Latest news with #America'sSweethearts
Time of India
14 hours ago
- Entertainment
- Time of India
Dallas Cowboys cheerleaders confirm 400% pay raise in Netflix's America's Sweethearts — here's what they're earning now
The Dallas Cowboys cheerleaders, one of the NFL's most iconic squads, are receiving a substantial pay increase following the release of the Netflix docuseries America's Sweethearts: Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders. As revealed during Season 2, which premiered on June 18, 2025, squad members are now earning 400% more than in previous seasons, marking one of the most significant wage shifts in the team's history. What the Netflix series America's Sweethearts: Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders revealed In America's Sweethearts, the cheerleaders gave an unfiltered look at their lives, highlighting both the physical demands of the job and the financial realities many faced behind the scenes. While the team's image has long been associated with glamour and prestige, the series made it clear that compensation hadn't kept pace. During the second season, cheerleader Megan McElaney, a four-year veteran, confirmed the new raise on camera. 'Our efforts were heard, and they wanted to give us a raise,' she said. 'And we ended up getting a 400% increase, which is, like, life-changing.' Her statement came after months of internal discussions between team leadership and returning squad members, who pushed for more equitable compensation as the franchise continued to grow in visibility and revenue. A history of underpayment Calls for fairer wages are not new. In 2019, the Cowboys settled a lawsuit filed by former cheerleader Erica Wilkins, who alleged she was making as little as $7 per hour, with no overtime pay and $200 per game. That legal action resulted in the team doubling game-day pay from $200 to $400, but base hourly wages remained low—around $15 an hour as recently as 2024. The Netflix docuseries helped reignite public and internal attention to these concerns, giving current members a national platform to voice the need for updated pay standards. What the Dallas Cowboys cheerleaders make now Following the 400% increase, current Dallas Cowboys cheerleaders are earning: $75 or more per hour for rehearsals, appearances, and related duties Up to $2,000 per game day, compared to $500 before the raise Weekly earnings around $1,600, depending on scheduling and event participation While the pay increase marks a dramatic improvement, the cheerleaders remain classified as part-time employees, which means they do not receive health insurance or long-term employment benefits. However, they continue to have access to the Cowboys' medical staff during the season. Why this matters The Dallas Cowboys are consistently ranked as the most valuable sports franchise in the world, with a current estimated valuation exceeding $10 billion. For years, many have argued that the cheerleaders, integral to the team's brand identity and media presence, were being underpaid despite their contributions. With America's Sweethearts shining a spotlight on these issues, the newly announced raise is being viewed not only as a win for the current team but as a pivotal moment for cheerleaders across the NFL.
CNN
17 hours ago
- Entertainment
- CNN
‘America's Sweethearts: Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders' documents pay win for the group
The Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders have scored a salary touchdown. The new season of the Netflix docuseries 'America's Sweethearts: Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders' includes the women getting a pay raise. ''Happy' isn't even the right word for it. It kind of felt like a relief, like everything had paid off,' former cheerleader Jada McLean said. 'And finally, we were done fighting.' Netflix bills the series as viewers get to 'Follow the Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders from auditions to training camp and the NFL season as they chase their dreams and a coveted spot on the squad.' During the first season the audience learned that because of the low pay many of cheerleaders had to work second jobs. The women have advocated for more money for years. 'Our efforts were heard, and they wanted to give us a raise,' Megan McElaney, a four year veteran of the team, said. 'And we ended up getting a 400 percent increase, which is, like, life-changing.' The Dallas Cowboys have long been called America's team and according to Forbes magazine the franchise has 'been the most valuable pro sports team in the world for almost a decade' as reported by Associated Press. Season two of 'America's Sweethearts: Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders' is currently streaming on Netflix.
