Thursday, September 17, 2026

Women’s Hockey League’s Salary Cap Jumps 900% From 2021

  • The PHF is increasing its salary cap to $1.5 million.
  • The move is part of a three-year, $25 million commitment approved by the board of governors less than a year ago.
Woman attempts shot during Premiere Hockey Federation matchup
PHF

The Premier Hockey Federation is doubling its salary cap again.

After raising it from $300,000 to $750,000 for the 2022-23 season, the women’s hockey league announced plans on Wednesday to raise it again for the 2023-24 season — this time to $1.5 million, representing a 900% increase since 2021, when it was $150,000.

The move is part of a three-year, $25 million commitment approved by the board of governors less than a year ago.

  • The PHF, which was established in 2015 as the National Women’s Hockey League, added Montreal as a team this season. The NWHL rebranded to the PHF in 2021.
  • Commissioner Reagan Carey said that further expansion is being considered.

“Greater financial opportunities for athletes is part of the new PHF era,” Carey said. “We are doing the work, and we are seeing the results.”

All seven teams in the league currently exceed 75% of the current cap.

PHF, ESPN Agree on Two-Year Media Rights Extension

The deal keeps the Premier Hockey Federation on ESPN networks through 2023-24.
August 24, 2022

Ice Rights

The league’s potential isn’t only seen from within it.

In August, ESPN extended its broadcasting deal with the PHF through the 2023-24 season for domestic and international rights. ESPN+ will stream the regular season, special events, and the Isobel Cup Playoffs in the U.S. International rights will include TSN in Canada.

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