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NewsWPLG Local 10 – Main FeedOctober 24, 2026Miami-Dade County

Dallas Cowboys recognize cheerleaders union as collective bargaining representative

Photo: WPLG Local 10 – Main Feed

The Dallas Cowboys franchise has agreed to recognize the Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders Association as the collective bargaining representative for the squad. The move follows years of the cheerleaders advocating for increased pay and higher compensation.

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Why It Matters

The recognition establishes collective bargaining rights for one of the most visible professional cheer squads in sports, following historical pay disputes and legal settlements over compensation.

Key Facts

  • The Dallas Cowboys franchise agreed to recognize the Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders Association as their collective bargaining representative.
  • The agreement follows years of advocacy by the cheerleaders for higher compensation.
  • The Cowboys previously settled a lawsuit with a former cheerleader in 2019, doubling per-game pay to $400.
  • A member stated during a Netflix series that the squad received a 400% boost in pay.
  • The Buffalo Jills were the first cheerleading squad to unionize, winning an NLRB ruling in 1995 before disbanding following a 2014 lawsuit.
  • Sociologist Victor Chen noted that high public profile and media attention helped the Cowboys cheerleaders' unionization effort.
  • The Dallas Cowboys are ranked by Forbes magazine as the most valuable professional sports team in the world.

Who's Mentioned

locationNebraska“State where Omaha is located”OrganizationVirginia Commonwealth University“University where Victor Chen is a professor”OrganizationNetflix“Broadcasted the series 'America's Sweethearts: Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders'”locationOmaha“City where reporter Funk is located”OrganizationBuffalo Bills“NFL franchise associated with the Buffalo Jills”OrganizationForbes“Magazine that ranked the Cowboys as the most valuable pro sports team”locationDallas“City where the report originates”PersonVictor Chen“Sociology professor studying labor issues”OrganizationNational Football League Cheerleaders Association“Union joined by the Buffalo Jills in 1995”OrganizationNational Labor Relations Board“Issued a ruling in 1995 allowing the Buffalo Jills to form an association”PersonFunk“Reporter from Omaha, Nebraska”OrganizationBuffalo Jills“First cheerleading squad to unionize”OrganizationDallas Cowboys Cheerleaders Association“Collective bargaining representative for the cheerleaders”