CNN
18 hours ago
- Entertainment
- CNN
‘America's Sweethearts: Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders' documents pay win for the group
The Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders have scored a salary touchdown. The new season of the Netflix docuseries 'America's Sweethearts: Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders' includes the women getting a pay raise. ''Happy' isn't even the right word for it. It kind of felt like a relief, like everything had paid off,' former cheerleader Jada McLean said. 'And finally, we were done fighting.' Netflix bills the series as viewers get to 'Follow the Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders from auditions to training camp and the NFL season as they chase their dreams and a coveted spot on the squad.' During the first season the audience learned that because of the low pay many of cheerleaders had to work second jobs. The women have advocated for more money for years. 'Our efforts were heard, and they wanted to give us a raise,' Megan McElaney, a four year veteran of the team, said. 'And we ended up getting a 400 percent increase, which is, like, life-changing.' The Dallas Cowboys have long been called America's team and according to Forbes magazine the franchise has 'been the most valuable pro sports team in the world for almost a decade' as reported by Associated Press. Season two of 'America's Sweethearts: Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders' is currently streaming on Netflix.
Cosmopolitan
20 hours ago
- Entertainment
- Cosmopolitan
The cast of Dallas Cowboy Cheerleaders now: Six months after filming, here's what they've been up to
Season 2 of America's Sweethearts: Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders is now streaming on Netflix, offering fans an inside look as DCC Senior Director Kelli Finglass and Head Choreographer Judy Trammell assemble another elite team of talented athletes. The episodes picked up just before the final round of auditions for the 2024–2025 squad and followed the chosen candidates through training camp, emotional cuts, the official team reveal, and into the heart of the NFL season. The NFL season wrapped up in January 2025, meaning some time has passed since filming ended. From DCC Senior Director Kelli Finglass to the veterans, rookies and some of our fave alums, here's what the squad are up to now. Kelli Finglass, a former DCC from 1984 to 1989, became director in 1991 and transformed the squad into a global brand. Known for her high standards and no-nonsense leadership, Finglass expected nothing less than excellence from every cheerleader this season. Since filming ended for the second season, Kelli has been spending time with family. She posted a picture from her son Ryan's 31 mile marathon run, writing: "A regular marathon wasn't enough… first Ultra Marathon in the books! ✅ Proud of @ryan_finglass #31Miles #LegsOfSteel." She also appeared on Beavers Wealth Management podcast alongside Ryan for a Mother's Day special episode, and responded to rumours she'd had a face lift in a video posted to her Instagram. Judy Trammell, a DCC alum from 1980 to 1984, became head choreographer in 1991 and has led the squad's iconic routines for over four decades. In March, she announced she's expecting her fifth grandchild sharing a picture of her son and his partner at their baby gender reveal. A month later, she celebrated her first born's birthday, sharing a throw back snap on her grid. Before joining the DCC in 2022, Amanda danced for the Golden State Warriors and overcame a training camp cut with determination and grit. Since filming, Amanda has been travelling the world with her husband Ralph. They've been everywhere from Switzerland to Lake Como and have been sharing lots of scenic photos on their Instagram accounts. In May, she attended Dallas Cowboys 2020-2024 cheerleader Jessica Bowman's (now Lanham) wedding. Alongside a picture of her and Ralph, she wrote: "The best night celebrating the @jbo97 and @lanham5 🥹 isn't the bride just perfection? Wow!" Once known as Caroline's little sister, Anna Kate stepped into her own as a seasoned DCC member after a strong rookie year. She turned 25 in June and was surprised with a party from her boyfriend Michael Snyder. As well as turning a year older, Anna has been travelling and doing press for the show, recently travelling to New York along with the rest of the squad. Armani has been booked and busy since filming, working with several brands including Vaseline and Shea Moisture. She's also been doing a bit of travelling, and attended Jessica Bowman's hen weekend in Cabo, Mexico. She moved home in May and shared the process to her 67,000 followers. The longest running veteran to try out for the year, Chandi has been keeping busy since season two ended. She recently had a little hair makeover, dying her dark locks honey brown. She attended the baby shower of Dallas Cowboys 2020-2024 cheerleader Mckenzie in February. After making the team last year, Reece returned as a veteran for season two, now happily married to her college sweetheart