Cowboys Cheerleader Pay Debate Is Hitting Fans For One Big Reason

Amidst rising franchise valuations and substantial pay for players, the disparity in salaries for the Dallas Cowboys cheerleaders sparks widespread debate among fans.

The Dallas Cowboys may be the most valuable franchise in sports, but that hasn’t stopped fans from zeroing in on what their cheerleaders are paid.

At a time when Jerry Jones could reportedly command north of $20 billion if he ever sold America’s Team, the gap between the money flowing through the franchise and the money going to the cheerleaders has become a talking point. The Cowboys’ top players are making tens of millions of dollars a year, while the cheerleaders are making tens of thousands at most.

According to the report, Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders can make up to $2,500 per game, or somewhere between $50,000 and $75,000 for a season. That’s a meaningful paycheck for a part-time role, though the source notes it is far from a part-time job for most of the women involved.

Fox News shared that “This will be year two of the ‘Boys cheerleaders making a reported 400% increase in salary compared to a previous salary scale. The new scale is said to pay $75/hr compared to $15/hour in previous years. While exact numbers aren’t public record, based on what cheerleaders have revealed via Netflix’s ‘America’s Sweethearts’ series, experts believe the veteran cheerleaders can make $50k to $75k per season, including a rate of $2,500 per game based on the $75/hr. figure,”

Still, plenty of fans think the number is too low. “That’s good money, but they should all be making six figures, at least.

They’re such a big brand,” one fan wrote. Others were even blunter: “Pay them even more.

It’s still too low!” and “They need to be making more than that.

They have such a massive following,” another fan added. “Pay them, Jerry!”

was another reaction.

Jones has never been shy about paying his biggest stars, with Dak, Zeke, CeeDee, Romo, etc. all landing huge contracts over the years. The argument from fans is simple: if he can do that for the players, the cheerleaders deserve a bigger slice too.

In Other News...

Cowboys Jersey Changes Hint At A Surprise Roster Twist

The Cowboys offseason roster churn has already produced a few small but telling details, and jersey numbers are part of that picture. Six players have switched numbers heading into the 2026 season after landing on the 53-man roster or the practice squad, a reminder that the back end of the roster can change just as quickly as the depth chart itself. Among the more notable tweaks are wide receiver Camden Brown and defensive lineman Tyus Wheat, two players whose paths onto the team were not exactly penciled in early.

Von Millers number situation has added a little extra intrigue, too. The veteran edge rusher is trying to work out a deal with fullback Hunter Luepke for No. 40, with the two sides already haggling over unusual incentives like free chicken and even a tattoo. The negotiations are still ongoing, and while it is only a jersey number on paper, it has turned into one more sign that the Cowboys newest roster twist might not be as straightforward as it first looked. [Read more 🡒]

Cowboys May Have Found A Back Kansas City Let Slip Away

The Cowboys added a familiar kind of depth move this week, claiming running back Emari Demercado off waivers after Kansas City cut him loose. It is the sort of transaction that barely registers outside roster-watch circles, but it caught attention because Andy Reid had spoken highly of Demercado, and because some around the league saw a player with traits that fit a more layered backfield than the one he left behind.

For Dallas, the appeal is obvious. Demercado is expected to compete for a meaningful rotational role and brings the kind of pass protection and efficient running style that can help a staff trust him in multiple situations. Whether the Cowboys uncovered a useful piece or simply got to the line first, they have a runner with a profile that could matter once the offense starts sorting out its pecking order. [Read more 🡒]

Cowboys Could Soon Face A CeeDee Lamb And George Pickens Dilemma

The Cowboys already have one premium wideout on a lucrative deal in CeeDee Lamb, and now George Pickens has brought another layer to the front offices long-term planning. Stephen Jones made it clear that paying two receivers at the top of the market is not a simple puzzle, and Dallas is weighing the value of adding another high-end offensive weapon against the strain that kind of commitment can put on a roster.

Pickens is set to play the 2026 season on the franchise tag, giving the Cowboys a runway to see whether his production holds up over time before they decide on a bigger investment. If he stacks another strong season on top of the one he is building now, his next contract could climb quickly, and that is where the pressure really starts for Dallas. Lamb is already in place, so the question becomes how long the Cowboys can keep both pass-catchers happy before the salary cap starts forcing a harder choice. [Read more 🡒]