Friday, July 3, 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.

This field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged.

Sign up for
The Memo Newsletter

Get the biggest stories and best analysis on the business of sports delivered to your inbox twice every weekday and twice on weekends.

This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.
Linkedin
Whatsapp
Copy Link
Link Copied
Link Copied

What to Read

Wisconsin Badgers forward Laila Edwards, left, and defender Caroline Harvey celebrate after Edwards scored against the Minnesota Gophers in the first period in a game Saturday, February 8, 2025, at LaBahn Arena in Madison, Wisconsin.

Two Rookies Are Rewriting Women’s Hockey Stardom

Their platforms are a mutual boon for the PWHL and its players.
SEA at VAN - Nov. 21, 20251

Will the PWHL’s Aggressive Expansion Succeed?

The league added four teams ahead of the 2026–27 season.
PWHL - OTT at BOS- April 30, 2026_11

PWHL Players Publish Every Salary in League

Only 10 players earned six figures, while two-thirds earned less than $60K.

PWHL Adds 4 Teams Amid Expansion Spree

The next four teams will bring the league up to 12 franchises.
podcast thumbnail mobile
Front Office Sports Today

7/3/26 – USMNT Round of 16 Ticket Frenzy, NBA Tests New Free Throw Rule, Ovechkin Returns, Country Roads Takes Over

0:00

Featured Today

ATLANTA, GA - September 05: Georgia Lottery fireworks after the game against the Seattle Mariners at Truist Park on Friday, September 5, 2025 in Atlanta, Georgia.

Inside the Spectacle and Science of MLB Fireworks

Postgame fireworks are lighting up baseball for America250.
Kansas City Chiefs
July 1, 2026

NFL Teams Push to Turn Futbol Fans Into Football Devotees

NFL teams are courting international soccer fans during their World Cup visits.
June 26, 2026

What We Saw Traveling the U.S. for the World Cup Group Stage

The knockout stage begins Sunday.
June 26, 2026

In an Era of $1,000 Tickets, $10 Watch Parties Bring Fans Together

Stadium watch parties now rival home-game experiences.
June 25, 2026

Italian Americans Have Severe World Cup FOMO

Bars and restaurants in Boston, Philly, and beyond are missing the Azzurri.
Aug 23, 2025; Phoenix, Arizona, USA; A general view of the MLB logo before the start of a game between the Cincinnati Reds and Arizona Diamondbacks at Chase Field.

New MLBPA Proposal Focuses on Roster Management

The latest labor proposal centered on MLB’s roster management rules.
Jan 25, 2025; San Francisco, California, USA; Los Angeles Lakers forward LeBron James (23) talks with Golden State Warriors guard Stephen Curry (30) and forward Draymond Green (right) after the game at Chase Center. Mandatory Credit: Darren Yamashita-Imagn Images
July 1, 2026

LeBron Watch 2026: Where Does the NBA’s Biggest Free Agent Fit Best?

James won’t return to the Lakers after eight seasons.
July 1, 2026

Brendan Sorsby Embraces 650-Day Wait for Chance at NFL Roster

The quarterback is a man without a home this fall.
Sponsored

Josh Childress: Why Now Is the Time for NBA Expansion

Josh Childress on why he invested in the Portland Thorns, the case for NBA expansion, and donating to Stanford NIL.
FILE PHOTO: Tennis - WTA Finals - Riyadh - King Saud University Indoor Arena, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia - November 8, 2025 Belarus' Aryna Sabalenka in action during her final match against Kazakhstan's Elena Rybakina
July 1, 2026

WTA Finals Moves to Indian Wells After Ending Saudi Arabia Deal

The deal between the WTA and Indian Wells is only for one year.
July 1, 2026

Bobby Bonilla Day Would End With MLB Owners’ Proposal

MLB team owners are seeking to outlaw future contracts with deferred money.
Apr 5, 2026; Sacramento, California, USA; LA Clippers forward Kawhi Leonard (2) during the first quarter against the Sacramento Kings at Golden 1 Center. Mandatory Credit: Darren Yamashita-Imagn Images
June 30, 2026

Clippers Set to Trade Kawhi to Raptors as Aspiration Ruling Looms

Adam Silver has indicated that a ruling is coming soon.
Apr 2, 2026; Sunrise, Florida, USA; Florida Panthers goaltender Sergei Bobrovsky (72) acknowledges the fans after the game against the Boston Bruins at Amerant Bank Arena.
June 30, 2026

Free Agents Set to Reap Rewards of NHL Record Salary Cap

Attention will be focused on Sergei Bobrovsky and John Carlson, among others.