Matthew Pearce/Icon Sportswire/Getty Season 2 ofAmerica's Sweethearts: Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaderspremiered on June 18 The new episodes explore some of the veteran members' fight for higher salaries Dallas Cowboys leadership agreed to a pay increase at the end of the 2024-25 season America's Sweethearts: Dallas Cowboys Cheerleadersis bringing viewers back into the locker room. TheNetflixdocuseries shows the highs and lows that the exclusive group of cheerleaders face during the NFL season.Season 2, which premiered on June 18, documents the team's progress from the initial auditions to the final game of the 2024-25 season. During season 1, viewers were shocked to learn that the famous Dallas Cowboys cheerleaders were paid around minimum wage. Despite often arriving hours before games for preparation and spending up to 30 to 40 hours per week in practice, many of them also held second — or third — jobs. In season 2, some of the group's veterans came together to discuss their new contracts for the 2024-25 football year. One squad member called them "heartbreaking," since there was no pay increase. "We got our contracts and probably wrongly assumed that it maybe would have been different, just because of everything that was on TV," Kylie Dickson told cameras. "The world was kind of telling us, 'Girls, fight for more!' " After the 2024-25 season, however, Dallas Cowboys executives agreed to a pay increase. So how much do the Dallas Cowboys cheerleaders make? Here's everything to know about cheering for the NFL, including how cheerleaders' paychecks compare to other salaried positions on the field. Courtesy of Netflix Being a Dallas Cowboys cheerleader requiresstrict adherence to a series of rules. The legacy of rules dates back to 1972, initially shaped by choreographer Texie Waterman and expanded during Suzanne Mitchell's directorship from 1976 to 1989. Early mandates included rigorous fitness regimes, limited social engagements and strict travel policies, notably for playoffs and Super Bowls, perThe New York Times. A number of these rules persist under current director Kelli Finglass, and they are spotlighted in the Netflix docuseries. Today, aspiring cheerleaders face a comprehensive audition process, including dance evaluations, a written football knowledge test and adherence to rigorous appearance standards — extending to hair and makeup, emphasizing a natural look, as outlined by DCC leadership. Maintaining a specific body shape remains a requirement, although weight specifics have evolved over time. Rehearsals are mandatory, with a demanding schedule extending through the NFL season. Meanwhile, uniform regulations are stringent, necessitating precise upkeep and return of all team gear. Wesley Hitt/Getty NFL cheerleaders typically earn around $150 per game, with an average yearly salary of about $22,500,NBC Sports Bostonreported in 2022. By comparison, NFL waterboys make about $53,000 per year, and NFL mascots earn $25,000 per season, the outlet added. Cheerleaders can increase their earnings through public appearances, which pay $50 to $75 each. In response to the disparities, NFL cheerleaders have filed lawsuits advocating for fairer pay and better working conditions — several of which have been settled privately, according toThe Guardian. While some progress has been made, the overall compensation remains significantly below that of NFL players and coaches. Courtesy of Netflix The Dallas Cowboys cheerleaders had been earning $15 to $20 per hour or $500 per game, making their yearly salary approximately $75,000, according to NBC Sports Boston. However, during season 2, some of the squad's veterans banded together to fight for higher pay. That resulted in a "life-changing" 400% pay increase for the upcoming 2025-26 season, fourth-year member Megan McElaney told cameras. "We pushed and we got back good results," fifth-year veteranArmani Latimersaid. "I get emotional knowing that I was a part of that. 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." Rich Graessle/Icon Sportswire/Getty Dallas Cowboys chief brand officer Charlotte Jones told Netflix cameras that cheerleaders "don't come here for the money," noting instead a passion for dance and the limited opportunities to perform at an "elite level." "There's a lot of cynicism around pay for NFL cheerleaders — and as it should be," Jones said in the docuseries, adding, "They're not paid a lot." She emphasized that the dancers join the team for something beyond monetary compensation. "They have a passion for dance. There are not a lot of opportunities in the field of dance to get to perform at an elite level," Jones continued. "It is about being a part of something bigger than themselves." At the 2024-25 end-of-year banquet, Finglass praised the girls who had led the fight for better pay. "You guys have moved some mountains this year that will forever change our organization, and hopefully, dancers' organizations across the world," she said. "It's just amazing, because that has been 60-plus years long overdue." Read the original article onPeople