The PHF and PWHPA have recently been battling for top status in women's hockey. But the saga recently ended when the two agreed on a new unified league that will launch in January 2024, backed by Dodgers owner Mark Walter. Here's everything you need to know about the changes coming to Women's hockey.
A significant development in the world of hockey has occured. The PHF was previously made up of seven teams, including the Montreal team that joined before the 2022-23 season. Meanwhile, the PWHPA consisted of four teams on tours, playing multiple games over several weeks. The two leagues have merged.
Recently, the PWHPA acquired the PHF and nullified their contracts to establish a single women's hockey league.
However, this move has caused issues since many PHF players had just signed six-figure deals and extensions, which are now void. As a result, these players must try out for their team and are not guaranteed a roster spot. Additionally, newly drafted members will have priority for roster spots.
It is crucial to note that this is not a merger between the PWHPA and the PHF. The new league's owners have stated that every player will have an equal say. PHF and PWHPA players were informed separately on Thursday evening that a new professional women's hockey league is in the works. The PWHPA has partnered with The Mark Walter Group and Billie Jean King Enterprises to explore launching the league.
On Sunday, PWHA unanimously approved a new league with the PWHLPA and the Professional Women's Hockey League. It will last until 2031 but has no official name yet.
The new owners don't know the current PHF team names and plan to change them. Teams from Boston, Connecticut, and Buffalo, who've been around since the league's inception in 2015, are unlikely to remain, and there will be three Canadian and three American teams.
During a call with the new ownership, PWHPA players were informed that there would be six teams in the league, and all players would receive salaries ranging from $35,000 to $80,000, along with a housing stipend. The new coaches and staff will also be hired based on the players' recommendations.
As per the report from The Athletic, during the league's first year, player salaries will range from $35,000 to $80,000 or more under the CBA. Only up to nine players per team will receive the league minimum salary of $35,000. The minimum pay scale will increase by three percent annually. Moreover, in the inaugural year, each team will sign a minimum of six players to a three-year contract that at least $80,000,
The Collective Bargaining Agreement outlines several compensation bonuses, such as the All-Star Game runners-up and champions, league MVP, top awards for forwards, defenders, and goalies, rookie of the year, philanthropy-based awards, and playoff bonuses.
All players will be released from their contracts on July 10, 2023, to pursue contracts with the new league. There is a $1,000,000 pool of funds for players who do not end up playing, with a minimum payment of $10,000 per player.
Finally, the new league will be overseen by a board led by Stan Kasten, president of the LA Dodgers, and Billie Jean King. The new league is set to launch in January 2024.