and first ever boyfriend, Will. She celebrated her one-year anniversary in April, sharing a picture from her wedding day with a sweet message. "I'm so thankful God placed you in my life and to have been a part of an incredible vendor team to document your beginnings as husband and wife" she wrote."It's been such an honor to watch your journey and all the amazing things God is doing through you both." The same month, she sat down with Will to talk to Valley View Baptist Church youth. A fan-favorite rookie candidate last season, Charly was the 2023-2024 squad's very last cut. Since filming, she's been doing a bit of travelling, as well as spending time with fellow rookies Ariel and Ava. One of the breakout stars of season one, Kelcey spent five seasons with the squad from 2019-2024. Following her retirement from the Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders in 2024, Kelcey shifted her focus to her full-time career as a pediatric nurse. She also got engaged - and later married - to Nate Crnkovich. Although she's stepped away from the spotlight of professional cheerleading, she continues to stay involved in the dance and wellness world and she's still very close to the team, recently attending Jessica's wedding. Kalina joined the DCC in 2019 and became a four‑year veteran. After taking a break, Victoria relocated to New York to chase her dream of joining the Rockettes, and now shares her life through fitness, dance, and mental‑health advocacy. She regularly posts videos of her choreography on Instagram and recently shared a video of her last dance for DCC to promote the second season. America's Sweethearts: Dallas Cowboy Cheeleaders season 2 is available to stream on Netflix.
Cosmopolitan
a day ago
- Entertainment
- Cosmopolitan
America's Sweethearts: Where is Kelcey from Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders now?
One of our favourite sports documentary reality series has finally returned to our screens for season two, yep that's right America's Sweethearts: Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders are officially back in action on Netflix. However, while we are loving catching up with the OG cast and meeting the new rookies, we can't help but majorly miss season one legend Kelcey Wetterberg. So where is she now and what is she up to? If you watched season one you'll remember Kelcey was a veteran member of the Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders (DCC) and was entering her fifth year during the filming of the show. For all the non-cheerleader fans out there, cheerleaders generally only serve in the DCC for a maximum of five years, and this was the case of Kelcey who entered her last year during season one. But what a year it was. Kelcey was named group leader and became a main character in both the team and the show. By the end of the season Kelce retired from being a DCC and this is everything she's up to now. During season one of America's Sweethearts we learnt Kelcey was also a paediatric nurse alongside her career as a DCC. Part of her decision to leave the cheerleaders was to fully pursue her job in nursing, which she has continued to do since leaving. Exciting news! On New Year's Eve 2024, Kelcey officially tied the knot to her partner Nate Crnkovich, who is also a nurse and actor. During the first season we saw Nate pop the question and Kelcey accept. The couple had two wedding ceremonies, an intimate church service on 30 December, with just their families, and then a big party with all their friends and family on NYE. The second wedding featured a six tier wedding cake and of course a performance by Kelcey and her fellow cheerleaders from the DCC. Not only have they tied the knot by Kelcey and Nate also bought their first home together. The couple shared the very exciting news on their Instagrams earlier this week in the cutest video, with Kelcey captioning the post: "We've got exciting news 🥹🏡 we bought a house! @lexiejsmith_ we cannot thank you enough for being our guiding light through this process! You were so helpful even when the process felt discouraging at times. Thank you for getting us our dream home 🤍." We can't wait to see the home content. Speaking of content, since appearing on the Netflix docu-series Kelcey has gone onto gain quite the social media following. She now has nearly half a million followers on Instagram and over 200,000 on TikTok. Alongside her nursing work she also does sponsored posts on TikTok and Instagram for brands such as Westmore Beauty, Tanceuticals and PrettyLittleThing. Once a DCC, always a DCC. Though she may have officially left the squad, she's still very much part of it in spirit. Ahead of the release of season two of America's Sweethearts on Netflix, Kelcey shared a sweet post to celebrate the women. Writing on Instagram she said: "I am so excited to watch season 2, and more importantly, watch the world embrace even more women that have worked their whole lives to be here. Let me tell you, they are pretty special 💙." We couldn't agree more! America's Sweethearts: Dallas Cowboy Cheerleaders is available on Netflix now
