What Happened to Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders?
The Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders (DCC) have evolved from a sideline attraction into a global pop culture phenomenon, renowned for their iconic uniforms, dance routines, and extensive community involvement. After a long run with their reality show "Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders: Making the Team" on CMT, they transitioned to Netflix with "America's Sweethearts: Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders," which has garnered significant attention, including discussions around cheerleader compensation and the rigorous demands of the squad. The group continues to perform for the Dallas Cowboys and engage in various tours and appearances, with their Netflix docuseries releasing its third season in June 2026.
Quick Answer
The Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders remain a prominent entertainment entity, known as "America's Sweethearts," performing for the NFL's Dallas Cowboys. Their journey, including auditions and daily life, is currently chronicled in the Netflix docuseries "America's Sweethearts: Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders," which premiered its third season on June 16, 2026. The squad has recently addressed controversies surrounding pay and body image, leading to significant compensation increases for its members. Director Kelli Finglass continues to lead the team, even as she recently revealed a skin cancer diagnosis in February 2026.
📊Key Facts
📅Complete Timeline14 events
Formation of the Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders
The Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders were officially established, initially consisting of high school students performing traditional cheers.
Bubbles Cash Incident Inspires New Image
A fan named Bubbles Cash garnered significant attention at a Cowboys game, inspiring General Manager Tex Schramm to envision a more glamorous and dance-focused cheerleading squad.
Iconic Uniform and Dance Style Introduced
With the opening of Texas Stadium, the DCC debuted their iconic blue-and-white fringed uniform and a new dance-centric style, choreographed by Texie Waterman, marking the birth of their modern image.
Super Bowl X Performance and 'America's Sweethearts' Nickname
The DCC captivated millions during their Super Bowl X performance, solidifying their national popularity and earning them the enduring nickname 'America's Sweethearts.'
First Made-for-TV Movie and USO Tours Begin
The cheerleaders starred in a popular made-for-TV movie and began their long-standing tradition of performing for U.S. troops on USO tours worldwide.
Kelli Finglass Becomes Director
Former DCC member Kelli Finglass was promoted to Director of the Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders, a role she has held for over three decades, significantly expanding the DCC brand.
Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders: Making the Team Premieres on CMT
The reality television series, documenting the audition and training camp process, began its 16-season run on Country Music Television (CMT).
Voyeurism Scandal and Settlement
Four former cheerleaders received a $2.4 million settlement after accusing a senior Cowboys executive of voyeurism in their locker room.
Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders: Making the Team Ends on CMT
After 16 seasons, the long-running reality series concluded its run on CMT.
America's Sweethearts: Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders Season 1 Premieres on Netflix
A new docuseries, directed by Greg Whiteley, offering behind-the-scenes access to the DCC, debuted on Netflix, quickly gaining popularity and sparking discussions about the team's culture.
America's Sweethearts: Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders Season 2 Premieres, Pay Raise Granted
The second season of the Netflix docuseries was released, and following internal discussions and pressure, the cheerleaders received a significant pay increase, with veteran members' hourly wages reportedly rising to over $75.
Director Kelli Finglass Reveals Cancer Diagnosis
Kelli Finglass announced via social media that she had been diagnosed with squamous cell carcinoma, expressing gratitude for early detection and encouraging others to get skin checks.
DCC Live! Tour Features Live Auditions
The Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders embarked on a limited tour across Texas, Oklahoma, and Arkansas, which included live, in-person second-round auditions for the 2026 squad, allowing audiences to participate in the selection process.
America's Sweethearts: Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders Season 3 Premieres
The third season of the popular Netflix docuseries, following the 2025-2026 squad through auditions, training camp, and the NFL season, was released to audiences.
🔍Deep Dive Analysis
The Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders (DCC) originated in 1961, initially comprising high school students. The squad underwent a significant transformation in the early 1970s under the vision of Cowboys President Tex Schramm and choreographer Texie Waterman, who introduced a more polished, dance-oriented style and the now-iconic star-spangled uniform. This new image quickly propelled them to national fame, solidifying their nickname "America's Sweethearts" after their captivating performance at the Super Bowl in 1976.
Throughout the decades, the DCC's influence expanded beyond the football field. They embarked on numerous USO tours, entertaining U.S. troops globally, and their uniform earned a permanent place in the Smithsonian Institution's National Museum of American History in 2018. Kelli Finglass, a former DCC member (1984-1989), took over as director in 1991, and alongside choreographer Judy Trammell, has been instrumental in shaping the team's modern identity and global brand.
A significant turning point in their public profile came with the reality television series "Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders: Making the Team," which aired on CMT from 2006 to 2021, documenting the rigorous audition and training camp process. Following its cancellation, the DCC transitioned to Netflix with "America's Sweethearts: Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders," which premiered its first season in June 2024. This new docuseries brought renewed attention to the squad, also highlighting some long-standing controversies.
One major area of discussion has been cheerleader compensation. Historically, DCC members were paid relatively low wages, with some former cheerleaders comparing their earnings to those of a full-time fast-food worker. The Netflix series brought these pay disparities to the forefront, leading to discussions and even considerations of walkouts during the 2024-2025 season. As a result, the cheerleaders were granted a significant pay raise, with veteran members reportedly earning more than $75 an hour by the 2025 season. Another ongoing concern highlighted by the docuseries and other reports is the intense pressure regarding body image and strict physical standards, which some former cheerleaders have linked to eating disorders and anxiety.
As of June 2026, the Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders continue to be a prominent force in sports entertainment. The third season of "America's Sweethearts: Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders" premiered on Netflix on June 16, 2026, following the 2025-2026 squad through auditions and the NFL season. Director Kelli Finglass remains at the helm, having recently revealed a diagnosis of squamous cell carcinoma in February 2026, which she is addressing with early treatment. The DCC also embarked on a "DCC Live!" tour in April 2026, featuring live auditions in various cities, further engaging their fanbase and showcasing the competitive process.
What If...?
Explore alternate histories. What if Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders made different choices?