Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders unionize after years of wage disputes

The Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders have officially unionized following years of disputes over low wages and working conditions. In 2018, former cheerleader Erica Wilkins launched a federal fair wage lawsuit against the NFL's most valuable franchise, the Dallas Cowboys, over unfair wages. She said she averaged $15,000 per season and less than the team's male mascot. A settlement in 2019 saw the squad's per-game pay double from $200 to $400. The issue then resurfaced in the Netflix's documentary 'America's Sweethearts: Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders' with the squad securing a 400% pay increase for the 2025 season. Now, the squad has officially unionized.