• Loading stock data...
Friday, August 22, 2025
The biggest names in sports media. All in one room. Buy tickets now!

NHL Backs Unified Women’s League, Though Without Money

  • Leagues working together on numerous operational components
  • Walter-backed PWHL remains independent financially
Jeff Curry-USA TODAY Sports

The NHL has long advocated and pledged its support for a strong, unified women’s pro league. Now, commissioner Gary Bettman and his staff are making good on that promise.

As the Professional Women’s Hockey League — formed this summer from a merger of two prior entities that was led by Los Angeles Dodgers controlling owner Mark Walter — prepares to start play in January, the new league is working extensively with the NHL on various operational elements, including scheduling and crossover promotions.

“It’s really to be there in any way we can to help facilitate the progression of the league,” NHL deputy commissioner Bill Daly told the Associated Press. “They’re working on a very ambitious timeline to get a league up and running and do all the things you need to do to make that happen.”

Further signaling the historic growth of women’s sports, the PWHL will begin with six teams, all located in current NHL markets. Those teams will have 23-player active rosters, each earning salaries ranging from $35,000 to $80,000.

The NHL’s support, however, doesn’t extend to financial backing, as both sides concluded it was best for the Walter-owned PWHL to ultimately stand on its own. Still, the arrival of the league signals a new moment for women’s pro hockey in an otherwise choppy history.

“There’s a lot more alignment, I suppose, with the NHL to be able to know that we are in NHL markets,” Jayna Hefford, PWHL senior vice president of hockey operations, told the Associated Press. “The teams that we have been in contact with in those markets have been incredible and really want to help be a part of this and build it.”

Linkedin
Whatsapp
Copy Link
Link Copied
Link Copied

What to Read

Aug 5, 2025; Brooklyn, New York, USA; Dallas Wings guard Paige Bueckers (5) looks to drive past New York Liberty guard Natasha Cloud (9) in the third quarter at Barclays Center.

Man Arrested for Throwing Dildo at Liberty Game

After police released his photo, the man turned himself in.

Sophie Cunningham Receives 3rd WNBA Fine for Criticizing Refs

This is Cunningham’s third fine in about a month.
Bay FC

Bay FC Set to Break NWSL Attendance Record in San Francisco

NWSL players have often resisted playing at baseball stadiums.

Featured Today

Oct 2, 2024; Rosemont, IL, USA; Big Ten commissioner Tony Petitti speaks with the media during the 2024 Big Ten Women’s Basketball media day at Donald E. Stephens Convention Center.

‘Not Ready to Jump In’: Power 4 Commissioners Aren’t Sold on PE

Top leaders in college sports have yet to see a satisfactory proposal.
Nov 23, 2024; Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA; Penn State Nittany Lions head coach James Franklin looks at quarterback Drew Allar (15) during the first quarter against the Minnesota Golden Gophers at Huntington Bank Stadium.
August 22, 2025

Private Equity Enters College Sports—Without the Equity

As college football starts, lending agreements have become PE’s best way in.
Sep 8, 2024; East Rutherford, New Jersey, USA; New York Giants running back Eric Gray (20) returns a kickoff against the Minnesota Vikings during the first half at MetLife Stadium.
August 18, 2025

‘Fauxbacks’ Throw Back to a Retro Uniform That Never Existed

Many throwback jerseys are brand-new designs or “Franken-Unis.”
August 17, 2025

‘Labubu Gang’: The Creepy-Cute Dolls Sweeping Pro Sports

The creepy-cute doll is the hottest collectible—and fashion statement.

Premier League Sets New Highs: $3.2B Spent, Record U.S. Viewership

The league’s transfer spending beats the rest of Europe’s Big Five combined.
August 20, 2025

PGA Tour Turning to Theo Epstein, Tiger Woods to Reshape Pro Golf

A new Future Competition Committee was announced Wednesday.
August 20, 2025

US Open’s Controversial New Mixed Doubles Format Makes Waves

The first-place prize money for the winning duo climbed from $200,000 to $1 million.
Sponsored

Building A Pro League From Scratch

Front Office Sports and Gainbridge® spotlight what it takes to build a professional women’s soccer league.
Palestinian flags
exclusive
August 19, 2025

MLS Says Columbus Crew Fans Can Fly Palestinian Flag After Two-Year Ban

MLS has banned Israeli and Palestinian flags since October 2023.
Aug 1, 2025; Dallas, Texas, USA; Dallas Wings guard Paige Bueckers (5) signs autographs for fans before the game against the Indiana Fever at the American Airlines Center.
August 19, 2025

WNBA Breaks Regular-Season Attendance Record With a Month Left

The current WNBA season ends Sept. 11.
August 19, 2025

PGA Tour Will Return to Trump Doral for New $20M Signature Event

Doral last hosted a PGA Tour event in 2016.
exclusive
August 19, 2025

New Cleveland WNBA Team President on Cavs Connection, Rivaling Valkyries

The Cleveland WNBA team debuts in the 2028 season.