"But beyond the pom poms, hairspray and the iconic Thunderstruck kick-line, the show was also very much about money. Specifically in this latest season, the power and importance of young women advocating for themselves financially.

You might not know this, but the Dallas Cowboys is the single-most profitable team in the American NFL. Owned by Jerry Jones, as of 2024, its estimated value was $15 billion. That same year, their highest-paid football player received an annual salary of $93 million, while the lowest paid still took home $1.2 million.

The cheerleaders, meanwhile, who are managed by Jones’ daughter Charlotte, were earning $22 an hour on game days and $750 for team events and appearances. The 2024 take-home salary for a veteran dancer was estimated to be roughly $58,000.

Unsurprisingly, when all of this came to light post-season one airing, it didn’t sit particularly well with viewers."

https://www.smh.com.au/money/planning-and-budgeting/these-cheerleaders-secured-a-400-percent-pay-rise-but-it-s-still-not-enough-20250627-p5mau4.html

The Sydney Morning Herald · Jun 28These cheerleaders secured a 400% pay rise. But it’s still not enoughBy Victoria Devine