America's Sweethearts: Dallas Cowboy Cheerleaders is officially back on Netflix for season 2, and we have one question: is the team finally making a livable wage? Answer: Yes! And it was extremely hard won.
Amid the DCC's low wages being exposed last season, the team entered this season and attempted to negotiate their contract together—an effort that was spearheaded by Jada, Amanda, Armani, Kleine, Marissa, and Megan. Unfortunately, the meeting (which wasn't on camera) with execs didn't go well. The team even briefly considered a walk-out, but their plans were leaked and they were unable to negotiate more money for the 2024 season.
However, Season 2 ended with some good news: Kelli told the dancers (specifically Jada, Armani, and Megan) that everyone was getting raises. Specifically, 400% percent raises. As Armani (who was retiring that year) put it, "I love the fact that I made change for the girls that are coming up behind me, even if I'm not getting a chance to benefit.
As a reminder: last season, former cheerleader Kat revealed that DCC paid her the same amount as a full-time Chick-fil-A worker (around $37,947).
Viewers were obviously shocked, especially when Dallas Cowboys owner and Chief Brand Officer, Charlotte Jones, straight up said "There's a lot of cynicism around pay for NFL cheerleaders—and as it should be. They're not paid a lot. But the facts are is that they actually don't come here for the money. They come here for something that's actually bigger than that to them. They have a passion for dance."
Assuming that aforementioned $37,949 is accurate, the team is now making somewhere around $151,000 with a 400% raise. Glad the DCC dancers are finally being paid a salary commensurate to their talent!
