortunately, things didn't move ahead and the season continued on without the cheerleaders' contracts signed, leaving them without much information about what was going on with their compensation boost.
After Rejection, The 400% Pay Increase Was Put In Effect
The Girls Found Out After Uniform Return
Although there was a lot of difficulty leading up to it, after the rejection and silence from the Dallas Cowboys organization, they reconvened to share with the cheerleaders that their new compensation package would be available starting the following season. With a 400% pay increase, things will be completely different for the majority of the team as they move forward. Some may even be able to limit themselves to working part time as they train for the season and perform at the Dallas Cowboys home games and fan events. With a 400% increase, most cheerleaders will likely make thousands more.
Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders Now Earn A Livable Wage To Cheer
Some Veterans Won't See The Benefit Themselves
While the next class of Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders will get the opportunity to earn a living wage, those who fought for the change aren't likely to be part of the change. The majority of the women who fought for the pay increase, including Jada and Armani, have decided to leave the Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders behind, retiring their uniforms and moving forward. While Megan will still be part of the organization, the others have moved on, meaning they won't get to benefit from the change they helped inspire. Regardless,America's Sweethearts: Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders documented an incredible fight for fair compensation.
America's Sweethearts: Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders season 2 is available to stream on Netflix.
Source: Jada Mclean/Instagram